MotoGP is the premier class of grand prix motorcycle racing, the fastest and most thrilling form of two-wheeled motorsport. Riders compete on purpose-built prototype bikes reaching speeds over 360 km/h on iconic circuits worldwide.

Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) claimed the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, his seventh premier class title and ninth overall. This marked one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, after overcoming severe injuries and challenges since his last title in 2019. The season featured intense battles, with Márquez dominating much of the year.

As of January 3, 2026, the 2026 MotoGP season is gearing up in the off-season. This will be the final year with the current 1000cc engines before major rule changes in 2027 (including 850cc engines and other technical shifts)

Key highlights:

Calendar — 22 Grands Prix across five continents.
Start — February/March in Thailand (exact opener around late February/early March).
Notable returns — Brazil returns after over 20 years, hosting a round in Goiânia.
Other changes — No Argentina GP (aiming for 2027 return), adjusted dates for some European rounds, and a balanced schedule with a summer break.
Pre-season action kicks off soon:

Team launches begin mid-January (e.g., Pramac Yamaha on January 13, Ducati on January 19).

Testing includes a shakedown for rookies/test riders at Sepang (late January), followed by full tests.

Exciting rider moves for 2026:
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (2025 WorldSBK champion) debuts with Pramac Yamaha alongside Jack Miller.
Diogo Moreira (2025 Moto2 champion) steps up to MotoGP.
Yamaha switches to a V4 engine for the first time in the modern era.