With anticipation building for the new season, the MotoGP 2026 team launch dates have been officially disclosed, giving fans insights on when and where each squad will reveal their latest machines. The series’ first on-track events start in early February, but teams will start unveiling their 2026 contenders from mid-January at venues across Europe and Asia.
First Track Activities and Official Season Start
The 2026 racing calendar begins its initial pre-season tests in early February, setting the stage for teams and riders to acclimate to new machinery and dynamics. The championship officially commences with the Thai Grand Prix, held from 27 February to 1 March, serving as round one out of a 22-race season. Teams have already set early dates in January to showcase their new liveries and line-ups, building momentum ahead of the competitive action.
Full List of MotoGP 2026 Team Launch Events
The following is a comprehensive schedule detailing when and where each of the 11 premier class teams will introduce their 2026 season line-ups and bikes:
VR46 Racing Team Ducati: Rome Launch on 14 January
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, led by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, will mark its fifth season in the premier class with an event in Rome on 14 January. The Italian outfit continues with Fabio Di Giannantonio, riding factory-spec machinery, and Franco Morbidelli, who will campaign on a year-old bike. Their objective for 2026 includes building on the six podium finishes from last season and ending a winless streak that dates back to the 2023 Indian Grand Prix.
Prima Pramac Racing Yamaha: Siena Event Kicks Off Launches
Prima Pramac Racing will become the first team on the 2026 grid to host their unveiling, holding their event on 13 January at the Accademia Musicale Della Chigiana in Siena, Italy. This launch is particularly noteworthy as it will serve as three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu’s official MotoGP debut in team colors. The Turkish rider is set to partner Jack Miller for the coming campaign. Razgatlioglu made his test debut in Valencia, albeit on an unbadged M1 due to previous contractual ties with BMW. The event will also highlight the Pramac Moto2 squad’s colors.
Aprilia Racing Sets Milan Reveal for Mid-January
Aprilia Racing will hold its 2026 unveiling at the Sky studios in Milan on 15 January. The Italian manufacturer is entering the season with high aspirations following its most successful run yet, achieving four race victories and becoming runners-up in the constructors’ standings the previous year. With renewed focus, Aprilia looks to challenge for the championship this season.
Ducati Lenovo Team Returns to Madonna di Campiglio
Ducati’s traditional pre-season festivities are scheduled for 19 January at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy. The factory team, featuring Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia, will launch its new livery as part of a multi-day event that gathers riders, media, and fans for both the unveiling and mountain activities. Ducati, crowned with Marquez’s triumph in 2025, aims to close out the 1000cc era with continued success and chase another world title.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Heads to Indonesia
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP factory squad will showcase its first V4-powered bike in the modern era on 21 January, hosting the launch in Jakarta, Indonesia. The shift from the traditional inline-four engine marks a bold technical change for the Japanese manufacturer, who hopes the new configuration will propel them back to the front of the field and encourage Fabio Quartararo to extend his tenure beyond 2026.
Gresini Racing Ducati: Kuala Lumpur Debut Before Testing
Gresini Racing will present its 2026 livery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 31 January, aligning their event with the eve of the initial pre-season test. The team remains with Alex Marquez, runner-up in the 2025 championship, and Fermin Alddeguer, the reigning rookie of the year. Gresini aims to carry forward their momentum from recent successes as they reveal their new colors in the Malaysian capital.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season Launches
With MotoGP teams preparing to reveal their liveries and line-ups at a range of prominent venues, the stage is set for another dramatic and competitive year. The launch events not only offer a first glimpse of innovative designs and technical updates but also provide fans and media with early indications of teams’ ambitions and potential storylines. Many eyes will be on established stars such as Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Valentino Rossi’s VR46 line-up, and newcomers like Toprak Razgatlioglu as they navigate a season filled with anticipation and fresh challenges.
This calendar may see updates as further team launch details become available, but for now, enthusiasts can mark these MotoGP 2026 team launch dates as key milestones on the road to an electrifying new championship.
