MotoGP Calendar

Founded in 1949, Grand Prix motorcycle racing represents the premier class of two-wheeled motorsport. The championship was rebranded as MotoGP in 2002, transitioning from 500cc two-stroke engines to the current four-stroke formula. The 2026 season marks a significant milestone as the final year of the 1000cc engine regulations before major technical changes arrive in 2027, including a reduction to 850cc engines and a switch to Pirelli tyres.

Technical Specifications

MotoGP machines are purpose-built prototype racing motorcycles that cannot be purchased by the public or ridden on public roads. The 2026 bikes feature 1000cc four-stroke, four-cylinder engines with a maximum bore of 81mm, producing over 290 horsepower and capable of exceeding 360 km/h. Each motorcycle must meet a minimum weight of 157 kg and can carry a maximum of 22 liters of fuel for Grand Prix races. All teams use a unified electronic management system, while Michelin provides tyres with riders receiving an allocation of 22 slick and 13 wet tyres per event. Each rider is allocated seven engines for the season, with development generally frozen throughout the year.

Weekend Structure

A MotoGP Grand Prix weekend is structured to maximize track action across three days. Friday features two practice sessions, with the second 60-minute session determining the top 10 riders who automatically qualify for Saturday's Q2 session. Saturday begins with a 30-minute Free Practice 2, followed by two 15-minute qualifying sessions. Riders outside the top 10 compete in Q1, with the two fastest advancing to join the top 10 in Q2. This determines grid positions for both Saturday's Tissot Sprint and Sunday's Grand Prix. The Sprint race runs over half the distance of the main event, awarding points to the top nine finishers: 12, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Sunday's Grand Prix awards points to the top 15 finishers: 25, 20, 16, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

2026 Season Calendar

The 2026 championship comprises 22 Grands Prix across five continents, beginning with the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram from February 27th to March 1st and concluding at Valencia between November 20th and 22nd. Notable calendar changes include the return of Brazil after a 22-year absence at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia, and Hungary's debut at the Balaton Park Circuit. The calendar avoids triple-headers but includes eight back-to-back race weekends, with races at iconic circuits including Mugello, Brno, and Assen.

Competition and Teams

The 2026 grid features intense manufacturer competition between Ducati, Yamaha, KTM, Aprilia, and Honda. The Ducati Lenovo Team fields reigning champion Marc Márquez alongside Francesco Bagnaia, while Aprilia Racing features Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi. Monster Energy Yamaha debuts a new V4 engine with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, and Prima Pramac Yamaha welcomes three-time World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to his MotoGP debut. The championship continues to produce exceptional talent, building on a legacy established by legends like Giacomo Agostini (15 titles), Valentino Rossi (9 titles), and Marc Márquez (6 titles in the premier class).

Global Appeal

MotoGP attracts massive crowds and global television audiences at purpose-built circuits and modified road courses worldwide. The combination of technical sophistication, close racing, and the physical demands placed on riders creates a compelling spectacle that has established MotoGP as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.