MotoGP’s second half of 2026: loading…

motogp.com

29 Jul 2026

Silverstone is appearing on the horizon, which means the race to Valencia begins shortly as we gear up for a fascinating few months in MotoGP

The summer holidays are nearly over for the MotoGP paddock as a date with Silverstone approaches over the second half of the season’s horizon.

As we get set for Round 12 of 22, what is there to look forward to for the rest of the campaign? The short answer: plenty. But let’s have a little look at what we’re going to be focusing on over the next few weeks, with 11 MotoGP weekends coming up between now and the end of November. Bring it on.

THE TITLE RACE

The obvious one, and the big one. 24 points splitting five riders, a new modern era record after 11 Grands Prix, and others who fancy a piece of the action too. The 2026 title race has been a rollercoaster, and we’re entering the part of the year where every point counts in the chase to be crowned World Champion at the end of the season.

The contenders: two factory Aprilias in Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Japan’s rising star, Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team). The underdog perhaps? Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). The in-form seven-time MotoGP title winner, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). And the likes of Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who will all be having a say in where the famous trophy ends up.

"I'm not the favourite, Marc is" - Martin on 2026 title race

Halfway point reached, 24 points cover five riders - but the Championship leader shrugs off the favourite tag

POTENTIAL NEW WINNERS

The opening stint to 2026 saw Ogura clinch his debut MotoGP victory in style in Assen, and the obvious name waiting to etch their name onto the MotoGP winners’ list is Acosta. Will the #37 collect that victory he’s so desperate for in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colours before he moves to Ducati for 2027?

REWIND: a new winner is crowned

Relive the Dutch GP as Ogura writes his name in the history books at the Cathedral

And speaking of, current Ducati star Bagnaia will be hoping he can sign off his glittering career with the Bologna brand with at least another win to his name. The Italian hasn’t stood on the Sunday top step since Japan 2025, and it would be very fitting for the double MotoGP World Champion to celebrate another win – or more – in red.

Another lead candidate for a first win of the season is Fernandez. Both he and Pecco will fancy themselves as title contenders heading to Silverstone, so can last year’s Australian GP winner add more victories to his podium collection having pocketed a P2 and P3 pre-summer?

THE FLYAWAYS & FAREWELL TO A CLASSIC

It’s the part of the season that can always throw up a surprise or two. The trips to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia will be season-defining, with temperatures – in some cases – and the pressure ramped right up away from European soil.

And this year’s visit to Phillip Island will be a special one too. As MotoGP enters a very exciting new chapter in Australian Grand Prix history with its first trip to Adelaide, we’ll be waving goodbye to a wonderful ribbon of asphalt when we travel two hours south of Melbourne in October. And we know what the Island is all about: superb racing and unpredictable weather.

A SPECIAL SEASON FINALE

Valencia is always a weekend to remember, whether there are titles to be won or not. But this year, it’ll be extra special as the curtains come down on MotoGP’s 1000cc era before the much-anticipated 850cc era revs into life.

And with that comes all the rider swaps we’re very eager to get a good glimpse at during the Valencia Test.

But that's a few months away yet. First stop: Silverstone. MotoGP fires back into life at an all-time classic, and we can't wait to get going again.