What do you need to know ahead of MotoGP 2026?
1. Chasing and breaking records
Defending world champion Marc Marquez is still hungry for more as he chases Giacomo Agostini's record of eight premier class titles. In addition, the factory Ducati rider also attempts to break the premier class race winning record currently held by Valentino Rossi with 89 Grand Prix wins, as if the no. 93 Spanish rider could win 16 or more (out of 22) Grand Prix races this season.
2026 will be the final season for MotoGP to supply a 300hp powered 1000cc engines as it will be switched to 240hp powered 850cc engines starting 2027 season onwards. This will also the final season for all MotoGP manufacturers to use ride height devices which enhanced bike performance on track especially the long straights, before being completely banned starting 2027 season onwards. 2026 will also marked the final season for French brand Michelin to supply MotoGP tires as it will be replaced by Pirelli starting 2027 onwards. The Italian tire manufacturer had since supplied Formula 1 tires since 2011, the WSBK tires since 2009, and Moto2 and Moto3 tires since 2024. And also starting 2027 as well, all MotoGP bikes will use the fully sustainable and renewable fuel consumption.
3. New track
MotoGP will make its return to Brazil in 22 years, since it last raced at Jacarepagua circuit in Rio De Janiero back in 2004. This time, the Goiania track will host MotoGP race until the next five years.
4. Rise of past champions
Big names like Francesco Bagnaia (pictured above), Jorge Martin, Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo are likely will return as title contenders, as Bagnaia looks for his third MotoGP world title (his first since 2023), the Martinator chases his 2nd world title (first with Aprilia) while Mir and Quartararo attempting to end their own race and title-winning draughts respectively.
5. The dark horses looking for maiden world title
Names like Marco Bezzecchi, Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, and Luca Marini are likely to fight for their own maiden MotoGP crown. Don't rule out last year's runner-up Alex Marquez as well; if he could win the world title, the no. 73 Gresini rider will be the second Marquez sibling to win MotoGP world title after his brother Marc.
6. The rookie stars
There are two rookie sensations this year: triple WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu attempts to become the first ever Turkish MotoGP world champion, and 2025 Moto2 world champion Diogo Moreira tries to become the first Brazilian ever to do so.
7. Calendar changes
The Brazilian Grand Prix will return to MotoGP calendar after 22-year absence, replacing the Argentina GP which made hiatus for 2026 before returning in 2027 on the new track which replaced Termas De Rio Hondo. The Hungarian and Czechia GPs swapped places with Austrian GP; the former two GPs taking place in June while the latter taking place in September.
So all eyes now on 2026, who will be the final ever 1000cc MotoGP world champion?
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