MotoGP 2026

[pritch]

Just listening to the Oxley Bom podcast while I was doing the dishes. Makes a boring job acceptable. Just.

At one point they were discussing the loss of Phillip Island. Apparently the new owners have a different vision for MotoGP. Their version does not have people living in tents getting pissed until they fall down, then getting up and doing it all again the next day. The new vision has a city handy so that after the racing the fans can retire to pleasant bars and restaurants and sleep in the relative comfort of a hotel or motel. If the wife wants to visit an art gallery or go shopping she can. All of which, while pleasant, might make a visit to a GP considerably more expensive.

This would seem to place other rounds at risk. The Argentinian venue for example is waaay out in the sticks.

Anyhoo it would seem change is in the wind.

[F5 Dave]

When we did PI (6×) we didn't slum in tents.
We has a rented house for~8 of us. We frequented the Isle of Wight pub, got drunk and fell over, then a cheap restaurant, fell over again and crashed on a bed. Looxury!

And at least we didn't have to mix with the common rabble in tents. [Sniff].

[pritch]

When we did PI (6×) we didn't slum in tents.
We has a rented house for~8 of us. We frequented the Isle of Wight pub, got drunk and fell over, then a cheap restaurant, fell over again and crashed on a bed. Looxury!

And at least we didn't have to mix with the common rabble in tents. [Sniff].

My first away trip to a motor race was the final NZGP at Ardmore. Accomodation was an improvised tent made of a couple of cow covers and some tea towels. Most recent was Phillip Island with motel accomodation, an air conditioned vehicle, and corporate catering. What we find acceptable may be subject to change.

[F5 Dave]

I quite liked that circuit, wonder what the riders thought.

Well poor Digi got an insight into how Dovi felt.
Main race was quite a class of, well, class.
Martin showing hopefully his form for the year.
And cmon Pecco. Buck your ideas up.

What bike is Morbidelli on? Did they give him a '25?;

[diesel pig]

I quite liked that circuit, wonder what the riders thought.

Well poor Digi got an insight into how Dovi felt.
Main race was quite a class of, well, class.
Martin showing hopefully his form for the year.
And cmon Pecco. Buck your ideas up.

What bike is Morbidelli on? Did they give him a '25?;

The layout is cool. But if they cannot sort out the surface finish of the track before the next GP weekend Dorna will have issue's or who ever is running GP's now.

[BMWST?]

I dont understand why Pecco always says " I/we dont understand" .Is that code for Ducati dont know what the problem is for him? Marc can always state a reason .May be bogus of course

[iYRe]

I dont understand why Pecco always says " I/we dont understand" .Is that code for Ducati dont know what the problem is for him? Marc can always state a reason .May be bogus of course

I think that is correct. I think is code for "I want it to just work and Ducati cant just make it magically work"

[F5 Dave]

Oh yes, I skipped over the shortened race and only catching up.

But Cota and then Jerez should give a better indication of what bikes and riders will be at the pointy end.

Not till 28/29 April till we get to Spain though.

[Reckless]

Race times for 3 now

9am Live by the looks

[F5 Dave]

I dont understand why Pecco always says " I/we dont understand" .Is that code for Ducati dont know what the problem is for him? Marc can always state a reason .May be bogus of course

Hes an enigma considering he won 🏆 2 championship and close to the ones either side. A pocket full of extra luck and he'd be a 4x world champ. You don't get there without being adaptable to circuits that the bike doesn't work optimally.

And yet. . .
So on normal tyres does he bounce back?
Or does he repeat last year?
And if so does he repeat dominance at Montagi?

[iYRe]

So on normal tyres does he bounce back?
Or does he repeat last year?
And if so does he repeat dominance at Montagi?

I dont think so.. I think the other bikes have caught up to Ducati and I suspect its only going to be Marc and Digi who can compete.. maybe the other guy, Aldeguer or however you spell it.

[iYRe]

Official statement from MotoGP Brazil:

“…With the full support of the Government of Goiás, we worked to deliver the best possible infrastructure — both on and off the track — to allow teams and riders to perform at their highest level,” read part of the statement from MotoGP Brasil.
“With the support of experienced professionals (including experts accredited by Formula 1) and the use of the latest technology, we carried out a complete resurfacing of the track, built new pit facilities, and installed modern equipment, all in full compliance with FIM standards. Our goal was to deliver a fast and safe circuit.


“Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, an issue arose at a specific point on the track when a sewage system located beneath the surface collapsed. The situation was promptly addressed, allowing the race to continue as planned.


"On Sunday, due to high temperatures, a specific section on the left side of the pavement at Turn 12 showed deterioration caused by application issues, which caused disruptions for riders and teams.


“We are already thoroughly assessing the identified points and working closely with all involved parties to implement the necessary improvements to the infrastructure of the Ayrton Senna Circuit.


“We are fully committed to providing even better conditions for teams and riders to perform at their highest level when MotoGP returns in 2027.”

[BMWST?]

........ You don't get there without being adaptable to circuits that the bike doesn't work optimally.

And yet. . .

I would argue the exact opposite. He is NOT adapatable. He can only be fast if the bike is within a narrow window. In his succesful years he was ussually slow to get the bike set up into that window.