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MotoGP 2026 Preseason

R

Ridley

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 6, 2005
Location
Auburn
Moto(s)
None right now
Name
Justin
Thought I would start the 2026 preseason thread.

The Valencia test concluded the same way the 2025 season did with Aprila on top.

Toprak tasted the V4 from Yamaha and was over a second from the top. I’m actually excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in 2026.

What’s going to happen with Acosta? I want that kid on the top of the podium.

What does everyone hope for this offseason?
 
I think KTM and Yamaha have to show true progress in the first 4-5 races to keep Acosta and Fabio in the fold...or they sign early with other teams for 2027.

Toprak really impressed Prima Pramac...I bet he podiums more than once in his rookie season...and beats Jack with better stoppies!

I predict Bajaj sells off KTM racing division to CF Moto or Red Bull before 2026 season ends.

I cant wait for more Marquez/Bezz match-ups!
 
Nice. Good article.
 
Some news from Cycle News

Mav gets some mental support and Pecco gets some Rossi Ranch gold.
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Flat tracker JD Beach's perspective on participating in the event this year...

 
Pretty cool to see real road racing stars Dean Harrison, Davey Todd and Guy Martin on the entry list.
 
Should Yamaha cut loose Fabio Quartararo in 2026? Is his complaining about lack of progress with V4 enough already? Interesting take in this article:

www.crash.net

Why Yamaha must consider the unthinkable for the sake of its MotoGP future

Fabio Quartararo’s MotoGP future will be one of the main talking points of next year’s rider market ahead of a 2027 grid reshuffle. He’s made his desires clear, but obvious tensions between himself and Yamaha may force the latter into doing something once thought unthinkable for the good of its...
www.crash.net www.crash.net
 
My fingers are crossed that Yamaha makes real progress with the V4 and Fabio can kill it in '27.
 
All manufacturers will start in concession rank B for the 2027 season, with a new mid-season (summer) review system, based on new 850cc engines. The mfgrs will have the ability to go up and down in rank within a season. That, and the Pirrelli tires, will be interesting.
 
That was painful to watch. ;) Hope he doesn't end up like Rins after he broke his leg...never as fast again.
 
I've really become a fan of Bezzechi. And the progress he made with Aprilia has me thinking, does Aprilia actually need Jorge Martin?
And what does Aprilia do next year? The success they are finding is from Marco's feedback and I think people keep sleeping on his talents. He finished 3rd in the world on the VR46 team in 2023, just behind Jorge. Will Jorge mess up the Aprilia because his riding style is not the same? And is Marco NOW Aprilia's #1? Jorge isn't the world champ anymore.
For me 2026 is kind of a 'throw away' year. 2027 is where things get very interesting.
I'm sure Aprilia keeps Marco, but unless Jorge is fighting for the title, I see them letting him go for Peco in '27.

And I'm a little bit done with Fabio's winging about the Yamaha. I think they were in a tough spot to keep the inline 4 developed to appease Fabio, yet find the resources to develop a completely different motor and bike. To me their resources were split.
But yes, in '26 Yamaha needs to get the V4 more competitive in preparation for '27, and I'm not sure they fight for Fabio, especially if Toprak shows strong progress learning how a MotoGP needs to be ridden.

Mark
 
Good point about Bez. I like him too and he is starting to be main street. Aprilia may have the best team in '26. Ducati ain't gonna sit and watch so it should be a solid year of fun.
 
Where Peco ends up really depends on the bike Ducati delivers in 26...will it be more like the 24 bike? Fabio will not be a Yamaha rider after next season. There is no way the new V4 is up to snuff the first half of the season, when rider decisions will be made. Yamaha can't funnel more $$ his way as he is already the highest paid rider. Winning races will trump $$ for him. Fabio will be a Honda rider in 27 IMHO. Honda will have the necessary deep pockets for his salary. Bez is my current hero of MotoGP btw...what a character!
 
And of course, what about Pedro Acosta? Easily KTM's best rider and so talented.

But will there be a KTM in '27? I don't think so unless CF Moto takes over.

Mark
 
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