The 2026 MotoGP season marks the final year of the current 1000cc engine era before major technical changes in 2027, including a switch to 850cc engines, new aerodynamics rules, and other updates for safety and sustainability. Engine specifications are frozen for 2026 (except for manufacturers in the lowest concession rank), allowing teams to focus resources on the upcoming regulations.

Key Highlights
Record 22 Grands Prix across 5 continents.

Return of Brazil (at the Ayrton Senna Circuit in Goiânia) after a 21-year absence, replacing Argentina (which aims to return in 2027)

Season opener in Thailand, with a new official season launch event in Kuala Lumpur (February 6-7).

Yamaha switches to a V4 engine configuration for both factory and Pramac teams.

Two major rookies: Three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu debuts with Pramac Yamaha, and Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira joins LCR Honda.

Confirmed Rider Line-Up
The grid is fully confirmed with minimal changes from 2025:

Team
Riders
Ducati Lenovo Team
Francesco BagnaiaMarc Márquez
Aprilia Racing
Jorge MartínMarco Bezzecchi
Red Bull KTM Factory
Brad BinderPedro Acosta
Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio QuartararoAlex Rins
Prima Pramac Yamaha
Toprak RazgatlıoğluJack Miller
Tech3 GASGAS/KTM
Maverick ViñalesEnea Bastianini
Gresini Racing Ducati
Álex Márquez(second rider, e.g., Fermín Aldeguer or similar)
Pertamina Enduro VR46
Fabio Di GiannantonioFranco Morbidelli
Castrol Honda LCR
Johann Zarco
Idemitsu Honda LCR
Diogo Moreira
Repsol Honda
Joan MirLuca Marini

Notable moves: Razgatlıoğlu from WorldSBK, Moreira promoted from Moto2. Miguel Oliveira and Somkiat Chantra move to WorldSBK.
Provisional 2026 Calendar
Round 1: Thai GP (Buriram) – February 27 – March 1
Round 2: Brazilian GP (Goiânia) – March 20-22
Round 3: Americas GP (COTA, Austin) – March 27-29

Followed by the usual European and Asian rounds, including Hungary (Balaton Park), UK at Silverstone (August), Austria (SeOthers in late January/early February.
Pre-season testing begins with a shakedown for rookies/test riders at Sepang (January 29-31), followed by full tests.
Reigning champion Marc Márquez (2025 winner) expects an “intense” season, with strong competition from Ducati, Aprilia, and emerging threats from KTM and Yamaha’s upgrades.ptember), and finale in Valencia (November).
Current Status (January 2026)
Team launches are underway:
Prima Pramac Yamaha: January 13
VR46: January 14
Aprilia: January 15
Ducati: January 19

For the latest updates, check motogp.com! Exciting times ahead in this transitional year.