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MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Cracks Lap Record At Lusail

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Cracks Lap Record At Lusail

Fabio Di Giannantonio led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday night at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian rider turned a lap time of 1:50.406. Not only was that good enough to lead the 18-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Marc Marquez’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:50.499.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:50.548 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26. 

Marco Bezzecchi was third at 1:50.666 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26. 

Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia finished the session fourth with a 1:50.792.

Raul Fernandez got fifth on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 with a lap time of 1:51.014.

Jorge Martin was 7th on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 with a time of 1:51.041. 

 

motogp practice

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Di Giannantonio P1 under the lights at Lusail, Marquez and Martin in Q2. The Italian set a new lap record for Practice honours whilst the top two in the Championship will be going head-to-head on Saturday. 

Putting on a show under the lights, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was untouchable on Friday evening to bag P1 in Practice and to lead the field into Sprint Saturday. The Italian set a new lap record with a 1’50.406 seeing him with nearly a tenth and a half over nearest rival Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who suffered a chain failure whilst Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leads the Noale brand’s charge in third.

 

APRILIA COME OUT STRONG: Bezzecchi leads the charge in Qatar

Straight down to business and competitive from the first lap, ‘Bez’ placed himself up at the front and improved straight away on his second run too – and he wasn’t the only Aprilia in good form. Returning to action after sitting out most of the Malaysian GP, 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) was up in the top ten, aiming to book a spot straight into Q2. Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and teammate Raul Fernandez were also making it a great day for the Noale factory, both up inside the provisional Q2 places.

 

 

 

 

IN THE DUCATI CORNER: Marc Marquez unchained – literally

Climbing the order having led at the very start of the session, Di Giannantonio took over at the top with a 1’51.174, more than 1.5s quicker than he went in FP1. Marquez and teammate Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) were fifth and sixth but the #93 suffered a setback when the chain sprung off his GP26 Desmosedici with a little under 30 minutes on the clock. Far from ideal as he trundled down pitlane, an unexpected pause into the reigning World Champion’s second run. The delay wasn’t too long for Marquez as he hit the track with 18 minutes left on the clock.

 

 

 

 

GOALPOST MOVED: Marquez back to his best

With just under a quarter of an hour remaining, the #93 got himself back into P1 with the first 1’50 of the weekend – a 1’50.925, undeterred by his previous disruption. Improvers behind included teammate Bagnaia in P2, Fernandez in P5, Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) in sixth, as well as Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) who completed the top ten. This left Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P12 and Martin in 16th needing lap times, which the #89 delivered to put himself P5. 

 

 

 

 

CLOSING STAGES: your Friday top 10 from Lusail, Marquez and Martin make Q2

Red sectors were lighting up the timing screens as Di Giannantonio found good form to set a 1’50.406, a new lap record at Lusail. A final flying lap improvement for Marquez wasn’t enough to see him into P1, 0.142s adrift of Diggia at the front. Bezzecchi was strong to lead the Aprilia charge in third with Pecco behind in fourth. Fernandez rounded out the top five ahead of Bastianini, Martin, Zarco, a late charge from Ogura in ninth and Binder in tenth just over a second away from Di Giannantonio. For Martin, a big boost having struggled at Sepang and needing to pull out of Saturday – this weekend, he’s in the mix.

 

FACING Q1: Acosta headlines after Friday to forget

The Shark finds himself as one of the heavy hitters to not make the cut into Q2 with P14 being his position after day one. He was behind Aldeguer on his return in P11, Lusail podium finisher from 2025 Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Marini, whilst Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) suffered a technical issue on his way to 15th ahead of Iker Lecuona (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) and Jake Dixon (Honda HRC Castrol), with the whole field covered by less than two seconds.

 

 

 

Day 1 done, Sprint Saturday awaits: action fires up from 12:30 local time (UTC +3), don’t miss a lap of the action!

MotoGP Practice results from Lusail

Moto2: Holgado Breaks Record In Qatar

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2: Holgado Breaks Record In Qatar

Daniel Holgado led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) road course in 1:55.897, topping the field of 27 riders and breaking Manuel Gonzalez’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:56.301 from 2025.

Filip Salac was second-best with a time of 1:56.096 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Izan Guevara did a third-fastest 1:56.136 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

Manuel Gonzalez was fourth on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM with a lap time of 1:56.146.

Celestino Vietti, piloting his BETA Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro, got fifth with a time of 1:56.184. 

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 17th with a best time of 1:56.680 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

moto2 practice

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Holgado sets Lusail Moto2 lap record, Guevara and Gonzalez straight into Q2. 

The 1:55s Lusail International Circuit barrier has been broken on a Moto2 bike by Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team), who set a 1:55.897 in Practice to head into the weekend 0.199s quicker than anyone else. The rider second-quickest on Friday evening was Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team), with third-place honours going to title-hunting Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2).

Under three tenths split the top five in an ultra-competitive Moto2 stint at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, with championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) heading into qualifying as the fourth fastest rider, one place behind his 2026 rival Guevara. Gonzalez was at the sharp end throughout Practice and did break his own lap record first, before Holgado turned up the wick in the closing stages. Guevara, meanwhile, left it late to jump into the top five, having found himself P20 at one stage.

Rounding out the top five on Friday was Celestino Vietti (BETA Tools SpeedRS Team), with Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Malaysian GP winner David Alonso (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) making up a top seven who have all won a Moto2 race.

Completing the top 10? Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in P8, Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) in P9, and Barry Baltus (REDS Fantic Racing) in P10, as we now strap in for qualifying Saturday in Moto2 at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Moto2 Practice results from Qatar!

Moto3: Quiles Is Best Friday Afternoon At Lusail

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3: Quiles Is Best Friday Afternoon At Lusail

Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track in 2:03.172 to lead the field of 25 riders.

David Almansa was second-best with a time of 2:03.372 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM and his teammate David Muñoz claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:03.443.

Hakim Danish, piloting his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, was fourth with a lap time of 2:03.500 and Veda Pratama finished the practice session fifth on his Honda Team Asia machine with a time of 2:03.561. 

 

PRACTICE MOTO3

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Quiles heads Almansa in Moto3 Practice, Carpe and Uriarte in Q1 in Qatar. The World Champion was in unbeatable form to take a Friday clean sweep whilst two of the riders fighting for P2 overall find themselves in Q1 at Lusail. 

P1 in the afternoon and then once again in the evening, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was in top form to be top dog in Moto3 under the lights at Lusail. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though after a big highside in FP1 at the end of the session. A 2’03.172 was good enough for the Champion, whilst a second covered the top 14. 

Quiles had two tenths in his back pocket over David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) who was in P2, just 0.071s clear of his teammate David Muñoz, who also had a crash in FP1 but was back inside the top three in the evening. Behind the Spaniard’s at the front, Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) carried on his good form from his home round in Malaysia, just ahead of Sepang podium finisher Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia). Pratama does have a 6-place grid penalty for Sunday however, having not respected the yellow flags in FP1 for a second time in 2026.

Missing the cut behind 2025 polesitter Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) in P14, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was a headlining name in 15th and will be joined by teammate Brian Uriarte in Q1, the rookie only capable of 21st for his worst Friday of the season so far. Adrian Cruces (CIP GreenPower), Ruche Moodley (CODE Motorsports) and Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) are also names that’ll hope to move through the Q1 battle on Saturday afternoon.

Moto3 Practice results from Lusail

MotoGP: M. Marquez Heads FP1 In Qatar

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP: M. Marquez Heads FP1 In Qatar

Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Michelin-shod Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:52.278 around the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track and led the 18-rider field.

Marco Bezzecchi was second-best with a 1:52.388 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third with a lap of 1:52.691 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Pedro Acosta finished the first session fourth on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 with a time of 1:52.955.

Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin got fifth with a time of 1:53.012.

 

MOTOGP FP1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Motogp:

Marc Marquez fastest from Bezzecchi, Martin P5 in Qatar FP1. The championship leader kickstarts his weekend in fine fashion while it’s a promising start at Lusail for his closest title rival.

Beginning his first match-point weekend at the top of the FP1 tree was Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), whose 1:52.278 was good enough to see off second-fastest Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) by 0.110s in the opening stint of a crucial Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. Fabio Di Giannantonio’s (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) last flying lap saw the 2023 Qatar GP winner pocket P3, while Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) returned to the fray in promising fashion – the rider second in the championship ending FP1 in P5.

Sandwiched between Di Giannantonio and Martin on the scoreboard was Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P4. It wasn’t the end of the session the rider fourth in the standings would have wanted, though, because a late issue with his RC16 ended FP1 prematurely for Acosta, who is still mathematically in contention for the title. 

Martin’s gap to Marc Marquez sits at 0.7s heading into Practice, with Bezzecchi and Di Giannantonio the only two to get within half a second of the latter’s impressive pace. 

Elsewhere, there were early crashes for Jake Dixon (Honda HRC Castrol) – who stands in for Joan Mir this weekend – and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with the Briton and South African all OK after their tip-offs. 

So, Marc Marquez holds the advantage heading into Practice later on, with Bez and Aprilia his closest challengers so far. Now it’s full focus on getting inside that top 10 under the lights. 

Qatar MotoGP FP1 results!

Moto2: Holgado Tops Opening Practice At Lusail

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2: Holgado Tops Opening Practice At Lusail

Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:56.784 to lead the field of 27 riders.

Celestino Vietto was the best of the rest with a 1:56.923 on his BETA Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

Izan Guevara was third-fastest with a 1:56.970 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro. 

Manuel Gonzalez finished the first session fourth on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex with a time of 1:57.027.

Vietti’s teammate, Luca Lunetta got fifth with a time of 1:57.175. 

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 11th with a 1:57.488 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

MOTO2 FP1

Moto3: Quiles Quickest In Opening Practice In Qatar

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3: Quiles Quickest In Opening Practice In Qatar

Maximo Quiles was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) road course in 2:04.143, topping the field of 26 riders.

Joel Kelso was the best of the rest with a 2:04.936 on his GRYD Racing Honda and Quiles’ teammate Marco Morelli was third with a lap time of 2:04.992. 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Rico Salmela got fourth with a lap time of 2:05.094 and Hakim Danish was fifth with a time of 2:05.108 on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.

 

MOTO3 FP1

Yamaha Announces 2027 Street Motorcycle Pricing and Availability

Mathilde Gasnier
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Yamaha Announces 2027 Street Motorcycle Pricing and Availability

Lineup Highlighted by returning R-Series, MT, and XSR Motorcycles. 

MARIETTA, Ga. –  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, announced pricing and availability for its 2027 street motorcycle lineup including Supersport, Hyper Naked, Sport Heritage, Touring and Scooter models. Yamaha’s street motorcycle lineup offers a wide range of options for every type of motorcyclist.

“From versatile hyper naked bikes to thrilling Supersports, Yamaha’s motorcycle lineup combines torquey power and premium performance of its renowned crossplane engines with distinctive styles and technology to meet the demands of every rider,” said Dan Rivito, Yamaha Motor USA’s Motorcycle Business Manager. “Whether it’s commuting to work on an MT, endless adventures on the Ténéré 700, or running laps at the track on an R-Series Supersport, Yamaha has a bike for every situation.”

 

The full lineup of Yamaha’s 2027 street motorcycles includes:

• The YZF-R1M, YZF-R1, YZF-R9, YZF-R7 and YZF-R3 Supersport motorcycles

• The MT-10 SP, MT-10, MT-09 SP, MT-09, MT-07 and MT-03 Hyper Naked motorcycles

• The Ténéré 700, and Ténéré 700 World Raid and Tracer 9 Touring motorcycles

• The XSR900 and XSR700 Sport Heritage motorcycles

• The XMAX and Zuma 125 Scooters

 

 

2027 Yamaha YZF R1M SMX US Web Action 46404
The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R1M. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

2027 Supersport Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 R-Series Supersport lineup brings race-proven technology from MotoGP and World Superbike to riders at every skill level from first-time sportbike owners to track-day competitors. Joining the 2027 R9 announced earlier this year, the remaining R-Series models return with new and returning colorways for 2027.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R1M will be available this month in Carbon Fiber starting at $27,899 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R1. photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or a new Raven colorway this month starting at $19,199 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R9. photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R9 is now available in Team Yamaha Blue, and Raven, with a new Matte Phantom Blue/Fluo Red colorway arriving next month starting at $12,499 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R7. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R7 will be available next month in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, or a new Adrenaline Yellow/Fluo Red colorway starting at $9,399 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R3. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R3 will be available this January in Team Yamaha Blue, Midnight Black or Lunar White/Nebula Blue starting at $5,499 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Hyper Naked Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 Hyper Naked models deliver an aggressive, stripped-down MT-styling and torquey engine performance true to its “Master of Torque” identity. The MT-09, MT-07 and MT-03 receive a new Redline colorway while SP models will be exclusively available in a premium Granite Gray/Liquid Metal colorway.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-10 SP. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-10 SP will be available this February in Granite Gray/Liquid Metal starting at $17,499 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-10. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-10 will be available this February in Ice Storm starting at $14,999 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-09 SP. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-09 SP will be available this month in Liquid Metal/Granite Gray starting at $12,699 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-09. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-09 will be available this month in Ice Storm, Matte Raven Black, or Redline starting at $10,899 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-07. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-07 will be available next month in Ice Storm, Matte Charcoal Black or Redline starting at $7,999 MSRP, a $600 price reduction from the 2026 MT-07.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-03. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-03 will be available next month in Ice Storm, Matte Stealth Black, or Impact Red starting at $4,999 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha Ténéré 700. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

2027 Touring Colors, Availability & Price:

From the highway to the trail, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 pushes the limits of where a motorcycle can adventure. For those looking to go even further, the Ténéré 700 World Raid features a dual fuel tank and a premium electronics package for extended range and comfort on longer rides. For long-haul highway adventures, the Tracer 9 combines the thrilling 890cc CP3 power and agility with comfort and versatility for all-day rides and riders who refuse to choose between sport performance and long-distance touring.

• The 2027 Ténéré 700 will be available this March in Team Yamaha Blue and Crystal Graphite starting at $10,199 MSRP, an $800 price reduction from the 2026 Ténéré 700.

 

IMG 6417
The 2027 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 Ténéré 700 World Raid will be available this February in Raven and Intensity White starting at $12,999 MSRP.

 

IMG 6418
The 2027 Yamaha Tracer 9. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 Tracer 9 will be available this January in Raven starting at $12,599 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Sport Heritage Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 Sport Heritage models pair a classic café racer design with modern performance and technology for a timeless tribute honoring the legendary machines that built Yamaha’s reputation. Inspired by the 1993 Yamaha YZF750SP, the XSR900 receives a new Intensity White colorway, embodying Yamaha’s retro 90s styling.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha XSR900. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 XSR900 will be available next month in Raven or Intensity White starting at $10,599 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha XSR700. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 XSR700 will be available this January in Radical White starting at $8,599 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Scooter Colors, Availability & Price: 

For city commutes to neighborhood errands, Yamaha’s 2027 scooters make every day riding simple and fun. Built for comfort and ease of use, along with an outstanding fuel efficiency, the XMAX and Zuma 125 offer twist-and-go convenience with Yamaha’s legendary quality and reliability. Yamaha’s 2027 scooters will be available in March.• The 2027 XMAX will be available in Midnight Black starting at $6,399 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha ZUMA 125. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 ZUMA 125 will be available in Sand Gray or Matte Black starting at $3,799 MSRP.

 

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Street motorcycle lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

 

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.

 

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media sites:
www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa
www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa
www.x.com/yamahamotorusa

 

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA: 

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube
products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in California, four corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing USA (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiaries Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and Torqeedo Inc. (Illinois) and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana]. Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.

MotoGP: Dixon Steps In For Mir at Qatar Grand Prix

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Dixon Steps In For Mir at Qatar Grand Prix

The Honda HRC WorldSBK star will line up alongside Marini in Lusail while the 2020 World Champion continues his recovery at home. 

Honda HRC Castrol have confirmed that WorldSBK star Jake Dixon will replace Joan Mir at this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. Mir, who returned to action last weekend in Sepang, was forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix in Malaysia and will continue recovering at home. In his place comes the experienced Dixon, who spent seven years in the Grand Prix paddock from 2019 to 2025, collecting seven wins and 22 podiums in Moto2. In 2021, the British rider also made two MotoGP starts with a best finish of 19th coming at his home round at Silverstone. The 2026 WorldSBK season has been one complicated by injury for the #96, but a return to fitness in the latter half of the season saw him take five top-10 finishes aboard the CBR1000RR-R SP.

Dixon: “First of all I have to say thank you to Honda HRC for this opportunity. Getting the call to come ride one of these bikes is always mega and I am looking forward to it, I think every rider dreams of racing for the Honda factory team in MotoGP when they’re a kid. It’s been a little bit since I last raced a MotoGP bike, so we need to take the weekend steady and go step by step. I want to wish Joan all the best and I hope to see him back on the bike soon. It hasn’t been a straightforward year for me either, so I sympathise a lot with him. Let’s make the most of this weekend.”

MotoGP: Preview Of The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Preview Of The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

HOT HEADLINES: match point for Marc Marquez as MotoGP arrives at Lusail.

The classic night GP could well culminate in a coronation as Round 20 gets into gear.

By the time we go green on Sunday, we could be looking at one of the greatest turnarounds in a single season MotoGP has ever seen. 161 days will have passed between Marc Marquez(Ducati Lenovo Team) being 102 points behind the Championship lead to the #93 facing a coronation under the lights of Lusail in Qatar to retain his title and make it a historic eighth in MotoGP. A remarkable season has just three GPs left to go but if results go his way on Saturday, the reigning World Champion will be exactly that again going into 2027.

 

image

 

 

PERMUTATIONS: Marc Marquez’s maths for title #8

The permutations are simple: across the course of the weekend, outscore chief title rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) by 30 points and the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi by 8. It would mean that results do indeed have to go Marquez’s way; if he doesn’t take at least P5 on Saturday for his end of the bargain, then Sunday’s out of the question. With Martin’s participation subject to a Thursday medical check after he sat out the points scoring ops at the Malaysian GP, it may well be Bezzecchi who attempts to delay the #93’s title celebrations. Marquez is a double winner at Lusail in 2014 and 2025 and in terms of match points, five of his seven title have been clinched at the first possible opportunity – will it be six from eight when the curtain comes down on Sunday?

 

 

apriliaracing malaysiangp19 2026 sunday 02
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

 

NOT OVER YET: the Aprilia dynamic

As for Bezzecchi and Martin, both need to be on their A-game to halt the #93. 30 points may sound a lot to outscore by but with the 2024 World Champion’s injury struggles and Bezzecchi needing a top five in the Sprint to guarantee himself remaining in contention going to Saturday, it’s an uphill task. Perhaps their fellow Aprilias can have a say? Ai Ogura(SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was fast for fourth last time out, and after racing Bezzecchi at full pelt, whilst teammate Raul Fernandez is subject to a medical check for his broken fingers.

 

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Alex Marquez (73) and Pedro Acosta (37) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

 

CHASING PACK: Acosta and a host of Lusail winners

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is fourth overall and whilst being in mathematical contention, needs to outscore Marquez himself by 31 points. From P4 to P6, 30 points cover Acosta, Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), winner of the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar. 2024 winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hopes to repeat his podium success of 2025.

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) completes the top ten in the standings and after a top five in Malaysia, the 2022 Qatar GP victor returns to the site of his first MotoGP win. The Italian got ahead of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) in the standings but the #54 is heading to Lusail and, pending a Thursday medical check, will return to duty.

 

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Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.

 

SURPRISES: Viñales and Binder aim high

KTM’s charge on the road was good at Lusail in 2025 with Maverick Viñales taking P2 until a tyre pressure penalty. An encouraging weekend nonetheless, something that he and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be keen to replicate in 2026, the latter a double podium finisher in Qatar. Luca Marini’s (Honda HRC Castrol) P7 was his best finish since Hungary and is seeking more of the same this weekend whereas teammate Joan Mir has been a QatarGP podium contender in previous years, but he continues to face some fitness struggles so remains a question mark. Fellow Honda rider Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) can secure Rookie of the Year honours if he scores 15 points; teammate Johann Zarco(Castrol Honda LCR) was a mega P4 at Lusail in 2025 – can he repeat it in 2026? A double podium finisher and long-time GP leader last year, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) shouldn’t be ruled out of a strong final Qatar GP.

Last but not least, although Aldeguer is back, Iker Lecuona continues on super-sub duty, this time for Alex Marquez who underwent shoulder surgery after Sepang and aims to be back for Portimao with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. Yamaha have withdrawn from the Qatar GP, meaning Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will not be present.

Match point one, Round 20: the Grand Prix of Qatar could bring the biggest moment of the season so far – tune in to see if Marquez makes more history or Aprilia – or Acosta – can put pause on the celebrations.

 

 

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Yamaha Champions School Announces Tentative 2027 Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier
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Yamaha Champions School Announces Tentative 2027 Schedule
Yamaha Champions Riding School announces its preliminary 2027 nationwide training schedule, with additional events and locations to be announced soon. From first-time students to returning graduates, the upcoming 2027 season offers motorcyclists opportunities to invest in skills that improve every ride, for the rest of your life.
 
 
Early Registration Savings and Financing
 

Early registration discounts offer savings of up to $350, with zero-percent financing options available at checkout. With a 2026 fill rate of more than 96% and most events selling out months in advance, riders are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred dates and take advantage of available savings and financing options.

Every in-person class includes the Champ U: Core Curriculum online course for free to help students prepare before they arrive. The online curriculum introduces key concepts so riders can make the most of their time with the coaches.

The best way to make safer riders is to make better riders.

ChampSchool is for every rider: new street riders building their foundation, returning riders rebuilding confidence, experienced motorcyclists refining their skills, track day riders, and racers working to improve lap times with greater control.

Students do not have to race, attend track days, own a sportbike, or own leathers to benefit from training. 90% of our students are street riders, and more than 60% have never been on a race track before.

They simply want to get better at riding motorcycles. Better on a favorite back road. Better on the daily commute. Better on the next motorcycle trip. Better on the next lap.
Better on the motorcycle they own today and every motorcycle they will own in the future.
 
 
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Kevin Olmedo (front) and Yamaha Champ School Lead Instructor Chris Perris. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champion School.

 

 
 

Champions Habits

At the center of every program are Champions Habits: the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders. These techniques work because they are based on how motorcycles are engineered to be ridden and respond to rider inputs, with principles that apply across motorcycle types, riding environments, and experience levels.

Students learn how vision, braking, throttle application, body position, and steering work together to manage speed, direction, and grip. Students build confidence by understanding what to do, how to do it, and why it works, and then developing the habits to apply those skills consistently across any riding environment at whatever pace the rider chooses.

Those skills matter when a corner tightens unexpectedly, traffic stops suddenly, the pace increases, or grip decreases. Under pressure, or when things go wrong, practiced habits can make the difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it.

ChampSchool’s approach emphasizes operational excellence: the ability to operate a motorcycle with precision, awareness, and adaptability. Most riders already understand that they should respect traffic laws, wear proper gear, and ride responsibly. Training must also teach them how to use the motorcycle’s controls effectively when things go wrong.

World Class Coaches

ChampSchool’s coaching team brings together world champions, national champions, career police motor officers, industry experts, factory test riders, and motorcycle journalists. Their collective experience spans decades of professional racing, street riding, motorcycle development, testing, and the daily demands of riding a motorcycle for a living.

That depth of experience supports a shared curriculum and a practical teaching approach. Coaches help students connect Champions Habits to their individual riding goals, identify habits that limit control, and develop techniques they can continue practicing long after school.

Whether a student wants more confidence on a touring motorcycle, greater control in traffic, or improved performance on a racetrack, the objective remains the same: better riding through better understanding.
 
 
Yamaha Champion Riding School instructor Robertino Pietri. Photo courtesy ChampSchool

A Programs for Every Rider and Every Budget

2-Day ChampSchool — The premium flagship program provides two days of focused instruction and coaching at racetracks nationwide. A controlled, repeatable environment allows students to practice at real-world riding speeds while developing skills they can apply on the street or track. Optional Yamaha motorcycle, Dainese riding gear, and Arai helmet rentals provide a complete arrive-and-ride experience.

1-Day ChampStreet — An economical, scaled-down version of ChampSchool that brings the same core riding principles to a one-day format. Held in a facility’s paddock or kart track area, ChampStreet focuses on the needs of everyday motorcyclists using their own street bikes and street gear. No leathers required.

1-Day ChampPrecision — ChampSchool principles applied at low speeds, drawing on the techniques used by career police motor officers. Students develop balance, coordination, and precise clutch, throttle, and brake control to make tight turns, parking lots, and other low-speed situations easier to manage.

ChampGrad — Continuing education customized for ChampSchool graduates who want to deepen their understanding and refine their technique. Private, semi-private, and 4:1 group programs provide options for different goals and coaching needs, allowing graduates to build on their previous training.

Private Lessons — Customizable experiences for ChampSchool graduates seeking dedicated coaching. Instruction can focus on specific challenges, individual riding goals, or a broader plan for continued development, with arrangements tailored to the rider.

Champ U — Affordable online courses that bring Champions Habits and the core principles taught at ChampSchool to riders wherever they live. In-person training requires a significant investment of time, travel, and money; Champ U makes that knowledge accessible on your schedule and at your own pace. Whether riders are preparing for school, exploring what they could learn, or continuing their education from home, Champ U offers a practical way to invest in better riding. Every in-person class includes a complimentary Champ U: Core Curriculum course to help students prepare and make the most of their time with the coaches.

 

Invest in the Rider

Motorcyclists invest in exhaust systems, tires, suspension, and electronics to improve their bikes. An investment in the rider improves the skills they bring to every motorcycle they own. Better vision, better braking, and better control stay with the rider long after the bike has been sold.

Two days of training: A lifetime of better riding.
 
 

2027 Schedule:

January 28–29 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL

February 1–2 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL

February 9–10 — Chuckwalla Valley Raceway — Desert Center, CA

February 23–24 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ

March 9–10 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA

March 23–24 — Eagles Canyon Raceway — Decatur, TX

March 26–28 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV

April 12–13 — Thunderhill Raceway Park — Willows, CA

April 22–23 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC

April 26–27 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC

May 4–5 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ

May 11–12 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ

May 26–27 — Road Atlanta — Braselton, GA

May 29–30 — High Plains Raceway — Deer Trail, CO

May 31 — CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (ChampStreet) — Douglas County, CO

June 15–16 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ

June 30–July 1 — The Ridge Motorsports Park — Shelton, WA

September 16–17 — Ozarks International Raceway — Gravois Mills, MO

September 30–October 1 — NCM Motorsports Park — Bowling Green, KY

October 5–6 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA

October 12–13 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ

October 21–22 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC

October 25–26 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC

November 9–10 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ

December 11–12 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV

 

Additional 2027 events and locations will be announced soon. Program availability varies by location. For the latest schedule, program availability, pricing, and registration, visit www.champschool.com.

Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, GoPro, Yamalube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, Stompgrip, and N2 Track Days.


About Yamaha Champions Riding School: Yamaha Champions Riding School is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School. Led by racer, author, and curriculum architect Nick Ienatsch, ChampSchool teaches Champions Habits, the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders to help motorcyclists develop better control, stronger skills, and greater confidence at any pace or environment they choose. Its programs serve new and experienced street riders, returning riders, track day enthusiasts, and racers.

For details and registration, visit www.champschool.com or email [email protected].

MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Cracks Lap Record At Lusail

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Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Lusail. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Fabio Di Giannantonio led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday night at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian rider turned a lap time of 1:50.406. Not only was that good enough to lead the 18-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Marc Marquez’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:50.499.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:50.548 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26. 

Marco Bezzecchi was third at 1:50.666 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26. 

Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia finished the session fourth with a 1:50.792.

Raul Fernandez got fifth on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 with a lap time of 1:51.014.

Jorge Martin was 7th on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 with a time of 1:51.041. 

 

motogp practice

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Di Giannantonio P1 under the lights at Lusail, Marquez and Martin in Q2. The Italian set a new lap record for Practice honours whilst the top two in the Championship will be going head-to-head on Saturday. 

Putting on a show under the lights, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was untouchable on Friday evening to bag P1 in Practice and to lead the field into Sprint Saturday. The Italian set a new lap record with a 1’50.406 seeing him with nearly a tenth and a half over nearest rival Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who suffered a chain failure whilst Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leads the Noale brand’s charge in third.

 

APRILIA COME OUT STRONG: Bezzecchi leads the charge in Qatar

Straight down to business and competitive from the first lap, ‘Bez’ placed himself up at the front and improved straight away on his second run too – and he wasn’t the only Aprilia in good form. Returning to action after sitting out most of the Malaysian GP, 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) was up in the top ten, aiming to book a spot straight into Q2. Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and teammate Raul Fernandez were also making it a great day for the Noale factory, both up inside the provisional Q2 places.

 

 

 

 

IN THE DUCATI CORNER: Marc Marquez unchained – literally

Climbing the order having led at the very start of the session, Di Giannantonio took over at the top with a 1’51.174, more than 1.5s quicker than he went in FP1. Marquez and teammate Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) were fifth and sixth but the #93 suffered a setback when the chain sprung off his GP26 Desmosedici with a little under 30 minutes on the clock. Far from ideal as he trundled down pitlane, an unexpected pause into the reigning World Champion’s second run. The delay wasn’t too long for Marquez as he hit the track with 18 minutes left on the clock.

 

 

 

 

GOALPOST MOVED: Marquez back to his best

With just under a quarter of an hour remaining, the #93 got himself back into P1 with the first 1’50 of the weekend – a 1’50.925, undeterred by his previous disruption. Improvers behind included teammate Bagnaia in P2, Fernandez in P5, Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) in sixth, as well as Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) who completed the top ten. This left Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P12 and Martin in 16th needing lap times, which the #89 delivered to put himself P5. 

 

 

 

 

CLOSING STAGES: your Friday top 10 from Lusail, Marquez and Martin make Q2

Red sectors were lighting up the timing screens as Di Giannantonio found good form to set a 1’50.406, a new lap record at Lusail. A final flying lap improvement for Marquez wasn’t enough to see him into P1, 0.142s adrift of Diggia at the front. Bezzecchi was strong to lead the Aprilia charge in third with Pecco behind in fourth. Fernandez rounded out the top five ahead of Bastianini, Martin, Zarco, a late charge from Ogura in ninth and Binder in tenth just over a second away from Di Giannantonio. For Martin, a big boost having struggled at Sepang and needing to pull out of Saturday – this weekend, he’s in the mix.

 

FACING Q1: Acosta headlines after Friday to forget

The Shark finds himself as one of the heavy hitters to not make the cut into Q2 with P14 being his position after day one. He was behind Aldeguer on his return in P11, Lusail podium finisher from 2025 Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Marini, whilst Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) suffered a technical issue on his way to 15th ahead of Iker Lecuona (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) and Jake Dixon (Honda HRC Castrol), with the whole field covered by less than two seconds.

 

 

 

Day 1 done, Sprint Saturday awaits: action fires up from 12:30 local time (UTC +3), don’t miss a lap of the action!

MotoGP Practice results from Lusail

Moto2: Holgado Breaks Record In Qatar

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Daniel Holgado (96) at Lusail. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Daniel Holgado led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) road course in 1:55.897, topping the field of 27 riders and breaking Manuel Gonzalez’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:56.301 from 2025.

Filip Salac was second-best with a time of 1:56.096 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Izan Guevara did a third-fastest 1:56.136 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

Manuel Gonzalez was fourth on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM with a lap time of 1:56.146.

Celestino Vietti, piloting his BETA Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro, got fifth with a time of 1:56.184. 

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 17th with a best time of 1:56.680 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

moto2 practice

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Holgado sets Lusail Moto2 lap record, Guevara and Gonzalez straight into Q2. 

The 1:55s Lusail International Circuit barrier has been broken on a Moto2 bike by Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team), who set a 1:55.897 in Practice to head into the weekend 0.199s quicker than anyone else. The rider second-quickest on Friday evening was Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team), with third-place honours going to title-hunting Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2).

Under three tenths split the top five in an ultra-competitive Moto2 stint at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, with championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) heading into qualifying as the fourth fastest rider, one place behind his 2026 rival Guevara. Gonzalez was at the sharp end throughout Practice and did break his own lap record first, before Holgado turned up the wick in the closing stages. Guevara, meanwhile, left it late to jump into the top five, having found himself P20 at one stage.

Rounding out the top five on Friday was Celestino Vietti (BETA Tools SpeedRS Team), with Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Malaysian GP winner David Alonso (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) making up a top seven who have all won a Moto2 race.

Completing the top 10? Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in P8, Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) in P9, and Barry Baltus (REDS Fantic Racing) in P10, as we now strap in for qualifying Saturday in Moto2 at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Moto2 Practice results from Qatar!

Moto3: Quiles Is Best Friday Afternoon At Lusail

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Maximo Quiles (28) at Lusail. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track in 2:03.172 to lead the field of 25 riders.

David Almansa was second-best with a time of 2:03.372 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM and his teammate David Muñoz claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:03.443.

Hakim Danish, piloting his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, was fourth with a lap time of 2:03.500 and Veda Pratama finished the practice session fifth on his Honda Team Asia machine with a time of 2:03.561. 

 

PRACTICE MOTO3

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Quiles heads Almansa in Moto3 Practice, Carpe and Uriarte in Q1 in Qatar. The World Champion was in unbeatable form to take a Friday clean sweep whilst two of the riders fighting for P2 overall find themselves in Q1 at Lusail. 

P1 in the afternoon and then once again in the evening, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was in top form to be top dog in Moto3 under the lights at Lusail. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though after a big highside in FP1 at the end of the session. A 2’03.172 was good enough for the Champion, whilst a second covered the top 14. 

Quiles had two tenths in his back pocket over David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) who was in P2, just 0.071s clear of his teammate David Muñoz, who also had a crash in FP1 but was back inside the top three in the evening. Behind the Spaniard’s at the front, Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) carried on his good form from his home round in Malaysia, just ahead of Sepang podium finisher Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia). Pratama does have a 6-place grid penalty for Sunday however, having not respected the yellow flags in FP1 for a second time in 2026.

Missing the cut behind 2025 polesitter Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) in P14, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was a headlining name in 15th and will be joined by teammate Brian Uriarte in Q1, the rookie only capable of 21st for his worst Friday of the season so far. Adrian Cruces (CIP GreenPower), Ruche Moodley (CODE Motorsports) and Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) are also names that’ll hope to move through the Q1 battle on Saturday afternoon.

Moto3 Practice results from Lusail

MotoGP: M. Marquez Heads FP1 In Qatar

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Marc Marquez (93) at Lusail. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Michelin-shod Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:52.278 around the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track and led the 18-rider field.

Marco Bezzecchi was second-best with a 1:52.388 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third with a lap of 1:52.691 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Pedro Acosta finished the first session fourth on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 with a time of 1:52.955.

Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin got fifth with a time of 1:53.012.

 

MOTOGP FP1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Motogp:

Marc Marquez fastest from Bezzecchi, Martin P5 in Qatar FP1. The championship leader kickstarts his weekend in fine fashion while it’s a promising start at Lusail for his closest title rival.

Beginning his first match-point weekend at the top of the FP1 tree was Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), whose 1:52.278 was good enough to see off second-fastest Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) by 0.110s in the opening stint of a crucial Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. Fabio Di Giannantonio’s (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) last flying lap saw the 2023 Qatar GP winner pocket P3, while Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) returned to the fray in promising fashion – the rider second in the championship ending FP1 in P5.

Sandwiched between Di Giannantonio and Martin on the scoreboard was Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P4. It wasn’t the end of the session the rider fourth in the standings would have wanted, though, because a late issue with his RC16 ended FP1 prematurely for Acosta, who is still mathematically in contention for the title. 

Martin’s gap to Marc Marquez sits at 0.7s heading into Practice, with Bezzecchi and Di Giannantonio the only two to get within half a second of the latter’s impressive pace. 

Elsewhere, there were early crashes for Jake Dixon (Honda HRC Castrol) – who stands in for Joan Mir this weekend – and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with the Briton and South African all OK after their tip-offs. 

So, Marc Marquez holds the advantage heading into Practice later on, with Bez and Aprilia his closest challengers so far. Now it’s full focus on getting inside that top 10 under the lights. 

Qatar MotoGP FP1 results!

Moto2: Holgado Tops Opening Practice At Lusail

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Daniel Holgado (96) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aspar Team.

Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex on the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:56.784 to lead the field of 27 riders.

Celestino Vietto was the best of the rest with a 1:56.923 on his BETA Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

Izan Guevara was third-fastest with a 1:56.970 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro. 

Manuel Gonzalez finished the first session fourth on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex with a time of 1:57.027.

Vietti’s teammate, Luca Lunetta got fifth with a time of 1:57.175. 

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 11th with a 1:57.488 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

MOTO2 FP1

Moto3: Quiles Quickest In Opening Practice In Qatar

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Maximo Quiles (28) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Maximo Quiles was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday afternoon at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) road course in 2:04.143, topping the field of 26 riders.

Joel Kelso was the best of the rest with a 2:04.936 on his GRYD Racing Honda and Quiles’ teammate Marco Morelli was third with a lap time of 2:04.992. 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Rico Salmela got fourth with a lap time of 2:05.094 and Hakim Danish was fifth with a time of 2:05.108 on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.

 

MOTO3 FP1

Yamaha Announces 2027 Street Motorcycle Pricing and Availability

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R1M. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Lineup Highlighted by returning R-Series, MT, and XSR Motorcycles. 

MARIETTA, Ga. –  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, announced pricing and availability for its 2027 street motorcycle lineup including Supersport, Hyper Naked, Sport Heritage, Touring and Scooter models. Yamaha’s street motorcycle lineup offers a wide range of options for every type of motorcyclist.

“From versatile hyper naked bikes to thrilling Supersports, Yamaha’s motorcycle lineup combines torquey power and premium performance of its renowned crossplane engines with distinctive styles and technology to meet the demands of every rider,” said Dan Rivito, Yamaha Motor USA’s Motorcycle Business Manager. “Whether it’s commuting to work on an MT, endless adventures on the Ténéré 700, or running laps at the track on an R-Series Supersport, Yamaha has a bike for every situation.”

 

The full lineup of Yamaha’s 2027 street motorcycles includes:

• The YZF-R1M, YZF-R1, YZF-R9, YZF-R7 and YZF-R3 Supersport motorcycles

• The MT-10 SP, MT-10, MT-09 SP, MT-09, MT-07 and MT-03 Hyper Naked motorcycles

• The Ténéré 700, and Ténéré 700 World Raid and Tracer 9 Touring motorcycles

• The XSR900 and XSR700 Sport Heritage motorcycles

• The XMAX and Zuma 125 Scooters

 

 

2027 Yamaha YZF R1M SMX US Web Action 46404
The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R1M. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

2027 Supersport Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 R-Series Supersport lineup brings race-proven technology from MotoGP and World Superbike to riders at every skill level from first-time sportbike owners to track-day competitors. Joining the 2027 R9 announced earlier this year, the remaining R-Series models return with new and returning colorways for 2027.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R1M will be available this month in Carbon Fiber starting at $27,899 MSRP.

 

2027 Yamaha YZF R1 DPBMC US SPEC Web Action 43320
The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R1. photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or a new Raven colorway this month starting at $19,199 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R9. photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R9 is now available in Team Yamaha Blue, and Raven, with a new Matte Phantom Blue/Fluo Red colorway arriving next month starting at $12,499 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R7. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R7 will be available next month in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, or a new Adrenaline Yellow/Fluo Red colorway starting at $9,399 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha YZF-R3. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 YZF-R3 will be available this January in Team Yamaha Blue, Midnight Black or Lunar White/Nebula Blue starting at $5,499 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Hyper Naked Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 Hyper Naked models deliver an aggressive, stripped-down MT-styling and torquey engine performance true to its “Master of Torque” identity. The MT-09, MT-07 and MT-03 receive a new Redline colorway while SP models will be exclusively available in a premium Granite Gray/Liquid Metal colorway.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-10 SP. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-10 SP will be available this February in Granite Gray/Liquid Metal starting at $17,499 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-10. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-10 will be available this February in Ice Storm starting at $14,999 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-09 SP. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-09 SP will be available this month in Liquid Metal/Granite Gray starting at $12,699 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-09. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-09 will be available this month in Ice Storm, Matte Raven Black, or Redline starting at $10,899 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-07. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-07 will be available next month in Ice Storm, Matte Charcoal Black or Redline starting at $7,999 MSRP, a $600 price reduction from the 2026 MT-07.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha MT-03. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 MT-03 will be available next month in Ice Storm, Matte Stealth Black, or Impact Red starting at $4,999 MSRP.

 

 

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The 2027 Yamaha Ténéré 700. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

2027 Touring Colors, Availability & Price:

From the highway to the trail, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 pushes the limits of where a motorcycle can adventure. For those looking to go even further, the Ténéré 700 World Raid features a dual fuel tank and a premium electronics package for extended range and comfort on longer rides. For long-haul highway adventures, the Tracer 9 combines the thrilling 890cc CP3 power and agility with comfort and versatility for all-day rides and riders who refuse to choose between sport performance and long-distance touring.

• The 2027 Ténéré 700 will be available this March in Team Yamaha Blue and Crystal Graphite starting at $10,199 MSRP, an $800 price reduction from the 2026 Ténéré 700.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 Ténéré 700 World Raid will be available this February in Raven and Intensity White starting at $12,999 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha Tracer 9. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 Tracer 9 will be available this January in Raven starting at $12,599 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Sport Heritage Colors, Availability & Price:

Yamaha’s 2027 Sport Heritage models pair a classic café racer design with modern performance and technology for a timeless tribute honoring the legendary machines that built Yamaha’s reputation. Inspired by the 1993 Yamaha YZF750SP, the XSR900 receives a new Intensity White colorway, embodying Yamaha’s retro 90s styling.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha XSR900. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 XSR900 will be available next month in Raven or Intensity White starting at $10,599 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha XSR700. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 XSR700 will be available this January in Radical White starting at $8,599 MSRP.

 

 

2027 Scooter Colors, Availability & Price: 

For city commutes to neighborhood errands, Yamaha’s 2027 scooters make every day riding simple and fun. Built for comfort and ease of use, along with an outstanding fuel efficiency, the XMAX and Zuma 125 offer twist-and-go convenience with Yamaha’s legendary quality and reliability. Yamaha’s 2027 scooters will be available in March.• The 2027 XMAX will be available in Midnight Black starting at $6,399 MSRP.

 

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The 2027 Yamaha ZUMA 125. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

• The 2027 ZUMA 125 will be available in Sand Gray or Matte Black starting at $3,799 MSRP.

 

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Street motorcycle lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

 

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.

 

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media sites:
www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa
www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa
www.x.com/yamahamotorusa

 

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA: 

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube
products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in California, four corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing USA (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiaries Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and Torqeedo Inc. (Illinois) and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana]. Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.

MotoGP: Dixon Steps In For Mir at Qatar Grand Prix

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Jake Dixon. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

The Honda HRC WorldSBK star will line up alongside Marini in Lusail while the 2020 World Champion continues his recovery at home. 

Honda HRC Castrol have confirmed that WorldSBK star Jake Dixon will replace Joan Mir at this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. Mir, who returned to action last weekend in Sepang, was forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix in Malaysia and will continue recovering at home. In his place comes the experienced Dixon, who spent seven years in the Grand Prix paddock from 2019 to 2025, collecting seven wins and 22 podiums in Moto2. In 2021, the British rider also made two MotoGP starts with a best finish of 19th coming at his home round at Silverstone. The 2026 WorldSBK season has been one complicated by injury for the #96, but a return to fitness in the latter half of the season saw him take five top-10 finishes aboard the CBR1000RR-R SP.

Dixon: “First of all I have to say thank you to Honda HRC for this opportunity. Getting the call to come ride one of these bikes is always mega and I am looking forward to it, I think every rider dreams of racing for the Honda factory team in MotoGP when they’re a kid. It’s been a little bit since I last raced a MotoGP bike, so we need to take the weekend steady and go step by step. I want to wish Joan all the best and I hope to see him back on the bike soon. It hasn’t been a straightforward year for me either, so I sympathise a lot with him. Let’s make the most of this weekend.”

MotoGP: Preview Of The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

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MotoGP Race start at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

HOT HEADLINES: match point for Marc Marquez as MotoGP arrives at Lusail.

The classic night GP could well culminate in a coronation as Round 20 gets into gear.

By the time we go green on Sunday, we could be looking at one of the greatest turnarounds in a single season MotoGP has ever seen. 161 days will have passed between Marc Marquez(Ducati Lenovo Team) being 102 points behind the Championship lead to the #93 facing a coronation under the lights of Lusail in Qatar to retain his title and make it a historic eighth in MotoGP. A remarkable season has just three GPs left to go but if results go his way on Saturday, the reigning World Champion will be exactly that again going into 2027.

 

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PERMUTATIONS: Marc Marquez’s maths for title #8

The permutations are simple: across the course of the weekend, outscore chief title rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) by 30 points and the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi by 8. It would mean that results do indeed have to go Marquez’s way; if he doesn’t take at least P5 on Saturday for his end of the bargain, then Sunday’s out of the question. With Martin’s participation subject to a Thursday medical check after he sat out the points scoring ops at the Malaysian GP, it may well be Bezzecchi who attempts to delay the #93’s title celebrations. Marquez is a double winner at Lusail in 2014 and 2025 and in terms of match points, five of his seven title have been clinched at the first possible opportunity – will it be six from eight when the curtain comes down on Sunday?

 

 

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Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

 

NOT OVER YET: the Aprilia dynamic

As for Bezzecchi and Martin, both need to be on their A-game to halt the #93. 30 points may sound a lot to outscore by but with the 2024 World Champion’s injury struggles and Bezzecchi needing a top five in the Sprint to guarantee himself remaining in contention going to Saturday, it’s an uphill task. Perhaps their fellow Aprilias can have a say? Ai Ogura(SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was fast for fourth last time out, and after racing Bezzecchi at full pelt, whilst teammate Raul Fernandez is subject to a medical check for his broken fingers.

 

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Alex Marquez (73) and Pedro Acosta (37) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

 

CHASING PACK: Acosta and a host of Lusail winners

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is fourth overall and whilst being in mathematical contention, needs to outscore Marquez himself by 31 points. From P4 to P6, 30 points cover Acosta, Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), winner of the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar. 2024 winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hopes to repeat his podium success of 2025.

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) completes the top ten in the standings and after a top five in Malaysia, the 2022 Qatar GP victor returns to the site of his first MotoGP win. The Italian got ahead of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) in the standings but the #54 is heading to Lusail and, pending a Thursday medical check, will return to duty.

 

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Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.

 

SURPRISES: Viñales and Binder aim high

KTM’s charge on the road was good at Lusail in 2025 with Maverick Viñales taking P2 until a tyre pressure penalty. An encouraging weekend nonetheless, something that he and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be keen to replicate in 2026, the latter a double podium finisher in Qatar. Luca Marini’s (Honda HRC Castrol) P7 was his best finish since Hungary and is seeking more of the same this weekend whereas teammate Joan Mir has been a QatarGP podium contender in previous years, but he continues to face some fitness struggles so remains a question mark. Fellow Honda rider Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) can secure Rookie of the Year honours if he scores 15 points; teammate Johann Zarco(Castrol Honda LCR) was a mega P4 at Lusail in 2025 – can he repeat it in 2026? A double podium finisher and long-time GP leader last year, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) shouldn’t be ruled out of a strong final Qatar GP.

Last but not least, although Aldeguer is back, Iker Lecuona continues on super-sub duty, this time for Alex Marquez who underwent shoulder surgery after Sepang and aims to be back for Portimao with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. Yamaha have withdrawn from the Qatar GP, meaning Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will not be present.

Match point one, Round 20: the Grand Prix of Qatar could bring the biggest moment of the season so far – tune in to see if Marquez makes more history or Aprilia – or Acosta – can put pause on the celebrations.

 

 

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Yamaha Champions School Announces Tentative 2027 Schedule

ChampSchool instructor Ryan Burke (on the left) with a student during a track day. Photo courtesy Yamaha ChampSchool
Yamaha Champions Riding School announces its preliminary 2027 nationwide training schedule, with additional events and locations to be announced soon. From first-time students to returning graduates, the upcoming 2027 season offers motorcyclists opportunities to invest in skills that improve every ride, for the rest of your life.
 
 
Early Registration Savings and Financing
 

Early registration discounts offer savings of up to $350, with zero-percent financing options available at checkout. With a 2026 fill rate of more than 96% and most events selling out months in advance, riders are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred dates and take advantage of available savings and financing options.

Every in-person class includes the Champ U: Core Curriculum online course for free to help students prepare before they arrive. The online curriculum introduces key concepts so riders can make the most of their time with the coaches.

The best way to make safer riders is to make better riders.

ChampSchool is for every rider: new street riders building their foundation, returning riders rebuilding confidence, experienced motorcyclists refining their skills, track day riders, and racers working to improve lap times with greater control.

Students do not have to race, attend track days, own a sportbike, or own leathers to benefit from training. 90% of our students are street riders, and more than 60% have never been on a race track before.

They simply want to get better at riding motorcycles. Better on a favorite back road. Better on the daily commute. Better on the next motorcycle trip. Better on the next lap.
Better on the motorcycle they own today and every motorcycle they will own in the future.
 
 
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Kevin Olmedo (front) and Yamaha Champ School Lead Instructor Chris Perris. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champion School.

 

 
 

Champions Habits

At the center of every program are Champions Habits: the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders. These techniques work because they are based on how motorcycles are engineered to be ridden and respond to rider inputs, with principles that apply across motorcycle types, riding environments, and experience levels.

Students learn how vision, braking, throttle application, body position, and steering work together to manage speed, direction, and grip. Students build confidence by understanding what to do, how to do it, and why it works, and then developing the habits to apply those skills consistently across any riding environment at whatever pace the rider chooses.

Those skills matter when a corner tightens unexpectedly, traffic stops suddenly, the pace increases, or grip decreases. Under pressure, or when things go wrong, practiced habits can make the difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it.

ChampSchool’s approach emphasizes operational excellence: the ability to operate a motorcycle with precision, awareness, and adaptability. Most riders already understand that they should respect traffic laws, wear proper gear, and ride responsibly. Training must also teach them how to use the motorcycle’s controls effectively when things go wrong.

World Class Coaches

ChampSchool’s coaching team brings together world champions, national champions, career police motor officers, industry experts, factory test riders, and motorcycle journalists. Their collective experience spans decades of professional racing, street riding, motorcycle development, testing, and the daily demands of riding a motorcycle for a living.

That depth of experience supports a shared curriculum and a practical teaching approach. Coaches help students connect Champions Habits to their individual riding goals, identify habits that limit control, and develop techniques they can continue practicing long after school.

Whether a student wants more confidence on a touring motorcycle, greater control in traffic, or improved performance on a racetrack, the objective remains the same: better riding through better understanding.
 
 
Yamaha Champion Riding School instructor Robertino Pietri. Photo courtesy ChampSchool

A Programs for Every Rider and Every Budget

2-Day ChampSchool — The premium flagship program provides two days of focused instruction and coaching at racetracks nationwide. A controlled, repeatable environment allows students to practice at real-world riding speeds while developing skills they can apply on the street or track. Optional Yamaha motorcycle, Dainese riding gear, and Arai helmet rentals provide a complete arrive-and-ride experience.

1-Day ChampStreet — An economical, scaled-down version of ChampSchool that brings the same core riding principles to a one-day format. Held in a facility’s paddock or kart track area, ChampStreet focuses on the needs of everyday motorcyclists using their own street bikes and street gear. No leathers required.

1-Day ChampPrecision — ChampSchool principles applied at low speeds, drawing on the techniques used by career police motor officers. Students develop balance, coordination, and precise clutch, throttle, and brake control to make tight turns, parking lots, and other low-speed situations easier to manage.

ChampGrad — Continuing education customized for ChampSchool graduates who want to deepen their understanding and refine their technique. Private, semi-private, and 4:1 group programs provide options for different goals and coaching needs, allowing graduates to build on their previous training.

Private Lessons — Customizable experiences for ChampSchool graduates seeking dedicated coaching. Instruction can focus on specific challenges, individual riding goals, or a broader plan for continued development, with arrangements tailored to the rider.

Champ U — Affordable online courses that bring Champions Habits and the core principles taught at ChampSchool to riders wherever they live. In-person training requires a significant investment of time, travel, and money; Champ U makes that knowledge accessible on your schedule and at your own pace. Whether riders are preparing for school, exploring what they could learn, or continuing their education from home, Champ U offers a practical way to invest in better riding. Every in-person class includes a complimentary Champ U: Core Curriculum course to help students prepare and make the most of their time with the coaches.

 

Invest in the Rider

Motorcyclists invest in exhaust systems, tires, suspension, and electronics to improve their bikes. An investment in the rider improves the skills they bring to every motorcycle they own. Better vision, better braking, and better control stay with the rider long after the bike has been sold.

Two days of training: A lifetime of better riding.
 
 

2027 Schedule:

January 28–29 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL

February 1–2 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL

February 9–10 — Chuckwalla Valley Raceway — Desert Center, CA

February 23–24 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ

March 9–10 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA

March 23–24 — Eagles Canyon Raceway — Decatur, TX

March 26–28 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV

April 12–13 — Thunderhill Raceway Park — Willows, CA

April 22–23 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC

April 26–27 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC

May 4–5 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ

May 11–12 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ

May 26–27 — Road Atlanta — Braselton, GA

May 29–30 — High Plains Raceway — Deer Trail, CO

May 31 — CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (ChampStreet) — Douglas County, CO

June 15–16 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ

June 30–July 1 — The Ridge Motorsports Park — Shelton, WA

September 16–17 — Ozarks International Raceway — Gravois Mills, MO

September 30–October 1 — NCM Motorsports Park — Bowling Green, KY

October 5–6 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA

October 12–13 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ

October 21–22 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC

October 25–26 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC

November 9–10 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ

December 11–12 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV

 

Additional 2027 events and locations will be announced soon. Program availability varies by location. For the latest schedule, program availability, pricing, and registration, visit www.champschool.com.

Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, GoPro, Yamalube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, Stompgrip, and N2 Track Days.


About Yamaha Champions Riding School: Yamaha Champions Riding School is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School. Led by racer, author, and curriculum architect Nick Ienatsch, ChampSchool teaches Champions Habits, the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders to help motorcyclists develop better control, stronger skills, and greater confidence at any pace or environment they choose. Its programs serve new and experienced street riders, returning riders, track day enthusiasts, and racers.

For details and registration, visit www.champschool.com or email [email protected].

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