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Anticipation could not be higher for MotoGP™ in 2026, with the current 1000cc bikes set to make their final appearance on American soil.
There is no question reigning World Champion Marc Marquez( Ducati Lenovo Team) will once again start as favourite despite returning from a serious shoulder injury. The seven time MotoGP™ champion gradually built up his strength and endurance during the winter and showed serious speed in Thailand, where he fought for victory in the MotoGP™ Sprint.
The bigger question surrounds who will push Marc hardest this term. Going off the 2025 results, brother Alex( BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) will be a contender after a stellar season in which he finished second overall and won three races.
Marco Bezzecchi( Aprilia Racing) will be another challenger after his brilliant second half of 2025. An impressive run that included three wins saw the Italian climb to third overall, and Aprilia has not stood still over the winter months. That was evident in Thailand, where Bezzecchi collected 25 points on Sunday. Perhaps the biggest mystery coming into this weekend is last year’ s GP of the Americas winner Pecco Bagnaia( Ducati Lenovo Team). The two time MotoGP™ champion had a tough 2025. But there were signs of optimism during the preseason, and it appears he has really gelled with the Desmosedici GP26.
Excitement surrounds the potential of Pedro Acosta( Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in 2026 after a solid preseason. The 21 year old cuts a calmer, more mature figure than this time a year ago and scored a maiden MotoGP™ Sprint victory in an epic Thailand fight with reigning champion Marquez.
Honda will be looking to maintain the momentum it built last year, with Honda HRC Castrol riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir impressing during preseason, while Johann Zarco( CASTROL Honda LCR) should be another name to consider.
There is also great interest at Yamaha as it brings its V4 YZR M1 up to speed. There were a few teething issues during preseason, and Fabio Quartararo( Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) missed a chunk of the Sepang test due to a finger injury. But their times were not far away. Plus, rookie and reigning WorldSBK™ champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has been gradually getting up to speed.
Official Programme Circuit Of The Americas