MOTOGP 2027 PRE-SEASON CALENDER

 

FERMIN ALDEGUER JOINS VR46: RACING FOR DUCATI THROUGH 2028

A two-year contract and a factory bike for the Spanish rider, who's leaving Gresini to start anew with the "Rossa" team led by Valentino Rossi

Starting with the 2027 season and for the next two years, Fermín Aldeguer will be racing in the fluorescent yellow colors of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. The rider from Spain, currently in his second year in the MotoGP, will be a Ducati Corse factory rider and ride a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP.

Born in 2005, Aldeguer is the youngest rider on the grid and one of the greatest talents on the MotoGP scene, as he already demonstrated on the track. He took his first steps in Spain by winning regional and national championships and made his World Championship debut in 2021 in the MotoE, after winning European series. In the all-electric category, he immediately showed his stuff, earning a spot in the Moto2. He also demonstrated his potential in the intermediate class, quickly becoming one of the most highly regarded and sought-after riders. 

His MotoGP debut came in 2025, when he secured three podium finishes and his first victory in the premier class (in Indonesia), becoming the second-youngest rider ever to win in the category. He finished his debut season in the Top 10 and was named Rookie of the Year. Currently, Aldeguer is eleventh in the championship, with one podium finish (Barcelona) to his credit, despite having missed three races.

The Spanish rider is eagerly anticipating this new challenge. “I’m very happy to take this step in my MotoGP career with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Signing with Valentino’s team is incredible. He’s always been one of my idols, a role model. I think having him on the team will help me improve as a rider thanks to his valuable advice. The VR46 Racing Team is the Ducati Factory Supported Team—an extremely professional team—and I’m happy to be racing with them. With the new regulations for 2027, my goal will be to adapt to the new tires, but also to the new bike. Having the factory Ducati will help immensely with development throughout the season. It's going to be a year in which we’ll aim to be consistent, avoid mistakes, and spend as much time as possible on the bike to gather data. I’m sure we’ll work very well with the entire team and the Ducati engineers. We’ll be able to do a great job and aim to consistently finish in the top five. I can’t conclude without a word of thanks to the entire Gresini Racing team and to Nadia, who have helped me grow and brought me this far.”

Alessio Salucci added by saying, “We’re thrilled to confirm that Fermín will race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2027. He’s a young rider who has shown great talent since his MotoGP debut, where he immediately made a name for himself. We can’t wait to welcome him to the team, where he’ll ride a factory Desmosedici GP as an official Ducati Corse rider. We’ll give him our full support to help him achieve our goals. Once again, I’d like to thank Ducati for its full support—both on a personal and technical level—and all our partners, who are backing this incredible project.”

Among those who have always believed in Aldeguer’s talent is certainly Gigi Dall’Igna. “We're very happy to announce the renewal of our agreement with Fermín for the next two seasons. Since his arrival in the MotoGP, he has demonstrated extraordinary talent, a great capacity to learn, and a determination that immediately impressed us. He's still a very young rider, but his potential is enormous, and we're convinced he has plenty of room to grow. For this reason, we've decided to further invest in him, reaffirming our confidence in a project that is clearly focused on the future. We believe that the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team represents the ideal environment for him to continue his journey. In recent years, the team has proven its ability to bring out the best in young talent and to be a truly competitive force in the Championship. We're certain that, here, Fermín will have everything he needs to continue growing and achieving significant milestones. At Ducati, we strongly believe in his potential.”

Pablo Nieto was also present to welcome Fermín. “It's with great pride that we welcome Fermín Aldeguer to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. A rider who has proven to have great talent. Despite his young age, he has already shown maturity and proven himself capable of handling a very demanding championship like the MotoGP. It’s by no means easy to win in the premier class, and he’s already done so in his first year. We have a lot of confidence in him, because we know he has the potential to fight for whatever he sets his mind to. As a team, we’ll be ready to support him every step of the way and make things as easy as possible for him.”

Finally, a special message from Nadia Padovani. “When you first got on our bike, you brought a breath of fresh energy, passion, and an incredible desire to win. Watching you grow and compete in our colors has been—and continues to be—a source of immense pride. We’ll stand by your side, just like on the first day, to give you all the love this team has to offer. Let’s have fun until the very end. Let’s open the throttle as wide as we can. 2027 can wait.”

MOTORGP: TECH3 KTM CONFIRM LUCA MARINI SIGNING FOR 2027 SEASON

 

Luca Marini will swap red for orange in MotoGP next season

Luca Marini will join Tech3 KTM for the 2027 MotoGP season after spending the last three years with Honda.

The Italian has played an integral role in Honda’s MotoGP project since he joined them in 2024, proving to be a valuable asset on the technical development of the RC213V, whilst being a trustworthy, consistent rider on the track.

Marini takes the spot vacated by Enea Bastianini, who confirmed earlier this week that he would be racing for Trackhouse Aprilia next year alongside Raul Fernandez.

Luca Marini onboard the Honda RC213V during the 2026 MotoGP season

“Luca is a rider we have been watching closely, and we are very pleased to welcome him to Tech3 from 2027,” team CEO Guenther Steiner said. “He brings a huge amount of experience, but also the right mentality and approach for what we are building here.

“2027 will be a big reset for MotoGP, so having a rider who can contribute to our progress in this new era will be important.”

2027 will be Marini’s seventh season in the premier class. The 29-year-old spent the first half of his MotoGP career with Ducati power, first via an Esponsorama Ducati partnership with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, and then as a full VR46 Ducati rider once Rossi’s team made the move to the premier class on a full-scale basis.

Marini celebrated his maiden podium at the Circuit of the Americas in 2023, before going on to secure Sprint podiums later that year in Indonesia and Thailand. Marini also broke the lap record in Indonesia to take his first pole.

More success followed in 2023 when Marini secured pole position in Qatar and followed this up with a Sprint and GP podium at the Lusail International Circuit.

Advice from The Doctor and brother, Valentino Rossi for Luca Marini

Given his success in 2023, it came as a surprise to many that Marini chose to depart not only Ducati, but his brother’s team in favour of the struggling factory Honda team.

Whilst there have been no podiums during his time with HRC, Marini’s results have continued to improve as the bike becomes more competitive.

“We are very happy to have Luca joining us from 2027,” Tech3 KTM team manager, Nicolas Goyon said. “He has already shown his ability to perform at the highest level, and his experience in MotoGP will be extremely valuable as we enter this new chapter.

“He has a strong understanding of what is required from both the rider and technical side, and we are confident that he will be an important part of our progress with KTM. We are looking forward to working with him and seeing what we can achieve together.”

Marini is expected to be joined inside the Tech3 KTM garage by current Moto2 frontrunner Senna Agius.

- Josh Close

ROAD RACING 🏁 NEWS | SUPERBIKE MGP ROAD RACE 2026 | SPORTBIKE MANC GRAND PRIX

 

GLOVER LOW MGP | SUPERSPORT MANX GRAND PRIX 2026

 

MOTORSPORTS COMMUNITY HAS LOST MAURO PONCINI AND SAM NAUGHTON AT MANX GRAND PRIX

 

The motorsport community is mourning the tragic loss of Mauro Poncini and Sam Naughton during the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man.

Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends, teams, and everyone who knew them.

May Mauro and Sam rest in peace. 🕊️🏁

#ManxGrandPrix #IsleOfMan #RoadRacing #MauroPoncini #SamNaughton #Motorsport

RAUL FERNANDEZ WINS BRITISH MOTOGP AS MARTIN EXTENDS TITLE LEAD

Trackhouse rider claims his first Grand Prix victory of season while Jorge Martin increases his championship advantage to 31 points

Raul Fernandez won the British MotoGP on Sunday after recovering from a crash in Saturday's Sprint, while Jorge Martin finished second to extend his lead in the championship standings.

This was Fernandez's first Grand Prix win of the season and the second of his MotoGP career after his triumph at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.

The Trackhouse rider started second but took the lead at the opening corner before controlling the 20-lap race to finish about 2.5 seconds ahead of Martin.

Pole-sitter Martin dropped to fourth at the start because of a technical problem but recovered by overtaking Marc Marquez and Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi to finish second.

Bezzecchi completed the podium in third after holding off Alex Marquez in the closing stages.

The Italian, who returned to competition after recovering from injuries sustained at the German Grand Prix, climbed to second in the championship standings.

Martin collected 20 points to increase his total to 240, while Bezzecchi earned 16 points to move to 209, leaving the Spaniard with a 31-point championship lead.

Ai Ogura, who started third on the grid and entered the race second in the standings with 203 points, crashed out around the halfway stage and dropped to third in the championship.

Despite climbing from sixth to third at the start, reigning champion Marc Marquez slipped to seventh, collecting nine points to remain fourth in the standings with 200.

Fabio Di Giannantonio finished sixth to earn 10 points and remained fifth in the championship with 199.

British MotoGP race results

Raul Fernandez

Jorge Martin

Marco Bezzecchi

Alex Marquez

Pedro Acosta

Fabio Di Giannantonio

Marc Marquez

Brad Binder

Luca Marini

Diogo Moreira

Franco Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo

Jack Miller

Pol Espargaro

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Augusto Fernandez

Did not finish: Ai Ogura, Francesco Bagnaia, Cal Crutchlow, Iker Lecuona, Enea Bastianini, Alex Rins and Joan Mir

- Halis Sunnetci

ALEX MARQUEZ LEADS MARCO BEZZECCHI IN SILVERSTONE MOTOGP FP1

Alex Marquez kicked off the British Grand Prix fastest of all in FP1

Alex Marquez led the way in FP1 at Silverstone
© Gold and Goose

Gresini Ducati MotoGP rider Alex Marquez was fastest of all by 0.173s in opening practice for the MotoGP British Grand Prix ahead of the returning Marco Bezzecchi.

The first round after the summer break takes place at Silverstone, which has seen 11 different winners in the last 11 editions of the British Grand Prix.

Alex Marquez will be looking to add his name to that list this weekend, having taken a sprint victory previously at the former RAF airbase.

Alex Marquez, 2026 Silverstone MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

He got his weekend off to the best start on the Gresini Ducati, posting a 1m58.692s to lead the field by 0.173s.

The younger Marquez brother headed the leading Aprilia of Marco Bezzecchi, who is making his comeback following a collarbone injury in Germany ahead of the summer break.

Last year’s British Grand Prix winner completed 13 laps on his RS-GP and was faster than KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who was the only crasher in FP1.

Bezzecchi set the early pace at the start of the 45-minute FP1 at 2m01.807s, before Aprilia counterpart Raul Fernandez - fresh from signing a new two-year deal with Trackhouse - took over with a 1m59.807s.

Alex Marquez hit the front for the first time with just under 10 minutes of the session gone with a 1m59.436s, before Jorge Martin edged ahead on the sister factory team Aprilia with a 1m59.372s.

Gresini’s Marquez would post his session-topping 1m58.692s lap with around 30 minutes to go, and would not be challenged through to the chequered flag.

Bezzecchi moved up to second, while Acosta fitted some fresh rubber to move up to third with a 1m58.974s after a crash at Stowe with 20 minutes remaining.

Fernandez was fourth on the Trackhouse Aprilia, while Fabio Di Giannantonio was fifth on the VR46 Ducati.

Marc Marquez was sixth on the factory team Ducati, while Ai Ogura was only seventh on the Trackhouse Aprilia despite a switch to fresh medium rubber late on.

A FAST crash for @37_pedroacosta at Stowe 🫢#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/ylxm1Ui2hp

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 7, 2026

Championship leader Martin was eighth on a 1m59.372s, while Franco Morbidelli was ninth on the second of the VR46 Ducatis.

Pecco Bagnaia completed the top 10 on the second of the factory team Ducatis.

Joan Mir was Honda’s leading campaigner in 11th, while Fabio Quartararo led the Yamaha charge in 15th.

Gresini stand-in Iker Lecuona was 16th, while Pol Espargaro was 21st for Tech3 as he stands in for Pol Espargaro.

Home hero Cal Crutchlow was 22nd on the LCR Honda.

- Lewis Duncan

MAVERICK VINALES AFTER GERMAN GP WOES: “I NEED SUPPORT FROM TEAM BUT ALL I GET IS CRITICISM”

Vinales admits to a lack of support amid his current injury-induced performance slump

Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

Maverick Vinales says he needs greater support from KTM and Tech3 as he continues to battle his way back from injury, but feels he is only getting criticised for his lack of speed.

The Spaniard hit a new low at the German Grand Prix last weekend, where he was reduced to being the slowest rider in the entire field. After ending up a distant 19th in qualifying, more than a second off the ultimate pace, he finished dead last in the sprint, more than eight seconds behind Johann Zarco’s stand-in Cal Crutchlow.

Sunday turned out to be equally dreadful and, after running at the very rear of the pack for much of the race, he pulled into the pits with four laps remaining, saying his lack of fitness made it impossible to finish the race.

The Sachsenring weekend suggested that Vinales’ recovery isn’t linear, after previous weekends showed clear signs of progress from the collarbone fracture he sustained exactly a year ago in Germany.

Vinales admitted the current situation has been particularly difficult because he feels he is not getting the backing he needs from those around him.

“Right now, I need some support from the team, but all I get is criticism,” he said on Sunday. “It's really hard to keep going, because sometimes they're happy to see me, but other times it's like I'm a stranger.”

Vinales went under the knife at the end of April, with doctors removing a screw that had become loose after being inserted during the operation on his shoulder following a crash he sustained last year. 

While he has shown flashes of pace since then, he has yet to prove to KTM that he can rediscover his old form and deserves another contract for 2027 and beyond. 

Vinales said the prolonged recovery process is becoming increasingly difficult for him, and he is eager to return to competitiveness after being blighted by injury woes over the last 12 months.

“I don’t have any strength on the bike; I couldn’t help but slide out at every turn,” he said.

“I don’t even know if it’s fixable. I’ve considered putting myself in the hands of Marc Marquez’s doctors.

“I expected to be doing much better, but it’s true that the doctor who operated on me told me I won’t be fully recovered until Indonesia. That’s no good for me. I don’t know what to do. I guess I’ll spend the summer in Austria (at Red Bull Performance Centre), training.”

- Rachit Thukral and Gerald Dirnbeck

MARCO BEZZECCHI OUT OF GERMANY GP, NEEDS SURGERY AFTER BIG CRASH

Marco Bezzecchi will miss the German Grand Prix following a huge crash in qualifying

Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Sachsenring MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

Aprilia has announced that Marco Bezzecchi will miss the remainder of the MotoGP German Grand Prix following a huge crash in qualifying.

The erstwhile championship leader lost the rear of his Aprilia going through Turn 7 in the early stages of Q2.

When it gripped again, he was flung over his bike’s handlebars and bounced violently through the gravel.

Though he was able to walk away from the crash under his own steam, he was seen clutching his left arm when he got back to the paddock.

He was transferred to the circuit medical centre by ambulance shortly afterwards, where a displaced collarbone fracture was detected.

Marco Bezzecchi will require surgery on the injury.

“Following the crash, Marco Bezzecchi was taken to the circuit medical centre where, under the supervision of MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte, he underwent an X-ray examination which revealed a complete and displaced fracture of the left clavicle,” Aprilia said in a statement.

“The type of fracture requires surgical intervention for optimal recovery, and it will be performed by Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini in Italy.

“Marco Bezzecchi is planning to return to Italy as soon as possible. We will keep you updated.”

Marco Bezzecchi's season goes from bad to worse

Bezzecchi was due to start from eighth on the grid, ahead of Aprilia team-mate Jorge Martin. 

It marks his second big accident in as many rounds, following a fast crash during the Dutch Grand Prix. 

With Bezzecchi withdrawing from the rest of the Germany weekend, it will bring his tally of non-scores in main races to four in a row, and marks his second scoreless event in three. 

His crash out of the Dutch Grand Prix lost him the championship lead, dropping him seven points behind Martin. Currently, Martin is unlikely to fight for victory in either race, but the likes of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez could overhaul Bezzecchi in the points. 

Bezzecchi's season has quickly turned hellish since his dominant start to the campaign, in which he won the first three grands prix and added a fourth to his tally in Italy. 

Since then, he was involved in a Turn 1 pile-up triggered by Martin in Hungary, crashed out of the sprint at Brno and was subsequently banned from the main race for striking a marshal, before falling out of the Dutch Grand Prix. 

Bezzecchi now has three weeks within which to have the surgery and recover in time to compete at the British Grand Prix at the start of August. 

- Lewis Duncan

LIQUI MOLY GRAND PRIX OF GERMANY 🇩🇪 | MOTOGP

 

YAMAHA CONFIRMS FABIO QUARTERARO EXIT FOR 2027 MOTOGP

Yamaha has confirmed that both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will move on from the factory team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.

Fabio Quartararo at the Dutch MotoGP. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Yamaha has taken a major step towards revealing its 2027 MotoGP line-up, after confirming the exits of Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. 

The decision not to re-sign Rins comes as no surprise, as the former Suzuki and Honda rider has often struggled with the M1 since joining the factory team in 2024, albeit aboard machinery that at times was the least competitive on the grid.

However, Quartararo managed to outperform the capabilities of the M1 on several occasions, although he too, struggled to be competitive on a consistent basis.

Fabio Quartararo riding the Yamaha M1. Credit: Gold and Goose.

But with Quartararo being Yamaha’s most recent world champion, keeping the Frenchman has often been a major target for the Japanese manufacturer. That said, it became very clear at the start of this season that a new contract agreement between both sides was unlikely.

Quartararo has been heavily linked with a switch to Honda, which is expected to be confirmed soon, while Aprilia’s Jorge Martin will replace the 2021 MotoGP champion at the factory Yamaha squad.

Fabio Quartararo in Assen. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing, said this about losing both riders in 2027: 

"Fabio [Quartararo] and Alex [Rins have both played an important role in Yamaha's MotoGP project, and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years.

"Fabio's journey with Yamaha spans eight years, during which we have shared both great successes and difficult moments. Together, we have grown, celebrated achievements that have shaped our story, and faced challenges that have strengthened us. Beyond the results, it is this journey that defines our relationship, and in the end, Fabio will always remain one of the true legends of Yamaha MotoGP.

"Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Alex has brought valuable experience, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project's development. While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season."

Yamaha could be one of three manufacturers that has an all-new factory team line-up next season, with Honda and KTM expected to bring in two new riders each.

- Robert Jones

"SIMPLY TOO FAST" - APRILIA VERDICT ON MARCO BEZZECCHI'S ASSEN MOTOGP CRASH

Aprilia believes Marco Bezzecchi's frightening Assen MotoGP crash was simply the result of carrying too much speed through Turn 15.

Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Assen MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

“Simply too fast".

That was Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola's verdict when asked about the cause of Marco Bezzecchi's frightening Assen MotoGP crash.

Bezzecchi lost control through the ultra-fast Turn 15 left-hander on lap two of the grand prix while holding fourth.

The Italian cartwheeled through the gravel but was fortunately seen sitting upright and talking to marshals afterwards.

Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Assen MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

The accident went on to cost Bezzecchi the world championship lead to team-mate Jorge Martin, who completed an Aprilia podium sweep behind Trackhouse riders Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez.

“I honestly think the Aprilia was not strong just in Turn 15, in all the very fast parts of the circuit, the Aprilia normally shows something special,” Rivola added.

Rivola said: “We are just waiting for the very latest news. Luckily, it doesn't seem like anything to worry about."

Aprilia duly confirmed that CT scans and radiological examinations found no injuries, and that Bezzecchi will travel back home tonight.

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia.

© Gold and Goose

Sunday marked Bezzecchi's fourth non-score in the last six races.

Before Assen, he was taken out by Martin in Hungary, then crashed in the Brno Sprint before being suspended from the grand prix.

Bezzecchi, who has led the world championship since COTA, now trails Martin by nine points.

- Peter McLaren

DUCATI STATEMENT REVEALS HINT INTO PEDRO ACOSTA MOTOGP SIGNING

Ducati calls Pedro Acosta “one of the most talented riders in MotoGP” after confirming the KTM rider’s signature

Pedro Acosta, 2026 Czech MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

Ducati admits that signing Pedro Acosta was a target “for some time” after finally confirming the KTM rider for the 2027 MotoGP season. 

Acosta has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Italian manufacturer, where he will replace the outgoing Francesco Bagnaia, who is expected to join Aprilia Racing. 

Ducati announced Bagnaia’s departure on Wednesday morning, before confirming the news that had been expected since the opening few races of 2026.

Pedro Acosta, Francesco Bagnaia, 2025 Japanese MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

Acosta will line-up alongside Marc Marquez, who himself committed his future to Ducati with a new two-year deal of his own on Monday.

Acosta and Marquez will form one of the most talented rider pairings the sport has ever seen, and it will be the most high-profile since Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha. 

Ducati was known to be a big admirer of Acosta in previous years, so it’s therefore no surprise that the Bologna-based company pushed hard to sign the Spaniard when it did. 

Signing Acosta comes at a particularly interesting time, with MotoGP set to transition into the new 850cc era in 2027. 

Alongside Marquez, Acosta will no doubt be expected to lead Ducati over the next two years by challenging for race wins and the title.

Pedro Acosta, 2026 Czech MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

However, it’s also clear that Ducati sees Acosta as the long-term future of their MotoGP project given he is only 22 years of age.

Speaking about the signing of Acosta, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said: “Pedro is undoubtedly one of the most talented young riders in the MotoGP paddock. 

“At just 22 years old, he is the kind of rider with whom a new and exciting chapter can be written. 

“We have always liked him and have been following him for some time, both for what he has achieved on track and for his direct and easy-going personality, which we are sure will make Ducatisti fall in love with him once he is dressed in red. 

“We believe that, alongside Marc, he represents the ideal complement for a team that - building on its history and on the results achieved in recent years - wants to continue playing a leading role in the future and remain a source of admiration, respect and support for Ducati fans all around the world”.

- Robert Jones

MARC MARQUEZ WINS THE CZECH MOTOGP GRAND PRIX 2026

 

MOTOGP STANDINGS

 

'IT LOOKS STUPID' - APRILIA BOSS CRITICAL OF JORGE MARTIN AFTER TURN ONE MOTOGP PILE-UP

Massimo Rivola has put the blame on Jorge Martin for the turn one crash at the Hungary MotoGP.

Jorge Martin after turn one crash, 2026 MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.
© Gold & Goose

The Hungary MotoGP race was blown apart for Aprilia at the first corner thanks to a mistake by one of its own riders, Massimo Rivola says.

Marco Bezzecchi had seemingly done what he did in the Sprint, moving up from sixth on the grid to third at the first corner. But then Jorge Martin lost control in braking and Bezzecchi – as well as Fermin Aldeguer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Raul Fernandez – were taken down with the 2024 MotoGP champion.

Ordinarily a team manager would find a justification for the crash that does not involve blaming their own riders. Aprilia Racing CEO, though, was clear that the crash was Martin’s mistake.

Martin falls at Turn 1, 2026 Hungarian MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

“My first thought is always for the riders, I'm sorry,” Rivola told Sky Sport Italy after the race in Hungary.

"Martin's mistake should never happen, especially when safety is at stake and you're so aggressively approaching the first turn. 

“It was a strange mistake, not one of enthusiasm. He made a bad braking mistake, but he didn't brake too late. 

“He applied more power with the bike leaning slightly, in a part of the track where there's less grip. But it's a mistake a world champion shouldn't make.”

Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing, 2026 Hungary MotoGP

© Gold and Goose

The crash brought about memories of Martin’s crash at turn one at Motegi last year, where he also took out Bezzecchi. But Rivola says the two incidents are different.

“I think the [outcome] is similar but the mistake is quite different,” he said.

“Last year he overbraked and it was another reaction. This time it was, I don't want to say a small mistake, but he didn't behave with the front brake as he should have done in that part of the track at corner one. 

“That is quite different from Japan. A smaller mistake but the same [outcome]. For us, even worse.”

Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Turn 1 crash, 2026 Hungarian MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

Rivola also feels that the design of the first corner is perhaps not the thing to blame for the crash, given that the first corner at Barcelona was also blamed for a turn one incident only a few races ago.

Instead, Rivola thinks the way to avoid crashes like this is for the riders to approach the first corner more cautiously.

“If we go to Barcelona, we say that it's too dangerous at the first corner,” said Rivola.

“When you are on Sunday, you know very well the track layout, the grip condition. I think that at the first corner, everybody should take it a bit more easy. 

“Then, the fact that we are also unlucky that when we crash, we have another Aprilia or even two in the middle, it looks also stupid. 

“But the point is that when you know that the conditions are bad, you take it more easy.”

- Alex Whitworth

MOTOGP MANUFACTURERS' TOP SPEED | ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 🇮🇹

 

FORMER F1 BOSS ROSS BRAWN GETS MOTOGP ROLE

Ross Brawn, Managing Director of Motorsports, FOM

Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images

Brawn will strengthen the Pramac leadership as an advisor to team director Paolo Campinoti

The Pramac Racing MotoGP team has announced it has signed Ross Brawn onto its board of directors.

In this role, Brawn will act as a strategic advisor to owner and team director Paolo Campinoti, bringing extensive experience from the Formula 1 world championship.

Brawn’s career in motorsport has spanned more than four decades, during which he has contributed to a total of 22 world titles – 11 apiece in the constructors’ and drivers’ standings. He left the Mercedes team in 2013, before taking on a management role within the F1 entity from 2017 to 2022.

“His appointment reflects a shared competitive trajectory and an approach that aligns with Pramac Racing’s position in MotoGP.

“This addition further strengthens the company’s organizational structure, which continues its development in the premier category of motorcycle racing,” the team explained in a statement.

“I am very proud to welcome Ross to Pramac Racing,” said Campinoti. “Beyond his extraordinary career and achievements in Formula 1, Ross is a person with whom I have shared a friendship and a relationship of great respect for many years. I believe that his vision, knowledge and winning mentality will contribute in a valuable way to the continued growth and development of Pramac Racing.”

Ross Brown, Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing
Photo: Pramac Racing 

“I am pleased to join the board of directors of Pramac Racing Limited as a non-executive member,” Brawn added. “Motorsport has always been about people, teamwork and continuous improvement, and I look forward to supporting Paolo and the team, as well as contributing my experience wherever it may be useful.

“Pramac has built an impressive organization with great spirit and ambition, and I am excited to be part of its future.”

- Germán Garcia Casanova

MOTOGP CRASH | JOHANN ZARCO MOTOGP CTASH | CATALONIA GRAND PRIX 2026