MEDIA DAY DISPATCH: spirits not dampened as title race roars into the Ring

motogp.com

17 Sep 2026

A rain-soaked Thursday at the Red Bull Ring didn't limit the excitement levels as title race talk takes centre stage once more

The Red Bull Ring. Where MotoGP’s title frontrunners are set to lock horns in one last European joust for a couple of months, and coming into the weekend tied on points are our two most recent MotoGP World Champions: Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing). Tantalising.

And on a rain-soaked Thursday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Austria, title race talk, Pedro Acosta’s chances on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s home turf, and Senna Agius’ (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) confirmed 2027 MotoGP move were the hot topics. So if you’ve missed anything before Friday’s action begins, look no further.

THE LEADER AGAIN... MM93

Level on points, but top of the tree - the new title race frontrunner has his say ahead of the Austrian GP

Marquez mentality: “It’s the same whether I’m leading or behind by a few points”

After winning at the Red Bull Ring last year, the reigning Champion plays down suggestions that Austria gives him any special edge as the title fight resumes in Spielberg

MARTIN: THIS WILL BE A TEST TO SEE IF NEED SURGERY

Having suffered from a dose of arm pump in Sunday's Grand Prix at Misano, the 2024 World Champion says Saturday's bumper day will provide an important test

Martin: "This will be a test to see if I need surgery on Monday"

Level on points with Marquez, the Aprilia rider reveals Austria will determine whether his arm pump problem requires surgery immediately after the weekend

BEZZECCHI REGROUPS AS TITLE RACE ROARS INTO THE RED BULL RING

The Italian is focusing on the positives as Bez eyes reeling in Marc Marquez and Martin in Austria

Bezzecchi regroups as title fight moves to Austria

After a painful end to his home GP, the Italian provides an update on his fitness as he looks to regroup and get back in the fight in Austria

OGURA RETURNS!

The Japanese star will be reviewed after FP1, but how good is it to see the Dutch GP winner back?

"Good enough to ride" – Ogura set for Austria return

After missing Aragon and Misano with a hand injury, the Japanese rider is cleared to ride in FP1 at the Red Bull Ring before undergoing a further medical review

ACOSTA, KTM AND THE SEARCH FOR THAT VICTORY

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star says it would be the perfect way to close his and KTM's chapter if a maiden MotoGP win arrived on Austrian soil this weekend

Acosta dreams of KTM home win: "The best way to finish the story"

With his KTM chapter nearing its end, Acosta reveals why a maiden MotoGP win at the factory’s home race would mean that little bit more

THE FINAL 2027 ROOKIE CONFIRMATION... SENNA AGIUS

The Australian looks ahead to embracing a dream come true in a few months when he joins Red Bull KTM Tech3, but knows there's still a job to do in Moto2

Agius on MotoGP deal: "I’ve still got work to do in Moto2"

Fresh from confirming his 2027 MotoGP move with Red Bull KTM Tech3, the Australian insists his focus remains firmly on finishing the job in Moto2

QATAR AIRWAYS GRAND PRIX OF AUSTRIA PRESS CONFERENCE

Hear from Marc Marquez, Martin, and Acosta!

2026 Austrian GP Press Conference: Marc Marquez, Martin and Acosta

Hear from the riders as we get set for the fifteenth round of the World Championship at the Red Bull Ring