22 Grand Prix races, 814 points up for grabs and the most prestigious title in motorcycling at stake. The 2026 MotoGP season promises to be as spectacular as ever.
Technical changes, the evolution of manufacturers and an increasingly competitive grid make the world championship an ideal setting for fans, analysts and bettors alike.
Interest in MotoGP continues to grow. With a global calendar and multiple variables at play, understanding the championship in depth to following and analysing it correctly.
In this guide, you will find a complete analysis of the 2026 MotoGP calendar, the teams, the favourite riders, the most decisive circuits and the keys that could define the title.
What you will find in this article:- What is MotoGP?
- Best bookmakers for MotoGP betting
- Updated MotoGP oddss
- MotoGP 2026 calendar
- Riders and teams
- MotoGP Constructors
- Relevant Technical Developments
- How does the championship work?
- Where can you watch MotoGP 2026 in the UK?
- Tips and strategies
- History and evolution of MotoGP
- MotoGP world championship structure
- MotoGP 2025 - Marc Márquez and Ducati's dominanc
What is MotoGP?
O MotoGP is the premier class of the World Motorcycle Racing Championship, organised by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and Dorna Sports.
It is a prototype competition, where the bikes are not based on commercial models, but are designed exclusively to compete at the highest level.
The championship is contested over a season consisting of more than 20 Grand Prix races spread across Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.
The 2026 MotoGP season represents the 78th edition of the premier class of the World Motorcycle Championship.
The calendar includes 22 races, starting on 1 March at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand and concluding on 22 November at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia.
MotoGP™ season preview - Kuala Lumpur 2026 | HIGHLIGHTS
Best bookmakers for MotoGP betting
To bet confidently on Moto GP, it is essential to choose legal, reliable platforms with a good range of markets.
We recommend the best bookmakers:
Updated MotoGP odds
| Bookmakers | Marc Marquez | Marco Bezzecchi | Pedro Acosta | Alex Marquez |
| 1/3 | 2/1 | 10/1 | 14/1 |
| 1/2 | 187/100 | 10/1 | 14/1 |
MotoGP 2026 calendar
27 Feb - 1 Mar
Chang International Circuit - Thailand - 26 laps - 118.4 km
20 Mar - 22 Mar
Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna - Brazil - 31 laps - 118.89 km
27 março - 29 março
Circuit of the Americas - USA - 19 laps - 104.75 km
10 April - 12 April
Lusail International Circuit - Qatar - 22 laps - 118.36 km
24 April - 26 April
Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto - Spain - 25 laps- 110,58 Km
08 May - 10 May
Le Mans - France - 27 laps - 113 Km
15 May - 17 May
Circuito de Barcelona-Catalunya - Catalonia - 24 laps - 111,77 Km
29 May - 31 May
Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello - Italy - 23 laps - 120,64 Km
05 June - 7 June
Parque Balaton - Hungary - 110,03 Km
19 June - 21 June
Automotodrom Brno - Czech Republic - 21 laps - 113.46 km
26 June - 28 June
Circuito TT Assen - Holland - 26 laps - 118,09 Km
10 July - 12 July
Sachsenring - Germany - 30 laps - 110,13 Km
07 August - 09 August
Silverstone Circuit - Great Britain - 20 laps - 118 Km
28 August - 30 August
MotorLand Aragón - Aragón - 23 laps - 116.77 km
11 September - 13 September
Circuito Muncial de Misano Marco Simoncello - San Marino - 27 laps - 114,1 Km
18 September - 20 September
Red Bull Ring - Spielberg - Austria - 28 laps - 121,74 Km
02 October - 04 October
Mobility Resort Motegi - Japan - 24 laps - 115,22 Km
09 October - 11 October
Circuito Internacional Pertamina Mandalika - Indonesia - 27 laps - 116,13 Km
23 October - 25 October
Phillip Island - Australia - 27 laps - 120,1 Km
30 October - 01 November
Circuito Internacional Petronas Sepang - Malasia - 20 laps - 110,86 Km
13 November - 15 November
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve - Portugal - 25 laps - 114,8 Km
20 November - 22 November
Circuito Ricardo Tormo - Valencia - 27 laps - 108,14 Km
Riders and teams
The 2026 MotoGP season will feature a grid of 22 riders spread across several official and satellite teams, with prominent figures, world champions and newcomers.
Check out pMotoGP riders and teams here:
Aprilia Racing (Aprilia)
Marco Bezzecchi (Italy)
Jorge Martin (Spain)
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati)
Fermín Aldeguer (Spain) replaced by Michele Pirro in the first race due to injury..
Alex Marquez (Spain)
Ducati Lenovo Team (Ducati)
Francesco Bagnaia (Italy)
Marc Marquez (Spain)
Honda HRC Castrol (Honda)
Luca Marini (Italy)
Joan Mir (Spain)
LCR Honda (Honda)
Johann Zarco (France)
Diogo Moreira (Brazil)
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (Yamaha)
Fabio Quartararo (France)
Alex Rins (Spain)
Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (Ducati)
Franco Morbidelli (Italy)
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Italy)
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP (Yamaha)
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkey)
Jack Miller (Australia)
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (KTM)
Brad Binder (South Africa)
Pedro Acosta (Spain)
Red Bull KTM Tech3 (KTM)
Maverick Viñales (Spain)
Enea Bastianini (Italy)
Trackhouse MotoGP Team (Aprilia)
Raul Fernandez (Spain)
Ai Ogura (Japan)
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MotoGP Constructors
For the 2026 MotoGP season, the five official constructors that have competed in recent years will remain:
- Ducati (Italy)
- Aprilia (Italy)
- KTM (Austria)
- Yamaha (Japan)
- Honda (Japan)
This season marks the final year under the current 1,000 cc technical regulations before the transition to 850 cc engines in 2027.
Relevant Technical Developments
- Yamaha V4
The most significant change is Yamaha's official transition from its inline four-cylinder engine to the V4 engine for the 2026 season.
- Engine Freeze
FIM has implemented has implemented a freeze on engine development during 2026 so that manufacturers can focus their resources on the new 2027 engines, with limited exceptions for brands under the concession system (such as Yamaha and Honda).
- Full Grid
This season has 22 drivers in 11 teams (two per manufacturer plus their satellite structures).
How does the championship work?
A Grand Prix weekend consists of tfree practice, qualifying (Q1/Q2), a sprint race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday, with points awarded towards the world title.
- Weekend Structure
Practice
Free practice sessions (FP1, FP2) to adjust the bike.
Qualifying (Q1 and Q2)
Determines the starting grid. The fastest riders go through to Q2 to fight for pole position (first place).
Sprint Race (Saturday)
Held at each Grand Prix, it covers 50% of the distance of the main race and awards half the points (12 to the winner).
Main Race (Sunday)
Long race (approx. 115 km) awarding 25 points to the winner.
Thus, a Grand Prix is defined, in the classic manner, as follows::
✅ On Thursday, the bikes are assembled; on Friday, there is training and qualifying; on Saturday, qualifying is completed and the sprint race is held; and on Sunday, the long race takes place.
✅ The winner on Sunday is declared the winner of the Grand Prix, however, for the world championship, the points from the sprint and the points from the long race are counted.
- A motorcycle
These are unique prototypes (not production models) equipped with com high-tech electronics that manage traction control anti-wheelie and engine braking.
- Height Devices (Holeshot/Ride Height Device)
Hydraulic/mechanical mechanisms that lower the height of the motorcycle to improve acceleration and prevent the front wheel from lifting (wheelie) at the start.
- Scoring
The rider who accumulates the most points at the end of the season after all rounds is crowned world champion.
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Where can you watch MotoGP 2026 in the UK?
- BT Sport / Sky Sports
MotoGP races are broadcast live on BT Sport, which holds the rights for the full championship, including MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. Coverage includes all practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races, and the main races.
If you have Sky Sports, you can also access BT Sport channels via certain subscription bundles.
- FIM MotoGP VideoPass
The official MotoGP VideoPass is available internationally. It allows you to watch all sessions live with multiple camera angles, telemetry, onboard footage, and access to historical races, but requires a subscription in euros or dollars.
- Occasionally broadcast free-to-air
Occasionally, highlights or select races may be shown on free-to-air channels such as ITV4 or via the BBC Sport website, but live coverage is generally restricted to subscription platforms.
Tips and strategies
The season is shaping up to be intense and full of excitement, with multiple opportunities for MotoGP betting and a close fight for the title.
Among the favourites are Marc Márquez, the current champion with the official Ducati team, and his brother Álex, as well as former champion Jorge Martín, all looking to regain dominance in the premier class.
Placing sports bets on MotoGP can be as exciting as watching the races themselves. However, to increase your chances of success, it is essential to apply sound and well-founded strategies.
Here are some key tips, along with some additional recommendations, to improve your results when betting on the premier class of motorcycling:
- Get to know the teams
Having in-depth knowledge of the teams, riders and their performance history is essential.
Analyse factors such as the rider's recent form, their consistency on different tracks and the team's ability to adjust the bike to different circuits.
Also consider experience in specific conditions (rain, heat, fast or slow corners), as some riders perform better in certain scenarios.
This detailed analysis will allow you to identify safer and more strategic betting opportunities.
Riders MotoGP 2026
- Consider the circuit and weather
Each circuit has its own characteristics: some are fast and favour powerful bikes, while others require good acceleration and cornering.
Similarly, the weather can radically change the course of a race. Rain, wind or high temperatures affect both the tyres and the riders' strategy.Assessing these variables will give you an advantage when deciding which driver or type of bet to trust.
- Manage your budget
One of the keys to successful betting is good bankroll management, i.e. setting a clear budget and never exceeding it.
Avoid the temptation to recoup losses by placing larger bets, as this increases the risk of greater losses.
A good strategy is to divide your budget between different types of bets: winners, podium, driver duels or combination bets, which allows you to minimise risks and optimise potential winnings.
- Take advantage of odds and promotions
The odds offered by different operators can vary, and taking advantage of them is essential to improving the value of your bets.
Always compare the odds available at the best bookmakers and keep an eye out for bonuses, promotions and special features such as combination bets or cash out, which allow you to secure profits before the race is over.
Choosing reliable operators and reviewing their terms and conditions will give you a significant advantage.
- Stay informed
Motorcycling is a dynamic sport where technical and strategic changes can be decisive. Keep up to date with:
- Updates to the bikes and technical modifications.
- Driver changes or substitutions.
- The physical and psychological condition of the riders.
- Recent results and performance by circuit.
This information will help you make more accurate decisions and anticipate possible surprises during the race weekend.
- Explore alternative bets
Don't limit yourself to just betting on the winner. Some interesting options include:
- Full podium: bet on a driver finishing in the top three.
- Head-to-head or duels: bet that one driver will perform better than another in the same race.
- Sprint races: : these are now eligible for points and offer unique opportunities, as the difference in points and odds is usually greater.
These bets often offer greater value and better odds of profit if analysed correctly.
- Review historical statistics
Reviewing the drivers' history at each circuit can make all the difference.
For example, some drivers perform exceptionally well at Mugello or Aragón, while others struggle on technical tracks.In addition, results in sprint races and their consistency in different weather conditions will allow you to spot patterns and take advantage of betting opportunities with greater certainty.
In summary, betting on MotoGP 2026 requires a combination of technical analysis, knowledge of drivers and teams, budget management, and taking advantage of odds and promotions.
If you apply these tips and stay informed, your bets will cease to be random and become strategic decisions with a higher probability of success.
History and evolution of MotoGP
MotoGP is the premier class of the World Motorcycle Championship, where the most powerful and advanced motorcycles compete.
Until 2002, 500cc two-stroke engines dominated, but a rule change allowed four-stroke engines to enter, which quickly became the norm.
Since 2012, the maximum displacement has been 1000cc.
Technological evolution has led to a constant breaking of speed records. In 2023, Brad Binder set a historic record of 366.1 km/h at Mugello, confirming the impressive technological development of the category.
The introduction of advanced electronics, traction control, aerodynamic wings and height devices has redefined the way the sport is raced.
In the MOTO GP world motorcycling championship, winning no longer depends solely on the rider, but on the perfect balance between machine, team and strategy.
Leslie Graham - MotoGP 1949 - 500cc
MotoGP world championship structure
- Points system and race format
In 2026, the longest-running scoring system in the history of the World Championship, in place since 1993, will remain in force.
In each Grand Prix, the top fifteen finishers score points, and the rider who accumulates the most points at the end of the season is crowned MotoGP World Champion.
In addition, since the introduction of the new format in 2023, each weekend includes two scoring races: the main event on Sunday and the sprint race on Saturday, which is shorter but equally decisive, as it also awards points that influence the overall standings.
This combination makes consistency as important as victory.
- How are points awarded in MotoGP?
In MotoGP, the winner of a race earns 25 points in the overall standings. From there, the points decrease progressively down to 15th place, which earns 1 point.
In the shorter sprint races, the distribution is different: only the top nine finishers score points. The winner receives 12 points and the score decreases until the ninth-place finisher, who receives 1 point.
- Maximum points per GP
With the current format of two races per weekend, a MotoGP rider can score up to 37 points if they win both Saturday's sprint and Sunday's main race.
This considerably increases the scoring possibilities and allows riders to make up ground even if they crash in one of the two races.
In addition, victory carries different weight depending on the type of race: in the long race, the winner gets 20% more points than the runner-up (25 vs. 20), while in the sprint race the advantage is greater, with an additional 25% (12 vs. 9), which makes victory in the short race even more valuable.
MotoGP 2025 - Marc Márquez and Ducati's dominance
The 2025 MotoGP world champion was Marc Márquez, who won the title with the Ducati Lenovo Team in a season marked by consistency, controlled aggression and impeccable strategic management.
The Spanish rider managed to adapt superbly to the Ducati Desmosedici GP25, a bike that stood out for its powerful V4 engine, advanced aerodynamics and highly refined electronics that offered great stability under braking and excellent traction out of corners.
The combination of Márquez's competitive talent and Ducati's solid technical project proved decisive throughout the 22 Grand Prix races on the calendar.
Beyond the victories, his consistency was key, scoring points in both the sprint races and the main events on Sunday, which allowed him to maintain his lead over his main rivals.
This title not only reinforced his legacy in the premier class, but also confirmed Ducati's technical dominance in the modern era of MotoGP and marked the starting point for a 2026 season in which he will once again start as one of the big favourites.
✅ Where can I watch MotoGP 2026 in the UK?
✅ When does MotoGP 2026 start?
✅ What are the best bookmakers for betting on MotoGP?
✅ Which rider won the 2025 MotoGP?
✅ Who won the 2025 MotoGP Constructors' Championship?
