The 2026 MotoGP season promises to be one of the most competitive in history. With 21 Grands Prix spread across four continents, a sprint format that has revolutionized race weekends, and a battle at the top between several manufacturers, here's everything you need to know to follow the season.
The 2026 Calendar
The season kicks off in March at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar under floodlights and concludes in November at Valencia. In between, 21 rounds on the world's finest circuits. Key dates:
- March: Qatar (Losail), Argentina (Termas de Rio Hondo)
- April: Americas (Austin), Spain (Jerez)
- May: France (Le Mans), Catalunya (Barcelona)
- June: Italy (Mugello), Netherlands (Assen)
- July: Germany (Sachsenring), Great Britain (Silverstone)
- August: Austria (Red Bull Ring), summer break
- September: Aragon, San Marino (Misano), India (Buddh)
- October: Japan (Motegi), Indonesia (Mandalika), Australia (Phillip Island)
- November: Thailand (Buriram), Malaysia (Sepang), Valencia (Ricardo Tormo)
Must-Watch Circuits
Mugello remains the most spectacular Grand Prix. The main straight where MotoGP bikes exceed 360 km/h, the atmosphere of the Italian tifosi, the Tuscan setting: it's the event of the year. If you can only watch one race, make it this one.
Assen, the "Cathedral of motorcycle racing," offers an ultra-technical layout with fast combinations that separate the best from the rest. Phillip Island in Australia combines a stunning natural setting with a fast oceanside track. And Le Mans, France's home Grand Prix, remains unmissable with over 100,000 spectators each year.
The Sprint Format
Since 2023, each race weekend now includes a Sprint Race on Saturday (half distance) in addition to the main race on Sunday. This format has completely changed championship dynamics: riders must attack from qualifying, and sprint points can swing the title. In 2026, each sprint awards 12 to 1 points (top 9).
