Moto2 - Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Styria, Austria, hosts a round of the Moto2 World Championship in 2026. This race forms part of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend and brings together premier intermediate-class motorcycle racing on one of Europe's most distinctive circuits. The 2026 edition features standard Moto2 competition alongside the full MotoGP weekend schedule.

Circuit Characteristics

The Red Bull Ring measures 4.348 kilometers in length and contains 10 corners. The circuit sits within the scenic Styrian hills and features significant elevation changes throughout its layout. The track rises and falls 60 meters between its highest and lowest points. Riders face a maximum uphill gradient of 12 percent and a maximum downhill gradient of 9.3 percent.

The circuit combines fast straights with technical corners. A chicane was added to the Turn 2 area for motorcycle racing events to improve safety. This modification reduces speed in a critical section while Formula One events continue to use the original layout. Turn 1 carries the name "Niki Lauda Turn" as a tribute to the Austrian racing legend, while Turn 9 honors Jochen Rindt.

Moto2 Competition at Red Bull Ring

The 2026 Austrian Grand Prix follows the standard MotoGP weekend format. Practice sessions take place on Friday, with qualifying and race action following on subsequent days. The event creates a festival atmosphere around the racing, with various entertainment options available throughout the weekend.

Riders and Teams

The Moto2 grid for 2026 includes multiple competitive teams. Elf Marc VDS Racing Team fields Arón Canet and Deniz Öncü. SpeedRS Team runs Celestino Vietti and Luca Lunetta. CFMoto Aspar Team enters David Alonso and Daniel Holgado. OnlyFans American Racing Team competes with Joe Roberts and Filip Salač. Red Bull KTM Ajo brings Collin Veijer and José Antonio Rueda to the grid. Idemitsu Honda Team Asia promotes Taiyo Furusato to join Mario Aji.

Technical Specifications

Moto2 motorcycles use a three-cylinder 765cc Triumph engine. This engine serves as the exclusive power unit for the class. Riders receive seven engines for the complete season. Teams develop different chassis designs, but all machines use a standardized electronic management system.

Pirelli supplies all tires for Moto2 competition. The 2026 season introduces new standard rear tire specifications, with soft SC0 and medium SC1 compounds available. Front tire options include soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds. Riders can use eight front tires and nine rear tires during each race weekend. A minimum rear tire pressure of 1.50 bar (22 PSI) applies to all competitors.

The minimum combined weight for bike and rider stands at 217 kilograms. Moto2 machines reach approximate speeds of 295 kilometers per hour and produce around 140 horsepower. Technical regulations for 2026 control aerodynamic components, limiting active or dynamic parts to standard homologated mechanisms. Rules specify maximum wing dimensions and restrict angle of attack.

Circuit History

The facility began operation in 1969 as the Österreichring. The circuit hosted the Austrian Grand Prix from 1970 to 1987 in its original configuration. After redesign and shortening, it reopened as the A1-Ring and continued Grand Prix racing between 1997 and 2003. The circuit fell into disrepair before Red Bull's Dietrich Mateschitz purchased and renovated the facility.

The venue reopened as the Red Bull Ring in 2011. MotoGP returned to the circuit in 2016, marking a successful comeback to the championship calendar. The partnership between MotoGP and the Red Bull Ring extends through 2030, securing the venue's future for years ahead.

What Makes This Event Special

The Red Bull Ring offers a unique setting for motorcycle racing. The continuous elevation changes challenge riders throughout each lap. The circuit layout rewards both brave acceleration and precise braking. The natural surroundings create a distinctive backdrop for racing action.

The facility serves as a versatile motorsports venue beyond MotoGP. The complex hosts Formula One, DTM championship rounds, and includes karting and off-road tracks. The 2026 race takes place during autumn, providing different scenery compared to typical summer race conditions.

Moto2 racing at Red Bull Ring showcases the talents of rising motorcycle racers. The intermediate class serves as a crucial step for riders progressing through Grand Prix racing. The Austrian round tests rider skill across the demanding circuit layout. Fans can observe close competition between future stars of the sport.