The 2026 MotoGP season promises to be a historic one, as the championship enters a “bridge year” before a major technical shift in 2027. This year marks the final season of the high-powered 1000cc engines and the current technical regulations, with the sport preparing to transition to 850cc prototypes next season.
The 2026 calendar is a record-tying 22-round schedule, spanning five continents and highlighting MotoGP’s growing global footprint. Notably, the season places an early emphasis on the flyaway rounds in Asia and the Americas, while also revisiting South America for the first time since 2004.
Early Flyaway Rounds Set the Stage
The season kicks off in Southeast Asia before heading to the Americas:
March 1: Thailand GP — Chang International Circuit
March 22: Brazilian GP — Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna (Goiânia)
March 29: Grand Prix of the Americas — Circuit of the Americas, USA
April 12: Qatar GP — Lusail International Circuit
The European Core
The traditional European leg begins in late April, featuring the sport’s most iconic circuits:
April 26: Spanish GP — Circuito de Jerez
May 10: French GP — Le Mans
May 17: Catalan GP — Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
May 31: Italian GP — Mugello
June 7: Hungarian GP — Balaton Park Circuit
June 21: Czech Republic GP — Brno Circuit
June 28: Dutch TT — Assen
July 12: German GP — Sachsenring
Late Summer & Autumn Races
The championship resumes after a nearly four-week summer break with back-to-back European and Asian races:
August 9: British GP — Silverstone
August 30: Aragon GP — MotorLand Aragón
September 13: San Marino GP — Misano
September 20: Austrian GP — Red Bull Ring
Asian & Oceanic Tour
The season then heads to the Eastern hemisphere for four high-profile rounds:
October 4: Japanese GP — Motegi
October 11: Indonesian GP — Mandalika
October 25: Australian GP — Phillip Island
November 1: Malaysian GP — Sepang
Season Finale
MotoGP concludes with a thrilling double-header in Portugal and Valencia:
November 15: Portuguese GP — Algarve International Circuit
November 22: Valencia GP — Ricardo Tormo Circuit
Key Highlights
Historic Brazil Return: MotoGP races in Brazil for the first time since 2004.
Double-Header Finish: The Algarve and Valencia rounds promise a tense and action-packed season finale.
Pre-Season Launch Dates
Teams are already gearing up for their bike unveilings:
Pramac: Jan 13 (Siena)
VR46- Jan 14 (Rome)
Aprilia: Jan 15 (Milan)
Ducati: Jan 19 (Madonna di Campiglio)
Yamaha: Jan 21 (Jakarta)
KTM: Jan 27 (TBA)
MotoGP 2026 Testing Schedule
Ahead of the historic 2026 season, MotoGP teams will begin their preparations with an intensive pre-season testing programme in Southeast Asia. The on-track action starts with the Shakedown Test at Sepang from January 29 to 31, allowing rookies, test riders and concession manufacturers their first running. This is followed by the official Sepang Test from February 3 to 5, where the full grid will fine-tune their final 1000cc packages. The season launch will take place in Kuala Lumpur on February 6–7, bringing all teams and riders together ahead of the campaign. Pre-season testing concludes with the Buriram Test on February 21–22, offering teams a final opportunity to prepare before the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship in Thailand.
With the 2026 season acting as the final chapter for the 1000cc era, fans can expect intense racing, historic milestones, and a global calendar that pushes MotoGP further into new markets than ever before.
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