Adrian Fernandez led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Le Mans, in France. Fernandez used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:40.255 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:40.507.
Adrian Cruces, piloting his CIP Green Power KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.534.
fp2 moto3
AMA’s annual initiative aims to get kids aboard two wheels this month.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Now in its fourth year, The American Motorcyclist Association’s annual AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month is a nationwide campaign geared toward the next generation of riders while aiming to get America’s youth on motorcycles.
During AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, the AMA will work closely with its racing and recreational riding organizers on riding initiatives for children and give them controlled environments where they can ride.
“The future of motorcycling hinges on raising America’s youth on two wheels,” AMA Director of Marketing and Communications Joy Burgess said. “AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month has grown with each passing year, serving its purpose to cultivate the future of our sport through our nation’s kids. We are so grateful to our organizers and all of the kids that get out and ride; they make this month so special!”
The AMA will work alongside its organizers and partners to promote Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month via numerous methods, including social media campaigns, marketing efforts and more to educate people about the benefits of getting kids on motorcycles.
AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month would not be possible without our outstanding partners throughout the motorcycle industry, including Denago, STACYC, Yamaha, Cobra, Honda, Turn 14 Distribution, Guts Racing, ASV, Brake Free, SSR, Beta and Baxley.
Take A Kid Dirt Biking Month events will take place throughout May, hosted by several organizers throughout the country. However, kids do not need to attend an organized event to get involved. To participate, kids simply need to get out and ride in the month of May and submit a photo or video at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-photo-submissions/ . By sharing photos, kids will have the opportunity to be featured on the AMA’s social media, website and in the American Motorcyclist magazine. They’ll also have a chance to win a STACYC bike and other prizes.
As part of AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, the third issue of American Motorcyclist For Kids is now available! This edition highlights the incredible children — and a few adults — that impact motorcycling as racers, advocates and riders. Read the issue at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/american-motorcyclist-for-kids/ .
More details regarding Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/event-resources/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-month/ .
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2026) – AMA Pro Racing joins the motorcycle racing community in mourning the passing of Mike Kidd, the 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer, race promoter, series builder, and former AMA Pro Racing executive. Kidd was 72.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Kidd authored one of the most respected careers in American motorcycle racing, first as a rider who overcame repeated adversity to reach the sport’s highest level, and later as a promoter and executive who helped shape the future of flat track and indoor motorcycle racing.
Kidd turned professional in 1972 and quickly established himself among the elite riders of the Grand National era. His first AMA Grand National victory came at the 1974 Charity Newsies Half Mile in Columbus, Ohio, and he went on to collect 12 AMA national wins during his professional racing career.
His greatest competitive triumph came in 1981. Riding for the Lawwill/Roberts team, Kidd earned eight podium finishes and victories at the Ascot Park TT national and the Du Quoin Mile. The championship battle came down to the final race at Ascot Park, where Kidd finished second to secure the AMA Grand National Championship by five points over Gary Scott.
After the 1981 title, Kidd joined Honda’s newly formed dirt track effort and played an important role in the development of machinery that would help power Honda riders to multiple Grand National Championships in the years that followed.
Kidd retired from professional racing after the 1983 season, but his influence on the sport only expanded. He was named AMA Promoter of the Year in 1984, built and operated Boyd Raceway in Texas, and created the AMA National Arenacross Series in 1985. He later worked as a vice president with Clear Channel Motor Sports and continued to shape motorcycle racing through event promotion, sponsorship development, and television initiatives.
Kidd also served the sport from within AMA Pro Racing, including leadership roles with AMA Pro Flat Track and later as AMA Pro Racing Director of Sales. Across those roles, he brought the same racer’s determination and promoter’s vision that defined his life in motorcycling.
Inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, Kidd leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his 1981 Grand National Championship. He was a racer, promoter, innovator, salesman, and advocate whose work helped sustain and grow the uniquely American discipline of flat track racing.
AMA Pro Racing extends its deepest condolences to Kidd’s family, friends, former competitors, colleagues, and the many fans whose lives he touched.
More, from a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame:
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Hall of Famer Mike Kidd, and extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was 72.
The 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, Kidd’s racing career was defined by his perseverance in the face of much adversity. Beyond his chops as a racer, Kidd was a top promoter of AMA races in the 1980s and 1990s, and founded the AMA Arenacross Series in 1985.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1953, Kidd’s love for racing started on four wheels, not two, where he saw great success, winning a national title in his age category. By the time he was 13, Kidd found his true calling on a motorcycle, competing in local dirt track and motocross races.
In 1972, Kidd turned pro, falling just short of a debut victory at the Houston Astrodome — registering a second-place finish behind fellow rookie and future AMA Hall of Famer Kenny Roberts.
In 1974, Kidd joined Triumph’s factory racing team and earned his first AMA Grand National victory at the Columbus, Ohio, Half-Mile.
Seven years later, and after enduring much misfortune out of his control, Kidd reached the pinnacle of his craft, winning the 1981 AMA Grand National Championship. He did so in dramatic fashion, entering the final race of the season at the Ascot Half-Mile in Gardena, Calif., in a tie with fellow AMA Hall of Famer Gary Scott. Kidd finished second in the tie-breaking race, but since Scott registered only a fourth-place finish, Kidd took the championship by a mere five points.
Kidd retired from racing in 1983, tallying a total of 12 AMA Grand National wins alongside his iconic 1981 title.
Kidd’s impact on the motorcycling community did not end there, however. In the 1980s and 1990s, Kidd became one of the leading promoters of AMA races in the country, going on to create the AMA Arenacross Series in 1985.
For his efforts as a racer and promoter, Kidd was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
More from Mike kidd services info:
Dad’s arrangements:
Visitation will be Monday, May 11th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Coker Funeral Home
152 State Hwy 148
Jacksboro , TX
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 12th at 1:00 PM, led by Chaplain Raymond Rizzo
Bible Baptist Church
241 W. Live Oak Street
Jacksboro, TX
Followed by graveside services and then a Celebration of Life at Jacksboro Golf & Country Club.
Please bring your favorite stories and memories to share at the Celebration of Life. Food will be provided, but if you feel led to bring something, you are more than welcome to.
Thank you all for the love, prayers, and support during this time. ❤️🏁
ONWARD #72
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V on spec Michelin tires, the frenchman turned a lap time of 1:29.907 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:29.917 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Desmosedici GP26.
Francesco Bagnaia was third at 1:30.045 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Alex Marquez finished the session fourth with a 1:30.045 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Joan Mir got fifth on his Honda HRC Castrol RC213V with a lap time of 1:30.092.
motogp practice
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Heroic Zarco goes P1 as Marc Marquez faces Q1 at Le Mans. Last year’s winner was straight out the crate and straight on the pace whilst reigning World Champion Marc Marquez had a far from ideal Friday.
We promised you excitement and that’s certainly a promise we weren’t going to break. P1 like he finished last year’s weekend, Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) started his 2026 home Grand Prix where he left off as he topped Friday action. The Frenchman was in mighty form in the dry running on day one of the French Grand Prix to give the home crowd what they wanted to see, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR4 Racing Team) was just 0.010s behind in second. Double World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) clinched third despite a late crash.
EARLY FALLERS IN FRANCE
It wasn’t the best start to Practice for Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), with the 2024 World Champion and French GP winner crashing at Turn 9 just over five minutes into the session. He wasn’t the only one though, as 15 minutes later, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) likewise tucked the front, this time at Turn 3 – despite his best efforts to save it. With less than half an hour to go, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) suffered a big blow up with his RS-GP in flames, temporarily pausing his Friday afternoon.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Out front and it was Di Giannantonio who was looking like the rider who had got dialled in the quickest. The #49 was flying, having been P2 in FP1 earlier in the day and now leading the charge in the afternoon. That wasn’t before a big push from last year’s home winner though; Zarco didn’t just go top on one lap but he made it back-to-back fastest laps of the session as we approached the final ten minutes.
THE FINAL 15 MINUTES
Whilst Zarco was doing the business and fellow home-hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had gone up inside the provisional top ten, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was on the charge but folded the front at the penultimate corner. On his feet and quickly running back to the pits for a spare bike, ‘The Shark’ hoped to still be able to consolidate his Q2 spot.
Meanwhile, another Honda had hit the front, this time Joan Mir – the Spaniard topped the morning session and with seven minutes on the clock, he was doing it again. That was until double World Champion Bagnaia fired in a 1’30.045 to edge ahead. It made for a tantalising final role of the dice with five minutes to go.
A late surprise in the session came courtesy of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who rocketed up into the top ten, along with improvements from Martin and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), the Championship leader struggling throughout the session and leaving it late to get into the top ten. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) both moved into the top ten too, bumping Marc Marquez out of the top ten. Teammate Bagnaia crashed on his final flying lap, whilst the #93 couldn’t improve as he makes a first Q1 appearance since Indonesia last season as he finished in 13th.
YOUR FRIDAY TOP 10
Zarco on top at Le Mans – a dream start to the weekend for those packing out the grandstands. ‘Diggia’ was P2 again and found himself behind a different Honda in comparison to FP1, whilst Bagnaia, Alex Marquez and Mir complete the top five. Martin, Bezzecchi, Rins, Ogura and Acosta in P10 ensure all manufacturers are represented in Q2 directly after Practice. Less than three tenths cover the top ten, it’s unbelievably close in MotoGP.
Q1 CONTENDERS
Missing the cut, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and fellow KTM star Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as well as Marc Marquez in 13th. 2025 polesitter Quartararo was only 17th whilst double podium finisher from last year Aldeguer was 21st. Only two spots are for grabs on Saturday morning…
SPRINT SATURDAY AWAITS
MotoGP qualifying kicks off at 10:50 local time, with the Tissot Sprint alive at 15:00. With rain in the air, who knows what happens? The French GP at Le Mans: may contain nuts.
Izan Guevara led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Riding his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:34.348, topping the field of 28 riders.
Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:34.350 on his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
Barry Baltus did a third-fastest 1:34.351 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
Ivan Ortola got fourth on his QJMOTOR MSI Kalex with a time of 1:34.392.
Alonso Lopez, piloting his Italjet Gresini Kalex, crossed the finish line fifth with a time of 1:34.436.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:34.934 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
moto2 practice
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Guevara fastest on Friday as Alonso faces Q1 in France. It’s a Boscoscuro 1-2 on the opening day at Le Mans, with the top five split by less than a tenth.
A rapid and very early 1:34.348 from Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) saw the Spaniard finish top of the Moto2 timesheets on a highly competitive Friday. 0.002s away from P1 was second place Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) as Boscoscuro kickstarted the weekend with a 1-2, and a further 0.001s adrift was third place Barry Baltus (REDS Fantic Racing). 0.003s splitting the top three – we’ll have a bit more of that throughout the weekend.
Fourth place went the way of Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – El Motorista – MSI), the Spaniard sits 0.044s from top spot, with compatriot Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) just the 0.088s behind in P5.
It was a good day for Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) after disappointing weekends in Austin and Jerez, the former championship leader was just over a tenth off P1 in P6, but on the other side of the box, it wasn’t the Friday David Alonso would have been looking for. The Colombian finished P18 in Practice, 0.664s down on Guevara, and never featured in the top 14 in the session. Work to do then for the #80 in France.
The World Championship top two, Manuel Gonzalez and Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP teammate Senna Agius, ended Friday in P8 and P9. Job done in terms of getting into Q2.
Tune into Moto2 qualifying at 13:40 local time on Saturday!
David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Muñoz used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:40.211 to lead the field of 26.
His teammate, David Almansa was second-best with a time of 1:40.225.
Marco Morelli, piloting his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.296.
Hakim Danish got fourth on his MT Helmets MSI KTM with a time of 1:40.443.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brian Uriarte finished the session fifth with a lap time of 1:40.598.
practice moto3
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Muñoz shines at Le Mans for Friday honours in France. In the victory hunt here 12 months ago and a podium finisher last time out at Jerez, the Spaniard headed home his teammate on the opening day of the French GP.
It was a fine showing from David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) to top the first day of Moto3 action at Le Mans, France. The French GP never lets us down and Muñoz, who was in contention for victory last year, will be looking to bag a first win of his 2026 campaign as he laid down the gauntlet.
The #64 was inside the leading positions for most of the session before deposing teammate David Almansa from top spot in the closing stages. Almansa had been in P1 for the majority of the session before Muñoz rocketed up the order late on; Almansa suffered a fall on his final flying lap at Turn 8 but was all OK. Completing the top three, Argentinean star Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) who was in good Friday form.
Just behind the top three, Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) was a strong fourth ahead of a late-charging Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Jerez podium finisher Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing). Other headlines in the top ten were Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) in seventh for his team’s home GP and Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) in P8 despite an early fall at Turn 6. It was a strong Friday for the Gryd – MLav Racing outfit with both Joel Kelso and Eddie O’Shea moving into Q2 directly.
There were major names who found themselves out of the top 14 at the chequered flag and therefore going into Q1. COTA winner Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) was only 15th after a crash whilst a crash for Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who is second in the standings and who led the opening FP1 session at Le Mans, could only manage P17. Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) has been on the front two rows in the last three GPs but will need to go through Q1 to keep that streak alive.
Luca Marini topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Michelin-shod Honda HRC Castrol RC213V, the Italian rider turned a lap of 1:30.857 around the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:30.911 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third with a lap of 1:31.065 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
2025 race winner, Johann Zarco finished the first session fourth with a time of 1:31.109 on his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V.
Raul Fernandez got fifth on his Aprilia Trackhouse RS-GP26 with a time of 1:31.224.
fp1 motogp
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Marini leads Acosta and Zarco in Le Mans FP1. It’s HRC from KTM to kickstart the weekend at the French GP, with title race leader Bezzecchi outside the top 10.
Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) produced the goods on fresh rubber to top the MotoGP FP1 timesheets at the Michelin® Grand Prix of France thanks to a 1:30.857. Completing the opening top three of the weekend under beautiful blue skies in Le Mans – how long will we be able to say that for? – were Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and 2025 French GP winner Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) – one of two home crowd favourites this weekend.
The top three were split by 0.252s, with Zarco making it two Hondas in the top three. A promising start for the Japanese manufacturer. But it was arguably Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) who impressed the most after the Italian ended the session in P4, 0.268s away from Marini, without pitting from new Michelin tyres. The Italian, who sits P3 in the championship, led for the majority of FP1 before the flurry of times at the close of play.
Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) completed the top five, with Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) enjoying a more fruitful session in P6. Spanish GP winner Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was P7, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) took away P9 from Friday morning, while World Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) ended FP1 in P14, one place ahead of nearest title rival and teammate Jorge Martin. Work to do for the factory Aprilia duo? Or simply a session of getting dialled in before turning up the wick in Practice? We’ll find out in a few hours.
The crucial, hour-long Practice in Le Mans is coming up at 15:00 local time – tune in!
Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:34.740 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:34.823 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:34.841 on his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.579 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
fp1 moto2
Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Red Bull Ajo KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:41.252, topping the field of 26 riders.
David Almansa was the best of the rest with a 1:41.311 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM.
Adrian Fernandez was third with a lap time of 1:41.547 on his Leopard Racing Honda.
fp1 moto3
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Aprilia Racing in Le Mans for the fifth GP of the season. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin up to the challenge on the historic French track.
Aprilia Racing makes a stop in Le Mans on the historic Bugatti Circuit for the Grand Prix of France – the fifth round of the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship season.
Fresh from a streak of four consecutive podium finishes, Marco Bezzecchi is headed to France intent on improving his result from last season and confirming the competitiveness he has demonstrated during the start of this championship. After the intense weekend in Jerez, Jorge Martín is tackling the Le Mans round with the goal of further consolidating his feeling astride the RS-GP26.
The Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans stands out for its slow turns which alternate with fast sections featuring harsh braking and abrupt deceleration. The layout winds its way along 4,190 metres, with a total of 14 turns – 9 right-handers and 5 left-handers.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I’m extremely happy to be racing in Le Mans. It is a fantastic circuit and there are always a lot of fans. I’m quite keen to continue doing well, so we’ll try to put in a good weekend. We’ll be working with the team to be competitive throughout the weekend and to leave with a good race result.”
Jorge Martin: “I’m confident for this weekend. The Jerez tests were positive and now the goal is to confirm the progress made on different tracks as well. This will be highly important in order to validate the new technical solutions. I feel rather good physically, even better than in recent races, and I’m convinced that we’ll be able to take another step forward here.”
More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
The Ducati Lenovo Team traveling to Le Mans.
The fifth round of the 2026 season is just around the corner for the Ducati Lenovo Team, on its way to Le Mans, the historic French track that is well-suited to the characteristics of the Desmosedici GP. The first triumph came in 2020 with Petrucci and the official team, followed by the victories from Miller (’21), Bastianini (’22), Bezzecchi (’23), and Martin (’24). The French track is the only one where all Ducati Teams have achieved the maximum result.
Excellent prospects to best face the weekend for Marc Márquez, winner of the Sprint in 2025 and second under the checkered flag on Sunday. Coming from a P1 in Saturday’s race in Jerez and satisfied with what was tested in the post-GP test, he wants to be a protagonist.
A positive test session also for Pecco Bagnaia, second in the Sprint in Andalusia, but unlucky in the race while he was recovering. The goal is to get closer to the strongest guys on this legendary track where he has climbed the podium only once in 2024 (third).
Marc Márquez (#93 Ducati Lenovo Team): “Le Mans is a track that I like and where I was already very fast with the Desmosedici GP last year. It will be a weekend with many unknowns: the weather might give us some surprises. In any case, at Jerez we worked well. Aside from the crash, we were competitive and also on Monday we made a good step forward”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team): “I am happy to go to Le Mans; on paper, it’s the kind of track that can best enhance the character of the Desmosedici GP. After the test, I remained satisfied; we tried some convincing solutions that can give us a hand not only here but also on other types of tracks. We hope for good weather and continue to work to get closer to the strongest”.
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Lead on to Le Mans – Honda HRC Castrol ready for French GP.
Home of Honda’s most recent premier class victory, the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix circuit is already shaping up to be another memorable affair for the Honda HRC Castrol team as Luca Marini and Joan Mir arrive off the back of a productive test.
Sitting some 200 kilometres south-west of France’s capital city, Paris, the Le Mans circuit has been a regular on the MotoGP World Championship calendar since 2000 after a series of upgrades and improvements. Characterised by fervent fans and wild weather, every French GP is accompanied with a hearty serving of unpredictability.
27 points in hand, Luca Marini’s objective for the French GP is clear: maximise his performance on Friday to secure a direct pass to Q2. Qualifying inside the top ten will greatly improve his chances in the race, removing the hurdle of coming through the field as the #10 showed on multiple occasions last year – such as in Hungary and Indonesia. If a strong grid position can be achieved, the possibilities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons greatly increase.
Joan Mir is looking to put together a straightforward weekend and avoid the issues which limited his potential in Jerez. Time and time again, the 2020 World Champion has shown his raw speed and overall pace on the Honda RC213V is formidable and it is simply a matter of time before his results reflect this potential.
On track action starts on Friday, May 08 at 10:45 Local Time, everything building towards the 27-lap French Grand Prix on Sunday, May 10 at 14:00 Local Time.
Luca Marini:“I am looking forward to Le Mans after the positive test we had after Jerez, we have a few things to try during the race weekend to help us. Of course it’s a bit of a cliché to say, but a lot will depend on what happens with the weather. Our focus is really on getting into Q2 because this unlocks many more possibilities on Saturday and Sunday. We need to arrive quickly to our level and then work to make another step or two like our rivals.”
Joan Mir: “We arrive in France with a lot of motivation after a weekend in Spain where I thought we could have achieved more. Testing on Monday helped us to get a few things clear as well as find some new ideas for this next GP. Recently Le Mans hasn’t been the best track for me, but I know we can change our fortunes and deliver on the potential we have shown.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Ready for Le Mans Madness.
Following a productive Jerez Test a little more than a week ago, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP teammates Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are looking forward to the fifth round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, held at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit in France this weekend.
Recharged after the successful one-day Jerez Test, held immediately after the Spanish GP, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation to get the action started at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit this weekend during the Grand Prix of France.
The French Grand Prix holds special significance for the team, as the fans will be rallying behind local hero Fabio Quartararo, who is eager to impress. El Diablo stood on the rostrum of the Bugatti track once before, having secured third place in 2021 with Yamaha. He is currently 16th in the championship standings and determined to build upon the findings from the Jerez Test.
Following that overall positive one-day IRTA test in Jerez, Álex Rins is keen to keep working on his Yamaha’s settings. Le Mans was a strong circuit for the Spaniard in the lower classes: he secured a third and two second places in the Moto3 class in 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively as well as a victory in the Moto2 class in 2016. He is keen to score some MotoGP points on French soil this weekend to climb up from 19th place in the championship order.
The Bugatti Circuit was built in 1965, just a few kilometres from the city of Le Mans. MotoGP made its first visit to the iconic French track in the late sixties, and it remained a fixture until 1996. After some safety modifications, the 4.19km-long circuit was added back to the calendar in 2000. Its layout of five left and nine right corners places the emphasis on late braking, hard acceleration, and rear-end traction, which makes for some great battles.
Massimo Meregalli: “The Jerez Test gave us a welcome opportunity to evaluate several items in a structured way, and the riders’ feedback was encouraging. We now arrive in Le Mans with some possible updates that should help us continue this process, depending on the riders’ preferences. If the riders choose to use the new items, this Grand Prix will serve as a reference point for confirming our findings from the Jerez Test. We are looking forward to getting back to work. With a back-to-back schedule from Le Mans straight to Catalunya, followed by another IRTA test, we will have ample opportunity to collect data and cross-check our findings.”
Fabio Quartararo: “Le Mans is always one of the most special weekends of the year for me. The support from the fans is incredible and gives me extra motivation every time I ride here. After the work we did in Jerez, I’m curious to see how things feel on this track – and I also have something special in store for the fans this race weekend, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Alex Rins: “I really enjoy riding at Le Mans. It’s a circuit where I’ve made good memories in the past. The Jerez Test was positive and gave us new ideas, so this weekend is about continuing that work and seeing how the bike behaves here. I’m motivated to keep building step by step and push to be closer to the front.”
More from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are back on track for the French GP, always a special and historic event where last year the attendance record for a race weekend was broken.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will race this weekend in the French GP, the fifth round of the 2026 MotoGP season. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli arrive at Le Mans – where the team secured victory in 2023 – with positive feelings following their podium finishes in Jerez (in the race and the Sprint respectively) and with the aim of confirming the progress made during the testing day two weeks ago.
Di Giannantonio heads to Le Mans with great optimism after securing a podium at the Spanish GP (his second of the season) and a solid test day in Jerez, concluded on a positive note. Fabio, who is third in the World Standings with 71 points, is determined to continue this positive momentum in France, where he won in 2017 (in Moto3) and has fought for the podium in recent editions.
Morbidelli is also ready to be back on track with renewed confidence after finishing third in the Jerez Sprint, his first Top3 of the season. Franco arrives at Le Mans aiming to consistently fight for top positions again. The Italo-Brazilian rider arrives at the circuit where he won in 2017 (in Moto2) in thirteenth place in the World Standing with 25 points.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will hit the track on Friday for free practice, while qualifying will take place on Saturday (10:50 local time). The Sprint race will start at 15:00 (local time) on Saturday, while the French GP will conclude on Sunday with the race, starting at 14:00 (local time).
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO: “I’m very happy to be back to Le Mans, a unique track with an incredible atmosphere. We arrive in France with great enthusiasm after the excellent results in these first races of the season. In addition, the tests we did in Jerez two weeks ago were very positive, and we can’t wait to confirm the updates we tested in Spain also in race conditions and on another track. To this day, rain is forecast for the Le Mans weekend, but we proved that we can be very competitive in all conditions, so we’re ready in any case. The goal is to continue this positive momentum.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “The Le Mans weekend will be very important for us. I like the track and I’ve had some great races and strong comebacks here. The first races of the season haven’t been easy, but the Sprint podium in Jerez gave us a lot of motivation. During the test day we worked a lot, and we arrive in France eager to do well and with the goal of consistently fighting for the top positions again. It looks like rain will play a key role this weekend, but we’ll adapt to any situation and we will work to take another step forward.”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Heads to Le Mans for French Grand Prix.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP arrive at the historic Le Mans circuit aiming to build on their ongoing development and return to the points in a notoriously unpredictable race.
Le Mans is one of the most iconic venues in motorsport and has been a regular presence on the MotoGP calendar since 2000, combining rich history with one of the most passionate atmospheres of the season. Regularly attracting record crowds, the French Grand Prix stands out not only for its energy but also for its highly unpredictable weather, where changing conditions can quickly transform the race and open the door to unexpected outcomes.
For Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, the weekend represents another important step in the development phase of the Yamaha YZR-M1 project. The focus remains on continuing to refine the package and making further progress, with both riders targeting a return to the points as they work towards closing the gap to the front.
It will be a very different experience for the two riders. Jack Miller arrives with strong knowledge of the circuit and positive memories, including his victory here in 2021. His experience at Le Mans will be key in guiding the team through a track that often demands adaptability and precision.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the French Grand Prix will mark a completely new challenge, as he has never raced at Le Mans. The Turkish rider approaches the weekend with enthusiasm, seeing it as an opportunity to start fresh on a new circuit and continue adapting his riding style to the demands of MotoGP machinery.
Le Mans is a 4.19 km circuit featuring 14 corners (9 right and 5 left) and is traditionally considered a stop-and-go layout, with heavy braking zones and strong acceleration points. While top speed plays a role, stability under braking and traction on corner exit are key performance factors. Combined with frequently changing weather conditions, this makes Le Mans one of the most technically demanding and unpredictable rounds of the championship.
Gino Borsoi: “We‘re ready to face another demanding but exciting European track, coming off a very productive test in Jerez. It was an important session for both riders, and we came away with some clear indications and a direction that we hope will translate into improved performance.
We expect to start the weekend in a better position compared to the previous races. Jack was able to make a slightly bigger step during the test, but we gathered valuable information for both riders, which should help us move forward.
Le Mans is always unpredictable, especially because of the weather, but that can also play in our favour. So far we‘ve shown that we can be competitive in wet conditions, and if that scenario presents itself again, we‘ll be ready to make the most of it.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: “Finally I get to race in Le Mans, and I‘m really happy about it. It‘s a legendary circuit that I‘ve only watched until now, so it‘s exciting to experience it for the first time.
I‘m more excited than concerned. Of course it‘s a new track and another thing to learn, but at the same time I see it as an opportunity. On the circuits we‘ve raced at so far, I naturally went back to my Superbike riding style because they were familiar to me — it almost came instinctively.
Here, starting from zero, I‘m hoping to approach the track with the right mindset from the beginning and focus fully on adapting to the MotoGP riding style. That‘s something I‘ve been working on a lot, and this could be a good opportunity to make another step in that direction.”
Adrian Fernandez led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Le Mans, in France. Fernandez used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:40.255 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:40.507.
Adrian Cruces, piloting his CIP Green Power KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.534.
fp2 moto3
AMA’s annual initiative aims to get kids aboard two wheels this month.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Now in its fourth year, The American Motorcyclist Association’s annual AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month is a nationwide campaign geared toward the next generation of riders while aiming to get America’s youth on motorcycles.
During AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, the AMA will work closely with its racing and recreational riding organizers on riding initiatives for children and give them controlled environments where they can ride.
“The future of motorcycling hinges on raising America’s youth on two wheels,” AMA Director of Marketing and Communications Joy Burgess said. “AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month has grown with each passing year, serving its purpose to cultivate the future of our sport through our nation’s kids. We are so grateful to our organizers and all of the kids that get out and ride; they make this month so special!”
The AMA will work alongside its organizers and partners to promote Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month via numerous methods, including social media campaigns, marketing efforts and more to educate people about the benefits of getting kids on motorcycles.
AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month would not be possible without our outstanding partners throughout the motorcycle industry, including Denago, STACYC, Yamaha, Cobra, Honda, Turn 14 Distribution, Guts Racing, ASV, Brake Free, SSR, Beta and Baxley.
Take A Kid Dirt Biking Month events will take place throughout May, hosted by several organizers throughout the country. However, kids do not need to attend an organized event to get involved. To participate, kids simply need to get out and ride in the month of May and submit a photo or video at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-photo-submissions/ . By sharing photos, kids will have the opportunity to be featured on the AMA’s social media, website and in the American Motorcyclist magazine. They’ll also have a chance to win a STACYC bike and other prizes.
As part of AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, the third issue of American Motorcyclist For Kids is now available! This edition highlights the incredible children — and a few adults — that impact motorcycling as racers, advocates and riders. Read the issue at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/american-motorcyclist-for-kids/ .
More details regarding Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/event-resources/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-month/ .
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2026) – AMA Pro Racing joins the motorcycle racing community in mourning the passing of Mike Kidd, the 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer, race promoter, series builder, and former AMA Pro Racing executive. Kidd was 72.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Kidd authored one of the most respected careers in American motorcycle racing, first as a rider who overcame repeated adversity to reach the sport’s highest level, and later as a promoter and executive who helped shape the future of flat track and indoor motorcycle racing.
Kidd turned professional in 1972 and quickly established himself among the elite riders of the Grand National era. His first AMA Grand National victory came at the 1974 Charity Newsies Half Mile in Columbus, Ohio, and he went on to collect 12 AMA national wins during his professional racing career.
His greatest competitive triumph came in 1981. Riding for the Lawwill/Roberts team, Kidd earned eight podium finishes and victories at the Ascot Park TT national and the Du Quoin Mile. The championship battle came down to the final race at Ascot Park, where Kidd finished second to secure the AMA Grand National Championship by five points over Gary Scott.
After the 1981 title, Kidd joined Honda’s newly formed dirt track effort and played an important role in the development of machinery that would help power Honda riders to multiple Grand National Championships in the years that followed.
Kidd retired from professional racing after the 1983 season, but his influence on the sport only expanded. He was named AMA Promoter of the Year in 1984, built and operated Boyd Raceway in Texas, and created the AMA National Arenacross Series in 1985. He later worked as a vice president with Clear Channel Motor Sports and continued to shape motorcycle racing through event promotion, sponsorship development, and television initiatives.
Kidd also served the sport from within AMA Pro Racing, including leadership roles with AMA Pro Flat Track and later as AMA Pro Racing Director of Sales. Across those roles, he brought the same racer’s determination and promoter’s vision that defined his life in motorcycling.
Inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, Kidd leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his 1981 Grand National Championship. He was a racer, promoter, innovator, salesman, and advocate whose work helped sustain and grow the uniquely American discipline of flat track racing.
AMA Pro Racing extends its deepest condolences to Kidd’s family, friends, former competitors, colleagues, and the many fans whose lives he touched.
More, from a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame:
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Hall of Famer Mike Kidd, and extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was 72.
The 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, Kidd’s racing career was defined by his perseverance in the face of much adversity. Beyond his chops as a racer, Kidd was a top promoter of AMA races in the 1980s and 1990s, and founded the AMA Arenacross Series in 1985.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1953, Kidd’s love for racing started on four wheels, not two, where he saw great success, winning a national title in his age category. By the time he was 13, Kidd found his true calling on a motorcycle, competing in local dirt track and motocross races.
In 1972, Kidd turned pro, falling just short of a debut victory at the Houston Astrodome — registering a second-place finish behind fellow rookie and future AMA Hall of Famer Kenny Roberts.
In 1974, Kidd joined Triumph’s factory racing team and earned his first AMA Grand National victory at the Columbus, Ohio, Half-Mile.
Seven years later, and after enduring much misfortune out of his control, Kidd reached the pinnacle of his craft, winning the 1981 AMA Grand National Championship. He did so in dramatic fashion, entering the final race of the season at the Ascot Half-Mile in Gardena, Calif., in a tie with fellow AMA Hall of Famer Gary Scott. Kidd finished second in the tie-breaking race, but since Scott registered only a fourth-place finish, Kidd took the championship by a mere five points.
Kidd retired from racing in 1983, tallying a total of 12 AMA Grand National wins alongside his iconic 1981 title.
Kidd’s impact on the motorcycling community did not end there, however. In the 1980s and 1990s, Kidd became one of the leading promoters of AMA races in the country, going on to create the AMA Arenacross Series in 1985.
For his efforts as a racer and promoter, Kidd was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
More from Mike kidd services info:
Dad’s arrangements:
Visitation will be Monday, May 11th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Coker Funeral Home
152 State Hwy 148
Jacksboro , TX
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 12th at 1:00 PM, led by Chaplain Raymond Rizzo
Bible Baptist Church
241 W. Live Oak Street
Jacksboro, TX
Followed by graveside services and then a Celebration of Life at Jacksboro Golf & Country Club.
Please bring your favorite stories and memories to share at the Celebration of Life. Food will be provided, but if you feel led to bring something, you are more than welcome to.
Thank you all for the love, prayers, and support during this time. ❤️🏁
ONWARD #72
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V on spec Michelin tires, the frenchman turned a lap time of 1:29.907 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:29.917 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Desmosedici GP26.
Francesco Bagnaia was third at 1:30.045 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Alex Marquez finished the session fourth with a 1:30.045 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Joan Mir got fifth on his Honda HRC Castrol RC213V with a lap time of 1:30.092.
motogp practice
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Heroic Zarco goes P1 as Marc Marquez faces Q1 at Le Mans. Last year’s winner was straight out the crate and straight on the pace whilst reigning World Champion Marc Marquez had a far from ideal Friday.
We promised you excitement and that’s certainly a promise we weren’t going to break. P1 like he finished last year’s weekend, Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) started his 2026 home Grand Prix where he left off as he topped Friday action. The Frenchman was in mighty form in the dry running on day one of the French Grand Prix to give the home crowd what they wanted to see, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR4 Racing Team) was just 0.010s behind in second. Double World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) clinched third despite a late crash.
EARLY FALLERS IN FRANCE
It wasn’t the best start to Practice for Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), with the 2024 World Champion and French GP winner crashing at Turn 9 just over five minutes into the session. He wasn’t the only one though, as 15 minutes later, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) likewise tucked the front, this time at Turn 3 – despite his best efforts to save it. With less than half an hour to go, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) suffered a big blow up with his RS-GP in flames, temporarily pausing his Friday afternoon.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Out front and it was Di Giannantonio who was looking like the rider who had got dialled in the quickest. The #49 was flying, having been P2 in FP1 earlier in the day and now leading the charge in the afternoon. That wasn’t before a big push from last year’s home winner though; Zarco didn’t just go top on one lap but he made it back-to-back fastest laps of the session as we approached the final ten minutes.
THE FINAL 15 MINUTES
Whilst Zarco was doing the business and fellow home-hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had gone up inside the provisional top ten, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was on the charge but folded the front at the penultimate corner. On his feet and quickly running back to the pits for a spare bike, ‘The Shark’ hoped to still be able to consolidate his Q2 spot.
Meanwhile, another Honda had hit the front, this time Joan Mir – the Spaniard topped the morning session and with seven minutes on the clock, he was doing it again. That was until double World Champion Bagnaia fired in a 1’30.045 to edge ahead. It made for a tantalising final role of the dice with five minutes to go.
A late surprise in the session came courtesy of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who rocketed up into the top ten, along with improvements from Martin and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), the Championship leader struggling throughout the session and leaving it late to get into the top ten. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) both moved into the top ten too, bumping Marc Marquez out of the top ten. Teammate Bagnaia crashed on his final flying lap, whilst the #93 couldn’t improve as he makes a first Q1 appearance since Indonesia last season as he finished in 13th.
YOUR FRIDAY TOP 10
Zarco on top at Le Mans – a dream start to the weekend for those packing out the grandstands. ‘Diggia’ was P2 again and found himself behind a different Honda in comparison to FP1, whilst Bagnaia, Alex Marquez and Mir complete the top five. Martin, Bezzecchi, Rins, Ogura and Acosta in P10 ensure all manufacturers are represented in Q2 directly after Practice. Less than three tenths cover the top ten, it’s unbelievably close in MotoGP.
Q1 CONTENDERS
Missing the cut, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and fellow KTM star Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as well as Marc Marquez in 13th. 2025 polesitter Quartararo was only 17th whilst double podium finisher from last year Aldeguer was 21st. Only two spots are for grabs on Saturday morning…
SPRINT SATURDAY AWAITS
MotoGP qualifying kicks off at 10:50 local time, with the Tissot Sprint alive at 15:00. With rain in the air, who knows what happens? The French GP at Le Mans: may contain nuts.
Izan Guevara led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Riding his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:34.348, topping the field of 28 riders.
Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:34.350 on his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
Barry Baltus did a third-fastest 1:34.351 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
Ivan Ortola got fourth on his QJMOTOR MSI Kalex with a time of 1:34.392.
Alonso Lopez, piloting his Italjet Gresini Kalex, crossed the finish line fifth with a time of 1:34.436.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:34.934 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
moto2 practice
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Guevara fastest on Friday as Alonso faces Q1 in France. It’s a Boscoscuro 1-2 on the opening day at Le Mans, with the top five split by less than a tenth.
A rapid and very early 1:34.348 from Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) saw the Spaniard finish top of the Moto2 timesheets on a highly competitive Friday. 0.002s away from P1 was second place Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) as Boscoscuro kickstarted the weekend with a 1-2, and a further 0.001s adrift was third place Barry Baltus (REDS Fantic Racing). 0.003s splitting the top three – we’ll have a bit more of that throughout the weekend.
Fourth place went the way of Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – El Motorista – MSI), the Spaniard sits 0.044s from top spot, with compatriot Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) just the 0.088s behind in P5.
It was a good day for Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) after disappointing weekends in Austin and Jerez, the former championship leader was just over a tenth off P1 in P6, but on the other side of the box, it wasn’t the Friday David Alonso would have been looking for. The Colombian finished P18 in Practice, 0.664s down on Guevara, and never featured in the top 14 in the session. Work to do then for the #80 in France.
The World Championship top two, Manuel Gonzalez and Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP teammate Senna Agius, ended Friday in P8 and P9. Job done in terms of getting into Q2.
Tune into Moto2 qualifying at 13:40 local time on Saturday!
David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans, in France. Muñoz used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:40.211 to lead the field of 26.
His teammate, David Almansa was second-best with a time of 1:40.225.
Marco Morelli, piloting his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.296.
Hakim Danish got fourth on his MT Helmets MSI KTM with a time of 1:40.443.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brian Uriarte finished the session fifth with a lap time of 1:40.598.
practice moto3
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Muñoz shines at Le Mans for Friday honours in France. In the victory hunt here 12 months ago and a podium finisher last time out at Jerez, the Spaniard headed home his teammate on the opening day of the French GP.
It was a fine showing from David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) to top the first day of Moto3 action at Le Mans, France. The French GP never lets us down and Muñoz, who was in contention for victory last year, will be looking to bag a first win of his 2026 campaign as he laid down the gauntlet.
The #64 was inside the leading positions for most of the session before deposing teammate David Almansa from top spot in the closing stages. Almansa had been in P1 for the majority of the session before Muñoz rocketed up the order late on; Almansa suffered a fall on his final flying lap at Turn 8 but was all OK. Completing the top three, Argentinean star Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) who was in good Friday form.
Just behind the top three, Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) was a strong fourth ahead of a late-charging Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Jerez podium finisher Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing). Other headlines in the top ten were Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) in seventh for his team’s home GP and Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) in P8 despite an early fall at Turn 6. It was a strong Friday for the Gryd – MLav Racing outfit with both Joel Kelso and Eddie O’Shea moving into Q2 directly.
There were major names who found themselves out of the top 14 at the chequered flag and therefore going into Q1. COTA winner Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) was only 15th after a crash whilst a crash for Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who is second in the standings and who led the opening FP1 session at Le Mans, could only manage P17. Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) has been on the front two rows in the last three GPs but will need to go through Q1 to keep that streak alive.
Luca Marini topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Michelin-shod Honda HRC Castrol RC213V, the Italian rider turned a lap of 1:30.857 around the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:30.911 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third with a lap of 1:31.065 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
2025 race winner, Johann Zarco finished the first session fourth with a time of 1:31.109 on his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V.
Raul Fernandez got fifth on his Aprilia Trackhouse RS-GP26 with a time of 1:31.224.
fp1 motogp
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Marini leads Acosta and Zarco in Le Mans FP1. It’s HRC from KTM to kickstart the weekend at the French GP, with title race leader Bezzecchi outside the top 10.
Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) produced the goods on fresh rubber to top the MotoGP FP1 timesheets at the Michelin® Grand Prix of France thanks to a 1:30.857. Completing the opening top three of the weekend under beautiful blue skies in Le Mans – how long will we be able to say that for? – were Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and 2025 French GP winner Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) – one of two home crowd favourites this weekend.
The top three were split by 0.252s, with Zarco making it two Hondas in the top three. A promising start for the Japanese manufacturer. But it was arguably Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) who impressed the most after the Italian ended the session in P4, 0.268s away from Marini, without pitting from new Michelin tyres. The Italian, who sits P3 in the championship, led for the majority of FP1 before the flurry of times at the close of play.
Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) completed the top five, with Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) enjoying a more fruitful session in P6. Spanish GP winner Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was P7, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) took away P9 from Friday morning, while World Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) ended FP1 in P14, one place ahead of nearest title rival and teammate Jorge Martin. Work to do for the factory Aprilia duo? Or simply a session of getting dialled in before turning up the wick in Practice? We’ll find out in a few hours.
The crucial, hour-long Practice in Le Mans is coming up at 15:00 local time – tune in!
Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:34.740 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:34.823 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:34.841 on his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.579 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
fp1 moto2
Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Le Mans, in France. Riding his Red Bull Ajo KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:41.252, topping the field of 26 riders.
David Almansa was the best of the rest with a 1:41.311 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM.
Adrian Fernandez was third with a lap time of 1:41.547 on his Leopard Racing Honda.
fp1 moto3
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Aprilia Racing in Le Mans for the fifth GP of the season. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin up to the challenge on the historic French track.
Aprilia Racing makes a stop in Le Mans on the historic Bugatti Circuit for the Grand Prix of France – the fifth round of the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship season.
Fresh from a streak of four consecutive podium finishes, Marco Bezzecchi is headed to France intent on improving his result from last season and confirming the competitiveness he has demonstrated during the start of this championship. After the intense weekend in Jerez, Jorge Martín is tackling the Le Mans round with the goal of further consolidating his feeling astride the RS-GP26.
The Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans stands out for its slow turns which alternate with fast sections featuring harsh braking and abrupt deceleration. The layout winds its way along 4,190 metres, with a total of 14 turns – 9 right-handers and 5 left-handers.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I’m extremely happy to be racing in Le Mans. It is a fantastic circuit and there are always a lot of fans. I’m quite keen to continue doing well, so we’ll try to put in a good weekend. We’ll be working with the team to be competitive throughout the weekend and to leave with a good race result.”
Jorge Martin: “I’m confident for this weekend. The Jerez tests were positive and now the goal is to confirm the progress made on different tracks as well. This will be highly important in order to validate the new technical solutions. I feel rather good physically, even better than in recent races, and I’m convinced that we’ll be able to take another step forward here.”
More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
The Ducati Lenovo Team traveling to Le Mans.
The fifth round of the 2026 season is just around the corner for the Ducati Lenovo Team, on its way to Le Mans, the historic French track that is well-suited to the characteristics of the Desmosedici GP. The first triumph came in 2020 with Petrucci and the official team, followed by the victories from Miller (’21), Bastianini (’22), Bezzecchi (’23), and Martin (’24). The French track is the only one where all Ducati Teams have achieved the maximum result.
Excellent prospects to best face the weekend for Marc Márquez, winner of the Sprint in 2025 and second under the checkered flag on Sunday. Coming from a P1 in Saturday’s race in Jerez and satisfied with what was tested in the post-GP test, he wants to be a protagonist.
A positive test session also for Pecco Bagnaia, second in the Sprint in Andalusia, but unlucky in the race while he was recovering. The goal is to get closer to the strongest guys on this legendary track where he has climbed the podium only once in 2024 (third).
Marc Márquez (#93 Ducati Lenovo Team): “Le Mans is a track that I like and where I was already very fast with the Desmosedici GP last year. It will be a weekend with many unknowns: the weather might give us some surprises. In any case, at Jerez we worked well. Aside from the crash, we were competitive and also on Monday we made a good step forward”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team): “I am happy to go to Le Mans; on paper, it’s the kind of track that can best enhance the character of the Desmosedici GP. After the test, I remained satisfied; we tried some convincing solutions that can give us a hand not only here but also on other types of tracks. We hope for good weather and continue to work to get closer to the strongest”.
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Lead on to Le Mans – Honda HRC Castrol ready for French GP.
Home of Honda’s most recent premier class victory, the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix circuit is already shaping up to be another memorable affair for the Honda HRC Castrol team as Luca Marini and Joan Mir arrive off the back of a productive test.
Sitting some 200 kilometres south-west of France’s capital city, Paris, the Le Mans circuit has been a regular on the MotoGP World Championship calendar since 2000 after a series of upgrades and improvements. Characterised by fervent fans and wild weather, every French GP is accompanied with a hearty serving of unpredictability.
27 points in hand, Luca Marini’s objective for the French GP is clear: maximise his performance on Friday to secure a direct pass to Q2. Qualifying inside the top ten will greatly improve his chances in the race, removing the hurdle of coming through the field as the #10 showed on multiple occasions last year – such as in Hungary and Indonesia. If a strong grid position can be achieved, the possibilities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons greatly increase.
Joan Mir is looking to put together a straightforward weekend and avoid the issues which limited his potential in Jerez. Time and time again, the 2020 World Champion has shown his raw speed and overall pace on the Honda RC213V is formidable and it is simply a matter of time before his results reflect this potential.
On track action starts on Friday, May 08 at 10:45 Local Time, everything building towards the 27-lap French Grand Prix on Sunday, May 10 at 14:00 Local Time.
Luca Marini:“I am looking forward to Le Mans after the positive test we had after Jerez, we have a few things to try during the race weekend to help us. Of course it’s a bit of a cliché to say, but a lot will depend on what happens with the weather. Our focus is really on getting into Q2 because this unlocks many more possibilities on Saturday and Sunday. We need to arrive quickly to our level and then work to make another step or two like our rivals.”
Joan Mir: “We arrive in France with a lot of motivation after a weekend in Spain where I thought we could have achieved more. Testing on Monday helped us to get a few things clear as well as find some new ideas for this next GP. Recently Le Mans hasn’t been the best track for me, but I know we can change our fortunes and deliver on the potential we have shown.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Ready for Le Mans Madness.
Following a productive Jerez Test a little more than a week ago, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP teammates Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are looking forward to the fifth round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, held at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit in France this weekend.
Recharged after the successful one-day Jerez Test, held immediately after the Spanish GP, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation to get the action started at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit this weekend during the Grand Prix of France.
The French Grand Prix holds special significance for the team, as the fans will be rallying behind local hero Fabio Quartararo, who is eager to impress. El Diablo stood on the rostrum of the Bugatti track once before, having secured third place in 2021 with Yamaha. He is currently 16th in the championship standings and determined to build upon the findings from the Jerez Test.
Following that overall positive one-day IRTA test in Jerez, Álex Rins is keen to keep working on his Yamaha’s settings. Le Mans was a strong circuit for the Spaniard in the lower classes: he secured a third and two second places in the Moto3 class in 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively as well as a victory in the Moto2 class in 2016. He is keen to score some MotoGP points on French soil this weekend to climb up from 19th place in the championship order.
The Bugatti Circuit was built in 1965, just a few kilometres from the city of Le Mans. MotoGP made its first visit to the iconic French track in the late sixties, and it remained a fixture until 1996. After some safety modifications, the 4.19km-long circuit was added back to the calendar in 2000. Its layout of five left and nine right corners places the emphasis on late braking, hard acceleration, and rear-end traction, which makes for some great battles.
Massimo Meregalli: “The Jerez Test gave us a welcome opportunity to evaluate several items in a structured way, and the riders’ feedback was encouraging. We now arrive in Le Mans with some possible updates that should help us continue this process, depending on the riders’ preferences. If the riders choose to use the new items, this Grand Prix will serve as a reference point for confirming our findings from the Jerez Test. We are looking forward to getting back to work. With a back-to-back schedule from Le Mans straight to Catalunya, followed by another IRTA test, we will have ample opportunity to collect data and cross-check our findings.”
Fabio Quartararo: “Le Mans is always one of the most special weekends of the year for me. The support from the fans is incredible and gives me extra motivation every time I ride here. After the work we did in Jerez, I’m curious to see how things feel on this track – and I also have something special in store for the fans this race weekend, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Alex Rins: “I really enjoy riding at Le Mans. It’s a circuit where I’ve made good memories in the past. The Jerez Test was positive and gave us new ideas, so this weekend is about continuing that work and seeing how the bike behaves here. I’m motivated to keep building step by step and push to be closer to the front.”
More from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are back on track for the French GP, always a special and historic event where last year the attendance record for a race weekend was broken.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will race this weekend in the French GP, the fifth round of the 2026 MotoGP season. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli arrive at Le Mans – where the team secured victory in 2023 – with positive feelings following their podium finishes in Jerez (in the race and the Sprint respectively) and with the aim of confirming the progress made during the testing day two weeks ago.
Di Giannantonio heads to Le Mans with great optimism after securing a podium at the Spanish GP (his second of the season) and a solid test day in Jerez, concluded on a positive note. Fabio, who is third in the World Standings with 71 points, is determined to continue this positive momentum in France, where he won in 2017 (in Moto3) and has fought for the podium in recent editions.
Morbidelli is also ready to be back on track with renewed confidence after finishing third in the Jerez Sprint, his first Top3 of the season. Franco arrives at Le Mans aiming to consistently fight for top positions again. The Italo-Brazilian rider arrives at the circuit where he won in 2017 (in Moto2) in thirteenth place in the World Standing with 25 points.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will hit the track on Friday for free practice, while qualifying will take place on Saturday (10:50 local time). The Sprint race will start at 15:00 (local time) on Saturday, while the French GP will conclude on Sunday with the race, starting at 14:00 (local time).
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO: “I’m very happy to be back to Le Mans, a unique track with an incredible atmosphere. We arrive in France with great enthusiasm after the excellent results in these first races of the season. In addition, the tests we did in Jerez two weeks ago were very positive, and we can’t wait to confirm the updates we tested in Spain also in race conditions and on another track. To this day, rain is forecast for the Le Mans weekend, but we proved that we can be very competitive in all conditions, so we’re ready in any case. The goal is to continue this positive momentum.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “The Le Mans weekend will be very important for us. I like the track and I’ve had some great races and strong comebacks here. The first races of the season haven’t been easy, but the Sprint podium in Jerez gave us a lot of motivation. During the test day we worked a lot, and we arrive in France eager to do well and with the goal of consistently fighting for the top positions again. It looks like rain will play a key role this weekend, but we’ll adapt to any situation and we will work to take another step forward.”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Heads to Le Mans for French Grand Prix.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP arrive at the historic Le Mans circuit aiming to build on their ongoing development and return to the points in a notoriously unpredictable race.
Le Mans is one of the most iconic venues in motorsport and has been a regular presence on the MotoGP calendar since 2000, combining rich history with one of the most passionate atmospheres of the season. Regularly attracting record crowds, the French Grand Prix stands out not only for its energy but also for its highly unpredictable weather, where changing conditions can quickly transform the race and open the door to unexpected outcomes.
For Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, the weekend represents another important step in the development phase of the Yamaha YZR-M1 project. The focus remains on continuing to refine the package and making further progress, with both riders targeting a return to the points as they work towards closing the gap to the front.
It will be a very different experience for the two riders. Jack Miller arrives with strong knowledge of the circuit and positive memories, including his victory here in 2021. His experience at Le Mans will be key in guiding the team through a track that often demands adaptability and precision.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the French Grand Prix will mark a completely new challenge, as he has never raced at Le Mans. The Turkish rider approaches the weekend with enthusiasm, seeing it as an opportunity to start fresh on a new circuit and continue adapting his riding style to the demands of MotoGP machinery.
Le Mans is a 4.19 km circuit featuring 14 corners (9 right and 5 left) and is traditionally considered a stop-and-go layout, with heavy braking zones and strong acceleration points. While top speed plays a role, stability under braking and traction on corner exit are key performance factors. Combined with frequently changing weather conditions, this makes Le Mans one of the most technically demanding and unpredictable rounds of the championship.
Gino Borsoi: “We‘re ready to face another demanding but exciting European track, coming off a very productive test in Jerez. It was an important session for both riders, and we came away with some clear indications and a direction that we hope will translate into improved performance.
We expect to start the weekend in a better position compared to the previous races. Jack was able to make a slightly bigger step during the test, but we gathered valuable information for both riders, which should help us move forward.
Le Mans is always unpredictable, especially because of the weather, but that can also play in our favour. So far we‘ve shown that we can be competitive in wet conditions, and if that scenario presents itself again, we‘ll be ready to make the most of it.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: “Finally I get to race in Le Mans, and I‘m really happy about it. It‘s a legendary circuit that I‘ve only watched until now, so it‘s exciting to experience it for the first time.
I‘m more excited than concerned. Of course it‘s a new track and another thing to learn, but at the same time I see it as an opportunity. On the circuits we‘ve raced at so far, I naturally went back to my Superbike riding style because they were familiar to me — it almost came instinctively.
Here, starting from zero, I‘m hoping to approach the track with the right mindset from the beginning and focus fully on adapting to the MotoGP riding style. That‘s something I‘ve been working on a lot, and this could be a good opportunity to make another step in that direction.”
