Start the MotoGP World Championship 2026. “Start” is often mistakenly used as a synonym for “start”, but in the context of motor racing the analogy can be used. The engines start, the traffic light goes out and the motorcycles start.
The FIM Motorcycle World Championship, with the category MotoGP As a great attraction, it begins this weekend on the circuit of Buriram with the dispute Thai Grand Prix.
The Spanish Marc Marquezon the back of the Ducati Officially, he is the defending champion and the top favorite, once again looking for his tenth World Cup and his eighth in the premier category. I would break the global tie with Valentino Rossi and would equal in maximum displacement with Giacomo Agostinithis when they competed in 500cc.
It would be three of those achieved by Angel Nieto -none in 500cc- and five of his own Augustinesadding those of all categories. He is already, in fact, the active driver with the most titles, which would expand a track record already almost unattainable by his grid mates.
Apparently in preseason, his own brother Alexthis one with the team’s satellite Ducati Gresiniwill be his main rival for the title. The youngest of the brothers surprised all the official teams last season, including Marc’s teammate in the official team: Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia.
Bagnaia to Aprillia? The possible ‘domino effect’
The two-time world champion has been relegated after Marc’s promotion to the official team and is the main protagonist of the market rumor mill. If the departure of Bagnaia in Aprilliathat would unleash a ‘domino effect’ of unforeseen consequences.
Aprillia, which in the tests has been the fastest motorcycle ridden by Marco Bezzecchi is preparing to have a competitive duo with ‘Pecco’. AND Jorge Martin? The Spaniard, champion in 2024, has had to undergo surgery again after going through an ordeal of injuries last season. ‘Martinator’ will meet the Noale team, but his destiny may be Yamaha.
And not just any Yamaha, but the official one. On the tuning fork mark they have received the Turkish this year Toprak RazgatliogluWorldSBK champion. The Spanish Martín would occupy the place left free by Fabio Quartararo, who in turn would go to the official Honda HRCwhere both Spanish Joan Mir like Italian Luca Marini They fulfill the contract.
We stopped the domino there to return to the official Ducati, where the space that Bagnaia would leave could be occupied by the Spanish Pedro Acostacurrently in KTM official. The Murcian needs a change of scenery after two unsuccessful seasons. At KTM they have even seen how the satellite Tech 3con Enea Bastianini y Maverick Viñaleshas surpassed them in times in the preseason.
Technical and calendar news: Brazil returns
As we have mentioned, in these tests the fastest has been Bezzecchi, who in dry conditions has set the best lap, both in Sepang as in the most recent of Buriram. The Ducati have not been left behind, the best being Álex Márquez. His brother Marc has told the MotoGP website that he was happy, but he is cautious.
This year will be the last with 1,000cc engines before the move to 850cc. Ducati has introduced a new chassis to mitigate vibrations caused by the rear tires. In view of the results, Aprilia It is more than satisfied with its new aerodynamic package that improves braking stability. Honda is also happy with the new chassis, more aerodynamic with a more ergonomic fuel tank. The concern is the V4 engine. Yamahawhich continues to show a deficit in top speed.
As for the calendar, Argentina will still be out due to logistical problems, but the Brazilian GPjust the second of the season after Thailand, on the circuit of Goiania – Ayrton Sennawhere the reference numbers are still marked by Gardner, Rainey, Schwantz and company. As usual, Spain will have four GPs maintaining order and dates with Jerez, Montmeló, Alcañiz and Cheste in Valencia to close the season.
As we have said, the excitement on two wheels of MotoGP begins for another year.
