MotoGP 2026 Season: A Comprehensive Look at the Exciting New Calendar
The MotoGP series has unveiled its schedule for the 2026 season, featuring a total of 22 thrilling races. This year marks a significant change as the Brazilian Grand Prix makes its grand return, replacing the Argentine round that had been part of the series. The Brazilian event will take place in early March, promising an exhilarating start to the season.
Season Kickoff in Thailand
The 2026 MotoGP season will kick off with the Thai Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit. This venue has been a staple in the series and will continue to host the opening race until at least 2027. The Thai GP is scheduled for February 27 to March 1, 2026, setting the stage for the action-packed year ahead.
Brazil is Back on the Map
A major highlight of the upcoming season is the return of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which has not been featured in the championship for 22 years. Scheduled for March 20-22, this event will take place at the Ayrton Senna Autodrome in Goiania. The last time a world championship motorcycle race was held in Goiania was back in 1989, making this a significant moment for Brazilian motorsport fans.
A Busy March: The Americas GP
Following the excitement in Brazil, the MotoGP circus will head to the United States for the Americas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. This race will take place from March 27 to 29, marking the first double-header of the season. With a mix of tight corners and elevation changes, the COTA circuit always promises a thrilling experience for both riders and fans.
Middle Eastern Adventure: Qatar GP
After the Americas GP, the series will journey to the Middle East for the Qatar Grand Prix, slated for April 10-12. The Losail International Circuit has been a regular stop on the MotoGP calendar, known for its night race format. As the sun sets, the excitement ramps up, offering a unique atmosphere that captivates spectators.
European Leg: Spain and Beyond
As the season progresses, MotoGP will make its way to Europe. The Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez will take place on April 26, followed by the French GP at Le Mans on May 10. The Catalunya GP in Barcelona is scheduled for May 17, and the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello will follow on May 31. This stretch of races is crucial as teams and riders aim to establish their positions in the championship standings.
Hungary Joins the Calendar
The Hungarian Grand Prix returns to the calendar for the second consecutive year, this time taking place at Balaton Park from June 5-7. This scenic venue adds to the diversity of the tracks on the MotoGP calendar, attracting fans with its beautiful surroundings and challenging layout.
Czech Republic and the Netherlands
The series will then visit the iconic Brno circuit in the Czech Republic on June 21, followed by a trip to the Netherlands for the Assen race on June 28. Both tracks are known for their rich history and enthusiastic fan bases, making them highlights of the season.
Mid-Season Break and the Return to Germany
After a busy first half of the year, MotoGP will take a brief hiatus before resuming with the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring on July 12. This track is known for its unique left-handed layout and has been a favorite among riders and fans alike.
Summer in the UK and Aragon
The UK round at Silverstone will take place on August 9, bringing the series to one of the sport’s most historic venues. Following this, the Aragon Grand Prix will be held at Motorland on August 30, despite some uncertainty regarding its future on the calendar.
A European Double-Header to Conclude Summer
As summer winds down, MotoGP will host a double-header in Europe, featuring races in Misano and Austria. The Misano GP is set for September 13, followed by the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring from September 18-20. The Austrian race has been moved from its traditional August slot, adding to the excitement of the later season.
Asian Tour: Japan and Indonesia
The MotoGP series will then shift its focus to Asia, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi on October 4. This race is critical as it will be held at a circuit that has recently secured its place on the calendar until 2030. Following Japan, riders will compete in Indonesia at the Mandalika circuit on October 11, offering a scenic backdrop and a challenging track.
Closing the Season in Australia and Malaysia
The Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island will take place on October 25, a beloved venue known for its breathtaking views and exciting racing conditions. Following Australia, the series heads to Malaysia for the Sepang Grand Prix on November 1, another key race that often influences the championship standings.
Finale in Portugal and Spain
As the season draws to a close, the MotoGP will host the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao on November 15, showcasing the stunning Algarve region. The season finale will once again be held at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia from November 22 to 24. This venue has become synonymous with the end of the MotoGP season, often determining the champions and providing a thrilling conclusion to the year.
Pre-Season Testing for 2027
In addition to the exciting races planned for 2026, MotoGP will also kick off the pre-season testing for the 2027 season on November 24 in Valencia. This testing session will introduce the new regulations and allow teams to prepare for the upcoming year.
Summary of the 2026 MotoGP Calendar
The 2026 MotoGP calendar promises to deliver an exhilarating mix of races, venues, and competition. With the return of the Brazilian Grand Prix and a packed schedule across continents, fans can look forward to a season filled with high-speed action and unforgettable moments. Here’s a quick overview of the full 2026 MotoGP schedule:
- March 1: Thailand, Buriram
- March 22: Brazil, Goiania
- March 29: Americas, COTA, USA
- April 12: Qatar, Losail
- April 26: Spain, Jerez
- May 10: France, Le Mans
- May 17: Catalunya, Barcelona
- May 31: Italy, Mugello
- June 7: Hungary, Balaton Park
- June 21: Czech Republic, Brno
- June 28: Netherlands, Assen
- July 12: Germany, Sachsenring
- August 9: UK, Silverstone
- August 30: Aragon, Motorland
- September 13: San Marino, Misano
- September 20: Austria, Spielberg
- October 4: Japan, Motegi
- October 11: Indonesia, Mandalika
- October 25: Australia, Phillip Island
- November 1: Malaysia, Sepang
- November 15: Portugal, Portimao
- November 22: Valencia, Ricardo Tormo
With a diverse array of tracks and countries on the schedule, the 2026 MotoGP season is set to be a memorable one for both riders and fans. Each race presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, making it essential for teams to stay competitive throughout the year. As the anticipation builds for the new season, fans are eager to see how the championship unfolds and who will emerge as the next MotoGP champion.
