MotoGP 2026

[Reckless]

OK so first shakedown for the 2026 season.

Yamaha V4 testing started, is the biggest story to date.
Toprak also now on the new Yamaha V4. I see he has front end feeling "they said he would have to get used to" if he risks a Toprak stoppie in the pits :)

No MM til next year

Test FP1 results FP2 not up yet.
Bulega is doing OK


356968

Here are some Vids
Toprak
https://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2025/11/18/first-look-razgatlioglu-hits-the-track-for-official-motogp-debut/822120?playlistId=425969

Note the riding style difference, way more on the bike than what we now see as normal in MotoGP. Interesting to see how this changes over the year!!

Fabio feedback on the V4
https://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2025/11/18/first-thoughts-from-yamahas-v4-roll-out-at-valencia-test/822122?playlistId=425969?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20251118-motogp-nl-single-content-traffic-valenciatest-nl1en&utm_content=FR_YamahaV4&sfmc_c=0037R00002tqGIBQA2

New riders, New bikes, Lets see if anyone can Challenge MM in 2026 !!!!

[iYRe]

They say TopCat muscles the machine around a bit more than the others, seems more in control

[sugilite]

Roll on 26! Subscribed to this thread. :yes:

I reckon Marc is still going to be the one to beat assuming Ducati don't produce a GP26FU edition. ©️Honda
J Martin could be a threat if he can stop crashing motorcycles on and off the track.
Fabio Q definitely has the skills to threaten Marc, but only if Yamaha can give him the bike to be able to do it.
Bez and possibly even Raul could grow into Alien status - maybe, granted a big maybe.

When is the first race? lol

[Reckless]

When is the first race? lol

To far away I mean they are professionals why do they need a break :rolleyes::devil2:

TopCat is doing what Topcat does, pretty good feedback from his team.
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1087013/1/pramac-details-biggest-surprise-toprak-razgatlioglus-public-motogp-debut

Some good articles on crash generally NOT clickbait.

Stumbled across this as well

Why is Toprak Razgatlioglu called ‘El Turco’?
Toprak Razgatlioglu is sometimes referred to as ‘El Turco’ because that translates to ‘The Turk’ in Spanish. The nickname was given to him in his early days of WorldSBK as a way to acknowledge his Turkish nationality.

[iYRe]

This is on the Farcebook, but it was an interesting thing. The Marquez brothers having a meal with their Grandad and he's telling Marc its time to give up (pre surgery I thnk):

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AD9Yog4JE/
Its interesting to see the relationships...and the emotion...

[iYRe]

Pedro Acosta v 5 Rookies.. this was pretty hard case:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEc0URQrTGo

[sugilite]

Cheers for that iYRe!
Pedro is full of talent, he appeared to be pulling his punches with that rookie....
Acosta is deeply gifted. He is a little like Miller, just in the sense he never seems to have enough tyre left near the end of the race to fight for a win. I do wonder if Pedros tighter lines than the other riders put a heavier load on the edge of the rear tyre ultimately leaving him without enough side grip to take the checkers first? Would like to see what he can do on a Duke or an Aprillia :yes: Be interesting to see if it was that holding him back, or the KTM, or both because that is the only way he can ride the KTM to stay at the pointy end as often as he does.

[iYRe]

Cheers for that iYRe!
Pedro is full of talent, he appeared to be pulling his punches with that rookie....
Acosta is deeply gifted. He is a little like Miller, just in the sense he never seems to have enough tyre left near the end of the race to fight for a win. I do wonder if Pedros tighter lines than the other riders put a heavier load on the edge of the rear tyre ultimately leaving him without enough side grip to take the checkers first? Would like to see what he can do on a Duke or an Aprillia :yes: Be interesting to see if it was that holding him back, or the KTM, or both because that is the only way he can ride the KTM to stay at the pointy end as often as he does.

Yeah if he wasnt so pouty lookin i'd like him.. definitely a talent, they keep sayin he'll be the next MM
He did seem to be able to overtake that rookie at will - was a sign of maybe some maturity, or at least grace, that he let the guy win

[sugilite]

Yeah if he wasnt so pouty lookin i'd like him.. definitely a talent, they keep sayin he'll be the next MM
He did seem to be able to overtake that rookie at will - was a sign of maybe some maturity, or at least grace, that he let the guy win

I think red bull may have the same opinion as you shared in your first sentence - resulting in your second sentence coming to fruition!

[BMWST?]

I think the rookie was a little faster but Pedro was able to stick it up the inside,but he got passed on the straight mostly. I def think the KTM uses the tyres more than the other bikes.

[iYRe]

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BgviBvo6d/
Saw this on the facebooks, post race Miller being a dad.

[iYRe]

So, Toprak has apparently made the v4 yam go faster than any one has expected and accelerated their development program. They are using new software etc, and he was supposedly very very fast.

Acosta has signed to 2027, but no one knows exactly where though, it seems.
(Probably KTM I reckon)

[SaferRides]

This is really a footnote to 2025, but may be useful info for watching the 2026 season.

After trying Three Now at the start of the year, I moved on to Motomundo after a couple of races as the TNT commentary team was too much. Streaming wasn't always the best, so I downloaded the sessions and races and streamed them to the TV. Great quality, definitely better than Three Now. I did watch PI live on Three though.

Downsides are I had to keep deleting the files from my phone, and GoFile had a couple of glitches during the year, but I've kept a few of the races on the laptop.

Definitely a workable option though, if you can't / won't pay for Videopass.

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[SaferRides]

Ten years now...

https://www.motogpnews.com/2025/12/18/francesco-bagnaia-underestimated-marc-marquez-after-listening-to-valentino-rossis-circle/

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[iYRe]

Ten years now...

https://www.motogpnews.com/2025/12/18/francesco-bagnaia-underestimated-marc-marquez-after-listening-to-valentino-rossis-circle/

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I think what we learn from this is, dont believe anything Rossi says :P

[SaferRides]

Some interesting articles on Motomatters and Motorsport Magazine, not all of which are paywalled. Mat Oxley reckons the GP25 problems are because of too much engine inertia.

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/ducati-motogp-how-to-mismanage-a-crisis/

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[iYRe]

Interesting perspective here - some folks dont like him, but without him he competition is less
IF he had never raced, no one would know what they are missing

"Marc Márquez’s return to dominance has sparked debate not only among fans, but also among the most respected technical minds in MotoGP — and Chicho Lorenzo doesn’t hesitate to explain why Marc stands apart from everyone else.
🗣️ “Technically, Márquez is unclassifiable, because he’s not a refined, repetitive and robotic rider like Pedrosa or Lorenzo, but his creativity has no limits.”
According to Chicho Lorenzo, Marc cannot be analyzed using traditional technical patterns. His riding defies standard classifications and relies on instinct, imagination, and constant adaptation.
For Chicho, Marc’s influence goes far beyond lap times.
🗣️ “Everything revolves around him. Even his rivals are happy that Marc has returned to winning with such superiority.”
Márquez’s presence, he says, elevates MotoGP as a whole — drawing attention, excitement, and global relevance back to the championship.
Despite admitting he grew tired of Marc’s dominance at times, Chicho also recognizes what MotoGP loses without him.
🗣️ “I got bored with his dominance in some races, but I missed him when he couldn’t continue racing.”
That contradiction underlines Márquez’s unique role: overwhelming on track, yet essential to the spectacle.
In pure technical terms, Chicho highlights the key difference.
🗣️ “He likes to push the limits, and that’s something most riders hate.”
While others rely on precision and repetition, Márquez thrives in chaos — constantly flirting with the edge and finding lap time where others wouldn’t dare look.
For Chicho Lorenzo, Marc Márquez isn’t just a champion — he’s a phenomenon MotoGP simply cannot replicate."

[BMWST?]

Interesting perspective here - some folks dont like him, but without him he competition is less
IF he had never raced, no one would know what they are missing

"Marc Márquez’s return to dominance has sparked debate not only among fans, but also among the most respected technical minds in MotoGP — and Chicho Lorenzo doesn’t hesitate to explain why Marc stands apart from everyone else.
🗣️ “Technically, Márquez is unclassifiable, because he’s not a refined, repetitive and robotic rider like Pedrosa or Lorenzo, but his creativity has no limits.”
According to Chicho Lorenzo, Marc cannot be analyzed using traditional technical patterns. His riding defies standard classifications and relies on instinct, imagination, and constant adaptation.
For Chicho, Marc’s influence goes far beyond lap times.
🗣️ “Everything revolves around him. Even his rivals are happy that Marc has returned to winning with such superiority.”
Márquez’s presence, he says, elevates MotoGP as a whole — drawing attention, excitement, and global relevance back to the championship.
Despite admitting he grew tired of Marc’s dominance at times, Chicho also recognizes what MotoGP loses without him.
🗣️ “I got bored with his dominance in some races, but I missed him when he couldn’t continue racing.”
That contradiction underlines Márquez’s unique role: overwhelming on track, yet essential to the spectacle.
In pure technical terms, Chicho highlights the key difference.
🗣️ “He likes to push the limits, and that’s something most riders hate.”
While others rely on precision and repetition, Márquez thrives in chaos — constantly flirting with the edge and finding lap time where others wouldn’t dare look.
For Chicho Lorenzo, Marc Márquez isn’t just a champion — he’s a phenomenon MotoGP simply cannot replicate."

I agree with this view point. And the creativity goes beyond the track...ie his America GP gamble,and his ability to somehow judge the perfect time to change bikes in a flag to flag

[iYRe]

I agree with this view point. And the creativity goes beyond the track...ie his America GP gamble,and his ability to somehow judge the perfect time to change bikes in a flag to flag

Some experience, some good judgement and some good luck - good luck enhanced by the first 2 I expect

[F5 Dave]

I subscribe to the Oxley Bom podcast, well worthwhile. But I can't abide subscription to motorsport as id only be doing it for the Oxley blogs, brilliant as they are in don't give a rats about car stuff they pedal.

[jato]

you'd think if the crank was a kg or 2 too heavy with the throttle closed then an adjustments of the exhaust brake or a whisker more rear brake and you'd be back in the game...

[jato]

actually on a fine line at their level the extra gyro of the [backward spinning ?] crank could well be a hindrance

[SaferRides]

One thing for sure, you'd never want Marc as a teammate. I think even Alex was pleased to see him leave Gresini!

[SaferRides]

actually on a fine line at their level the extra gyro of the [backward spinning ?] crank could well be a hindranceYes, they all have backwards spinning cranks.

The story after the Sepang test was that the GP25 power delivery was stronger and smoother, but the engine braking was a step backwards. Because of this, Ducati reverted to the GP24 spec engine, but what exactly did they revert to?

During the season David Emmett found out that the GP24 and GP25 engines are not a straight swap in the frame, so Ducati may have had to homologate what was a GP24.5 engine with the GP25 mechanicals.

Ducati obviously aren't talking, Marc didn't care and Pecco said at one stage he was only saying what he was told to say!

Ducati can use either engine next season, so which one will be in the GP26? You could see the difference between the GP24 and 25 early in the season as Marc consistently pulled away from Alex on corner exits, so Marc may not want to revert to the older spec.

The 2026 Sepang tests should be very interesting!



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[F5 Dave]

Can they actually use any engine? There was talk of it being locked in for two years. Or do they give the 25 engine to satellite teams as the did in 22, apparently and use the 24 fir factory teams.

In podcast, not sure if in his blog, but compared races from 24 to 25. Corrected for weather or race length there were a few clear races. In six the 2024 times were faster than 2025. (Some were the same, I think 3 25 was faster)
Think about that for a moment. Martin and Peco were faster on GP24 than Marc on the 2025.

[iYRe]

Found another one today:
"Davide Tardozzi reveals the detail that proved Marc Márquez was already thinking like a Ducati rider — and it took him just three races.🗣️ “After just a couple of races with us, he already knew the names and the roles of all our engineers and he told me what he had learned from each of them.” — Davide Tardozzi
Marc Márquez didn’t just adapt to the Ducati Desmosedici — he absorbed the entire team structure around him.
Tardozzi explains that Márquez understands performance goes far beyond the bike itself. Engineers, mechanics, management, even personal surroundings — Marc studies everything that can make him faster.
🗣️ “He knows that the bike makes performance, and that the way the team works and helps him solve problems makes performance.”
This mindset is what stunned Ducati most. Within three races, Márquez had mapped the full Ducati ecosystem and was already feeding back what each person contributed.
🗣️ “In three f—— races! He’s so clever to see what’s going on, what can help him and who can help him.”
For Tardozzi, that was the moment he realised Ducati hadn’t just signed a champion — they’d signed a phenomenon.
Talent wins races. Intelligence builds dynasties. Marc Márquez has both."

[SaferRides]

Can they actually use any engine? There was talk of it being locked in for two years. Or do they give the 25 engine to satellite teams as the did in 22, apparently and use the 24 fir factory teams.

My understanding is that Ducati can use either engine as both were homologated for 2025. But they cannot change the engines at all and the riders cannot swap between them during the season, which is why Pecco could not race a 100% GP24 in 2025.

I expect the GP24 will go down as one of the great MotoGP bikes although it may only win one world championship.



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[F5 Dave]

If the Marc/Bez thing happened a touch earlier in the season,
- it would have. In the hands of his brother.

[BMWST?]

After having sky for decades gonna finally get rid of it. I currently watch MotoGP via an android? app that i get through the new sky box. I searched apps on the sky box and installed it. It depends on having a motogp sub to get the actual content.
What i want to know is does anybody here have say dish tv and can you get the motogp app?
The tv is a so called smart TV(older panasonic)

[SaferRides]

After having sky for decades gonna finally get rid of it. I currently watch MotoGP via an android? app that i get through the new sky box. I searched apps on the sky box and installed it. It depends on having a motogp sub to get the actual content.
What i want to know is does anybody here have say dish tv and can you get the motogp app?
The tv is a so called smart TV(older panasonic)

Not sure that Dish TV boxes can do much more than Freeview? The MotoGP website should have info on what devices their app will run on, but somehow I doubt that will include an older Panasonic smart TV.

The other option is something like an Apple TV or Google TV plugged into your TV, depending which device ecosystem you have. I have an ancient Chromecast and dumb TV that still works well.



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[BMWST?]

Not sure that Dish TV boxes can do much more than Freeview? The MotoGP website should have info on what devices their app will run on, but somehow I doubt that will include an older Panasonic smart TV.

The other option is something like an Apple TV or Google TV plugged into your TV, depending which device ecosystem you have. I have an ancient Chromecast and dumb TV that still works well.



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I know that the TV cant get it directly. Only been watching that since we got the newer sky box.

[SaferRides]

I know that the TV cant get it directly. Only been watching that since we got the newer sky box.There are a few options... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260109/fe9382d6c7b5634a879acbe7e541ea4c.jpg

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[BMWST?]

There are a few options... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260109/fe9382d6c7b5634a879acbe7e541ea4c.jpg

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yeah I think the sky box gets it through android tv . I suscribe to motogp videopass and it works through that. I watched Hungary again yeterday

[iYRe]

New rules announced regarding restarting bikes after a crash:

The FIM has announced that from the 2026 season riders in MotoGP and WorldSBK will not be allowed to restart their bikes from trackside after a crash.

Until now, the rules have allowed riders whose bike stopped running after a crash to try to restart it in the run-off area.

This, however, has the potential to create dangerous situations as it keeps marshals and riders in the run-off areas in the middle of a live session.

A new directive from the FIM has banned this, and says that attempts to restart a bike whose engine has stopped after the crash must take place behind the trackside barriers on the service road.

Riders can still rejoin the track from there.

more:

If a bike has remained running, the rider can rejoin, but the marshals are able to prevent them from rejoining if, on inspection of the bike, they deem it to have sustained damage which could cause a dangerous situation were it to rejoin the track, such as a fluid leak.

The regulation change from the FIM comes as a result of decisions made by the Grand Prix Commission and SBK Commission. It has been communicated in a letter addressed to circuit racing clerks of the course, national federations, race promoters, IRTA, and members of the circuit racing commission.

“After a crash or technical problem, any non-running machine on the track or in run-off areas must be taken immediately behind the first line of protection by the marshals,” the FIM letter reads.

“Machines must not be restarted on the track or run-off area. They must be moved to the service road (or in a safe and protected place in case of absence of service road), where assistance to restart may be provided.”

It adds that only riders can make “repairs or adjustments” to their bike after a crash, and that this must also take place behind the barriers.

Marshals are still allowed to assist riders in restarting their bike, but this must also take place behind the barriers.

[SaferRides]

About time. I think they should also have an equivalent to the double waved yellow in F1 whenever there are people in a runoff area, as riders barely slow down for yellows.

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[iYRe]

This here article from mr Oxley about Toprak (free to read):

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/motogp/motogps-great-unknown-how-fast-really-is-toprak-razgatlioglu/

[F5 Dave]

Good article. They explored a list of Superbike riders that made the switch to GP. Heck i can't remember many.
Edwards Bayliss Russel Toseland Fogarty Corser Haga Hodgson Spies etc.
Of that list Bayliss won a GP.
Ok there are others Crafer etc. But it's not often a good fishing pond.
Toprack was probably denied a better path. Maybe if he'd been scouted as a young man into moto 3 or 2 he'd would have a better chance. At 29 riding roadbikes on different tyres he has his work cut out for him.

Im more interested in ; can Martin sort his shit out and start riding like he did in 2024?