The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to MotoGP 2026
Introduction: Why MotoGP 2026 Is a Season You Can’t Miss
Other than the Formula One Grand Prix, the MotoGP World Championship is as interesting as any race on the planet depending on what your need for speed requirements are. What sets the MotoGP apart in my opinion is that speed is not the only deciding factor.
Ultimately the winning rider has to be someone who has skills and talent to take on some of the most obnoxious circuits in the world. That said, it’s no wonder that this race’s fanbase is growing globally including in Malaysia.
2026 is a pivotal season for MotoGP. Coming off Marc Márquez’s dominant 2025 championship run—his seventh MotoGP title and ninth world championship overall—the sport enters its final year under the current 1000cc regulations before major changes arrive in 2027. With Brazil returning to the calendar after 21 years, new rookies entering the paddock, and teams preparing for the biggest rule shake-up in years, fans can expect an exciting season full of drama.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from race format to the full 2026 schedule, and will help you understand the championship better.
What Is MotoGP?
MotoGP is a premier motorcycle racing championship that features 22 seasons of Grand Prix (Motogp.com, 2025) Within the world of motorcycle sports, MotoGP is the most elite level of race, considered as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
There are three main classes within MotoGP:
- Moto3: The entry-level class where young riders compete and develop their skills
- Moto2: The intermediate class serving as a stepping stone to the premier class
- MotoGP: The premier class featuring the most talented riders on the most powerful prototype motorcycles
MotoGP and Formula 1 are totally different from one another. Let’s look at a few key features that sets them apart:
MotoGP vs Formula 1 – Key Differences:
- Two vs Four Wheels: F1 is a four-wheel race; MotoGP is for two wheels
- Agility vs Aerodynamics: MotoGP riders rely on their body positioning and agility through corners, while F1 drivers benefit from downforce and aerodynamics
- Exposed vs Enclosed: MotoGP riders use their body to balance while being exposed to the track, whereas F1 drivers sit in enclosed cockpits with constant team radio communication
The MotoGP race is truly international—races are held globally across 18+ countries. The 2026 calendar features circuits across five continents including Sepang, Mugello, Qatar, and the returning Brazil.
What’s New in MotoGP 2026
2025 Season Recap: Marc Márquez’s Comeback
The 2025 season will go down in history as one of the greatest comeback stories in sport. Marc Márquez won his seventh MotoGP World Championship and ninth overall title—equalling Valentino Rossi’s record—after six years without a premier class crown.
His dominant season included:
- 11 Grand Prix victories
- Seven consecutive doubles (Sprint and GP wins from Aragon to Hungary)
- A record-setting 10 doubles in a single season
- Surpassing Giacomo Agostini for second on the all-time MotoGP wins list with 73 victories
The final 2025 standings saw a Márquez family 1-2, with Alex Márquez (Gresini Ducati) finishing second and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) securing third—Aprilia’s best-ever championship position.
Key Changes for 2026
Brazil Returns: After a 21-year absence, MotoGP returns to Brazil! The last Brazilian GP was held in 2004 at Rio de Janeiro. In 2026, the Autódromo de Goiânia will host the Brazilian Grand Prix on March 20-22.
Argentina Departs: The Argentine Grand Prix is off the calendar for 2026, with organisers aiming to return in 2027 at a new venue.
New Summer Break Structure: The 2026 calendar features a well-paced schedule with a three-weekend summer break in mid-July to early August, designed for both rider recovery and fan engagement.
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup: MotoGP will introduce a new racing class featuring modified Harley-Davidson Bagger motorcycles, competing at six events across Europe and North America.
Rookies to Watch in 2026
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: The three-time World Superbike Champion makes his highly anticipated MotoGP debut with Prima Pramac Yamaha. Can he buck the trend and successfully transition from WorldSBK to MotoGP?
Diogo Moreira: The reigning Moto2 World Champion from Brazil joins LCR Honda—perfect timing with MotoGP’s return to his home country.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Rule Revolution
2026 is the final season under current regulations. From 2027, MotoGP undergoes a major technical overhaul:
- Engine capacity reduced from 1000cc to 850cc
- Pirelli replaces Michelin as official tyre supplier
- Ride-height devices banned completely
- Aerodynamics significantly restricted
- 100% sustainable, non-fossil fuel required
- Minimum bike weight reduced to 153kg
Teams will be developing their 2027 machines throughout 2026, making this a fascinating transitional season.
MotoGP Race Weekend Explained
The MotoGP 2026 World Championship features 22 Grands Prix. Here’s the weekend format for the premier class:
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| Morning | Free Practice 1: 45 mins |
|
MotoGP Warm-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | Qualifying 2: Practice entry timed session: 60 mins | MotoGP Sprint | MotoGP Race |
This weekend format is actually set up for maximum excitement, owing to the fact that speed is still a huge goal as great grid positions can impact the final outcome for riders during the MotoGP race.
Friday: Free Practice Sessions
The time that riders get during their free practice is usually used for them to familiarise themselves with the circuit, adjust to the environment, test their vehicles and prepare themselves for the qualifying sessions that will determine their grid positions eventually in the MotoGP race.
Saturday: Qualifying and Sprint Race
The Q1 and Q2 races happening on Saturday morning will finally determine the starting positions for riders for the Sprint race on Saturday afternoon as well as the main race on Sunday.
The Sprint Race on the other hand is a newer exciting addition as it contributes half points for riders towards the main race. Winners of the Sprint Race can earn anywhere from 1-12 points, for the top 9 finishers. Although the points that riders gain might seem small, a consistent accumulation can really push the ranking for riders and their teams.
Sunday: Main Race Day
The highlight of the weekend is surely the main race day: Sunday. During the race, teams cover anywhere from 100-130km of distance with a fixed number of laps depending on the circuit where the race is taking place.
The points earned for every main race along with the accumulation of points from winning the sprint races will determine the overall placement of teams in MotoGP. Read the section for a breakdown on the points system.
MotoGP 2026 Schedule and Circuits
The MotoGP schedule involves races conducted in 22 different countries. Table below illustrates all of the races and their respective locations:
| Round | Date | Circuit | Grand Prix | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Feb – 1 Mar | Chang International Circuit, Buriram | Thai Grand Prix | Thailand |
| 2 | 20 – 22 Mar | Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, Goiânia | Grand Prix of Brazil ★ | Brazil |
| 3 | 27 – 29 Mar | Circuit of the Americas, Austin | Grand Prix of the Americas | USA |
| 4 | 10 – 12 Apr | Lusail International Circuit | Grand Prix of Qatar | Qatar |
| 5 | 24 – 26 Apr | Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto | Gran Premio de España | Spain |
| 6 | 8 – 10 May | Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans | Grand Prix de France | France |
| 7 | 15 – 17 May | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Gran Premi de Catalunya | Spain |
| 8 | 29 – 31 May | Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello | Gran Premio d’Italia | Italy |
| 9 | 5 – 7 Jun | Balaton Park Circuit | Grand Prix of Hungary | Hungary |
| 10 | 19 – 21 Jun | Automotodrom Brno | Grand Prix of the Czech Republic | Czechia |
| 11 | 26 – 28 Jun | TT Circuit Assen | Motul TT Assen | Netherlands |
| 12 | 10 – 12 Jul | Sachsenring | Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland | Germany |
| — | Mid-July – Aug | Summer Break | ||
| 13 | 7 – 9 Aug | Silverstone Circuit | British Grand Prix | Great Britain |
| 14 | 28 – 30 Aug | MotorLand Aragón | Gran Premio de Aragón | Spain |
| 15 | 11 – 13 Sep | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli | Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini | San Marino |
| 16 | 18 – 20 Sep | Red Bull Ring, Spielberg | Grand Prix von Österreich | Austria |
| 17 | 2 – 4 Oct | Mobility Resort Motegi | Motul Grand Prix of Japan | Japan |
| 18 | 9 – 11 Oct | Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit | Grand Prix of Indonesia | Indonesia |
| 19 | 23 – 25 Oct | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit | Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix | Australia |
| 20 | 30 Oct – 1 Nov | Sepang International Circuit | Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia | Malaysia |
| 21 | 13 – 15 Nov | Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão | Grande Prémio de Portugal | Portugal |
| 22 | 20 – 22 Nov | Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia | Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana | Spain |
★ Brazil returns after 21 years
Key Races to Watch
- Qatar (Lusail): A spectacular night race under floodlights, avoiding extreme daytime heat while creating unique wind and lighting conditions
- Mugello (Italy): Famous for its challenging corners and passionate Italian fans—one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar
- Phillip Island (Australia): A fast, flowing coastal circuit where wind and sea air test tyre grip
- Sepang (Malaysia): Brutal tropical humidity combined with unpredictable monsoon weather
Sepang International Circuit: Malaysia’s Home of MotoGP
Sepang has hosted MotoGP since 1999, making 2026 its 27th year! The track is known for its demanding conditions—riders must manage Malaysian humidity and the potential for sudden tropical downpours.
The track itself is a very well known one, with riders having to work their way with the Malaysian humidity for weather. The atmosphere in Sepang is usually very lively with a large turnout indicating a strong regional support for MotoGP race.
That said, anyone wishing to get tickets, should do so as early as possible. There are up to 200,000 tickets that go on sale, with EDM music festivals expected to line up before the race days.
Getting to the Sepang International Circuit is pretty easy. You can always opt to take a Grab ride (e-hailing) from any of your locations, especially since it is very close to KLIA. Parking can be a challenge so opt for public transportation.
From KL Sentral, you can take the KLIA Ekspres train to KLIA. To aid fans, MotoGP has set up convenient shuttle buses between KLIA and the circuit on race weekends, so be sure to keep yourself updated to the MotoGP schedule here.
How the Points System Works
The scoring system for the main race is not that complicated – riders collect points throughout the championship to earn the title. Each placement has a fixed score which we have illustrated in the table below.
| Placement | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 20 |
| 3rd | 16 |
| 4th | 13 |
| 5th | 11 |
| 6th | 10 |
| 7th | 9 |
| 8th | 8 |
| 9th | 7 |
| 10th | 6 |
| 11th | 5 |
| 12th | 4 |
| 13th | 3 |
| 14th | 2 |
| 15th | 1 |
The points earned during the main race are then added to the winnings of Sprint Races. Remember, riders can win up to 12 points in a sprint race. This is exactly why consistency matters more as the accumulation of smaller points throughout the race can sometimes land a rider on the podium.
Sprint Race points vs Main Race points
| Placement | Sprint Race Points | Main Race Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | 25 |
| 2nd | 9 | 20 |
| 3rd | 7 | 16 |
| 4th | 6 | 13 |
| 5th | 5 | 11 |
| 6th | 4 | 10 |
| 7th | 3 | 9 |
| 8th | 2 | 8 |
| 9th | 1 | 7 |
| 10th | – | 6 |
| 11th | – | 5 |
| 12th | – | 4 |
| 13th | – | 3 |
| 14th | – | 2 |
| 15th | – | 1 |
Top MotoGP Teams and Riders to Know in 2026
Factory Teams
Ducati Lenovo Team
- Marc Márquez (#93): The 2025 World Champion and seven-time MotoGP title winner. After completing one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history, can he make it eight in 2026?
- Francesco Bagnaia (#63): Two-time World Champion (2022, 2023) seeking to reclaim the crown from his teammate
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Pedro Acosta (#37): The young Spanish sensation who finished 4th in 2025. At just 21, he’s tipped as a future champion
- Brad Binder (#33): Consistent performer and KTM stalwart
Aprilia Racing
- Jorge Martín (#89): The 2024 World Champion who stayed with Aprilia despite rumoured Honda interest. Looking to bounce back after an injury-disrupted 2025
- Marco Bezzecchi (#72): 2025’s third-place finisher who emerged as a consistent race winner
Monster Energy Yamaha
- Fabio Quartararo (#20): The 2021 World Champion fighting to return Yamaha to competitiveness with their new V4 engine
- Alex Rins (#42): Experienced rider seeking improved results
Honda HRC
- Luca Marini (#10): Valentino Rossi’s half-brother
- Joan Mir (#36): 2020 World Champion working with Honda’s improving package
Satellite Teams
Gresini Racing (Ducati)
- Alex Márquez (#73): The 2025 championship runner-up—the Márquez brothers delivered a historic 1-2
- Fermín Aldeguer (#54): Impressive rookie who won his first MotoGP race in Indonesia 2025
Prima Pramac Racing (Yamaha)
- Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (#1): Three-time WorldSBK Champion making his MotoGP debut—the biggest crossover signing in years
- Jack Miller (#43): Experienced Australian rider
VR46 Racing (Ducati)
- Fabio di Giannantonio (#49): Factory Ducati contract holder
- Franco Morbidelli (#21): Experienced Italian rider
Tech3 (KTM)
- Maverick Viñales (#25): Former factory Yamaha and Aprilia rider seeking revival
- Enea Bastianini (#23): Race winner looking to regain form
LCR Honda
- Johann Zarco (#5): Honda’s most reliable performer with a two-year deal
- Diogo Moreira (#73): Brazilian rookie and Moto2 champion
Trackhouse Racing (Aprilia)
- Raúl Fernández (#25): Won his maiden MotoGP race at Phillip Island 2025
- Ai Ogura (#79): Japanese talent
How to Watch MotoGP 2026 in Malaysia
TV and Streaming Options
If you’re wondering where to watch MotoGP 2026, thankfully, it can be watched live on Astro Supersport, SPOTV, and through the subscription of the official MotoGP VideoPass. While Astro Supersports and SPOTV may not be available to all, the video pass enables fans like you to watch all the official races online, along with access to real-time live data.
For those who are more into watching highlights, you can closely follow MotoGP’s social media channels especially its YouTube channel to catch the highlights of the show.
Watching Live at Sepang
For those who want to be part of the atmosphere, there’s nothing like catching the race live at Sepang International Circuit. Book the tickets in advance online via the Sepang Circuit’s official website here.
Alternatively you can also purchase the tickets at the counter located at the circuit, open daily except for public holidays. A list of authorised ticketing agents are also available here.
Fun Facts for New MotoGP Fans
Here are some mind-boggling facts about the MotoGP Championship for you new fans:
Did you know that:
- Top speed: MotoGP bikes can exceed 360 km/h on the fastest straights
- Lean angle: Riders lean at over 60° through corners—relying on skill and tyre grip
- Race distance: Typically 100-130 km depending on the circuit
- Marc Márquez’s records: Most MotoGP wins in a row with Ducati (7), first rider to score seven consecutive doubles, longest wait between MotoGP titles (6 years)
Conclusion: Why MotoGP 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Get Into the Sport
The 2026 season represents a unique moment in MotoGP history—the final year of the 1000cc era before the sport transforms in 2027 with new engines, tyres, and regulations. With Marc Márquez defending his title, exciting rookies like Toprak Razgatlıoğlu debuting, and Brazil returning after two decades, there’s never been a better time to become a fan.
For Malaysian fans, watching the action at Sepang International Circuit offers front-row seats to world-class racing. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time enthusiast, you’ll experience talent, speed, strategy, and skill coming together on circuits around the world.
Enjoy the 2026 MotoGP World Championship!