The dates and venues for MotoGP’s 2026 pre-season checks stay undecided, with the delay stemming from uncertainty relating to the town that can host the season launch, Motorsport.com understands.
The calendar for the 2026 season was unveiled simply over a month in the past, that includes 22 grands prix together with Brazil’s return because the second spherical.
After an inaugural occasion in Bangkok this yr, the season launch format has been continued for 2026, with three candidate cities thought of from the outset: Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Singapore.
The Malaysian capital is the popular alternative for many groups, largely for logistical and cost-saving causes. Holding the occasion in Kuala Lumpur could be handy provided that pre-season testing is anticipated to start at Sepang — simply exterior the town — in early February, instantly following the normal “shakedown” classes.
Miguel Oliveira, Pramac Racing, at Sepang
Picture by: Pramac Racing
Ought to Kuala Lumpur get the nod, a second spherical of testing might be held both in Thailand, which opens the season in early March, or once more at Sepang, concentrating your complete pre-season close to the Petronas Towers’ backdrop.
Melbourne, nonetheless, can be seen as a gorgeous possibility, although extra complicated. On this situation, the launch would seemingly happen between the 2 check classes. To keep away from the dangers and logistical complications of delivery MotoGP equipment over such a protracted distance with brief turnaround time, organisers may as a substitute go for present bikes fairly than the precise race prototypes.
Singapore stays one other risk, providing among the industrial and promotional enchantment that Dorna, the championship promoter, has been eager to showcase.
On the Austrian GP, MotoGP groups met with representatives of IRTA (Worldwide Street-Racing Groups Affiliation), although no concrete plan emerged.
Motorsport.com understands that the following key assembly — with Dorna officers additionally anticipated to attend — might be held on the Catalan GP at Barcelona, on 5-7 September. That gathering is more likely to finalise each testing venues and dates.
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