The 2026 MotoGP calendar has been announced, featuring 22 rounds and marking the return of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which will replace the Argentine GP as the early March race. The Brazilian round will take place at the Ayrton Senna Autodrome in Goiania, ending a 22-year absence from the series.
Season Starts in Thailand with Buriram Leading Through 2027
Continuing the tradition, the season will begin at Buriram with the Thai Grand Prix scheduled between February 27 and March 1. This marks the second consecutive year the opening race will be held in Thailand, maintaining stability for the start of the championship until at least 2027.
Brazil Returns to Replace Argentina in March Slot
The main modification for 2026 involves the early-season calendar reshuffle. Argentina has been dropped, with the Brazilian GP stepping into its place on March 20-22. This event will be held at the Ayrton Senna Autodrome, a circuit that last hosted a world championship motorcycle grand prix in 1989, signaling the return of MotoGP to Goiania.
Double-Header Action Begins with Americas GP and Qatar
Immediately following Brazil, the first of two early-season double-headers will take place starting with the Americas GP in Austin from March 27-29. The series then moves to the Qatar GP, held in the Middle East from April 10-12, providing a quick succession of races in different regions.
European and Asian Rounds Adjust Timing, New Dates for Key Events
The Hungarian Grand Prix will remain on the calendar for a second consecutive year at Balaton Park but will move to an earlier June 5-7 date. Meanwhile, the UK GP shifts to August after a problematic late May schedule this year. The Aragon GP will stay as a standalone race on August 28-30 despite earlier uncertainty about its future on the calendar.
Late Summer and Autumn European Races Wrap Up Mid-Season
Summer’s European portion concludes with back-to-back races in Misano and Austria, with the Red Bull Ring event moved from August to September 18-20. This adjustment aims to optimize the spacing of events ahead of the final part of the season.
Asian and Oceanian Races Lead into Season Finale in Europe
The championship will return to Asia with a pairing of the Japanese GP, recently extended through 2030, and the Indonesian GP. Following this, the series will visit Australia and Malaysia in another double-header setup. The season then concludes back in Europe with races at Portimao and Valencia, with the final event of the year on November 20-22 in Valencia.
Upcoming 2027 Pre-Season Testing Scheduled in Valencia
Shortly after the final race in Valencia, the first pre-season test for 2027 will commence on November 24. This session will feature new regulation bikes, marking an important step forward in the championship’s ongoing development.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The unfortunate truth is that entertainment tends to be more popular than sports, and MotoGP wants to take advantage of this trend. However, MotoGP currently lacks personalities who can bring the excitement and drama needed to captivate audiences.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is renowned for being the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 car racing, showcasing remarkable skill and courage in each.
Q. Who was banned from MotoGP?
A. The Aprilia MotoGP team criticized the 18-month doping suspension given to Italian rider Andrea Iannone, calling it “absurd.” They expressed their support for his decision to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Q. Why is Kawasaki not allowed in MotoGP?
A. Due to high expenses and challenges in racing, Kawasaki left MotoGP at the end of 2008 during an economic downturn. Currently, strict rules for new factory teams and a busier racing schedule discourage them from rejoining MotoGP.
