MotoGP: Michelin Simplifies Front Tire Allocation for 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 15, 2026

MotoGP: Michelin Simplifies Front Tire Allocation for 2026

Fewer specifications, fewer tires, but an allocation better suited to riders’ requirements.
Maintenance of a specific allocation on circuits most exposed to weather uncertainty and temperature variations.
A decision that forms part of Michelin’s long-term strategy, approved by all MotoGP stakeholders and validated by the Grand Prix Commission.

True to its sustainability strategy and commitment to optimising resources—implemented in MotoGP through a progressive and controlled reduction in the number of specifications made available to riders—Michelin announces an evolution of the front tire allocation starting from the 2026 season, in consultation with all Championship stakeholders.

A simplified and more efficient allocation

From 2026, the front tire allocation will evolve as follows at the majority of Grands Prix:

2 front tire specifications, instead of 3 in 2025;
7 tires allocated per specification, instead of 5 in 2025;
14 tires in total, instead of 15 in 2025.

This new distribution makes it possible to reduce the front tire allocation by one tire per rider per weekend, while offering greater freedom of choice thanks to an increased number of tires of the specification best suited to each rider’s style and the characteristics of each circuit.

This approach fully aligns with Michelin’s policy to reduce the number of specifications, limit the Championship’s environmental footprint and maintain a very high level of sporting performance.

An exception for circuits sensitive to climatic conditions

For circuits particularly exposed to weather uncertainty and temperature variations, the allocation will remain identical to that of the 2025 season, in order to guarantee safety, performance and sporting fairness.

The Grands Prix concerned are:

Michelin Grand Prix of France (Le Mans)
British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
German Grand Prix (Sachsenring)
Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island)
Valencian Community Grand Prix (Cheste)

At these events, 3 front tire specifications will be maintained, with an allocation of 5 tires per specification.

A concerted and validated decision

This evolution of the front tire allocation for 2026 was defined in consultation with the teams, as well as with Dorna Sports, the IRTA and the MSMA, and was officially validated by the Grand Prix Commission.

Piero Taramasso, Manager of Michelin Two-Wheel Competition: “With this new rationalisation of the front tire allocation, we are continuing work that began back in 2018. Over the past eight MotoGP™ seasons, Michelin has halved the number of specifications offered to riders, while continuously improving safety and performance across an increasing number of circuits, as demonstrated by the many records that have been set.

By way of comparison, the 2018 season featured 58 different front and rear tire specifications for 19 Grands Prix, compared with 29 specifications in 2026 for 22 races. Thanks to this continuous optimisation approach, Michelin has progressively reduced the volumes of tires manufactured and transported.

Michelin thus reaffirms its commitment to reconciling technological innovation, environmental responsibility and sporting excellence, in the service of MotoGP™ and all of its stakeholders.”

About Michelin:

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.

Dakar Rally: American Howes Takes His First Stage Victory

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 15, 2026

0

Dakar Rally: American Howes Takes His First Stage Victory

Howes breaks through with first Dakar Rally stage victory.

Skyler Howes claimed his first-ever Dakar Rally stage victory with a commanding performance on one of the fastest tests of this year’s event.

With three stages remaining at the start of the day, riders faced a daunting total distance of 883 km, including 346 km of flat-out timed racing. While speed was the dominant factor on the rally’s quickest special stage, competitors still had to stay sharp through technical navigation and rocky terrain as the route wound north toward Al Henakiyah.

Howes has been steadily building momentum throughout his eighth Dakar appearance. Although a tyre issue during last week’s first marathon stage ended his podium hopes, today’s rocky conditions played perfectly into the American’s strengths and the Honda CRF450 RALLY rider took full advantage to secure a landmark stage win. Despite the demanding task of opening the stage tomorrow, Howes was buoyed by his pace and will now look to challenge for a last-minute fourth place overall as the rally draws to a close.

Adrien Van Beveren was tasked with opening the stage following his victory yesterday and handled the navigation with confidence, ticking off checkpoints as the lead rider. He was eventually caught by teammate Ricky Brabec and the pair rode together for much of the stage. Even so, Van Beveren earned valuable bonus time for running up front and finished second, just 21 seconds behind Howes, capping off a dramatic turnaround in fortunes during the second week of the rally.

Ricky Brabec began the day leading the overall standings, separated from Luciano Benavides by just 56 seconds. On his favoured rocky terrain, the two-time Dakar champion pushed hard to extend his advantage, however, a calculated strategy saw him concede time late in the stage and despite gaining some bonus seconds after catching Van Beveren, Brabec dropped over a minute to Benavides at the finish. As a result, he surrendered the overall lead by a slender 23 seconds. With two stages remaining, his experience will be crucial as the fight goes down to the final kilometres.

Tosha Schareina endured a relatively quiet day by his standards. The 2025 runner-up returned to the provisional podium yesterday and focused on consolidating his position. Despite a small crash in the sand, he regrouped to finish fifth, four minutes off the lead, and now holds an advantage of more than eight minutes over Sanders in the battle for the final podium spot.

The penultimate day of this year’s Dakar will see riders cover 720 km as they make their return to Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s western coast. After 13 gruelling days of racing across spectacular terrain, the final push begins as competitors edge ever closer to the podium.

Ruben Faria – General Manager:

“We’ve reached the final bivouac before Yanbu. Today’s stage was fast and not overly demanding in terms of navigation and it was fantastic to see Skyler take his first stage victory of this year’s Dakar. Leading the way on the stage, Adrien also made the most of the bonus time, finishing just behind Skyler. Tosha faced a challenging start with a minor crash, followed by a fuel system issue that kept his bike from running at full power. Despite this, he fought through to finish fifth.
Right behind him was Ricky. Preferring a slightly later start position tomorrow to tackle the upcoming navigation and dunes, he will cross the start line in sixth.”

Skyler Howes (10):

“I’m happy. The stage was really fast and I just did a good job of navigating, pushed it to the end, so I consider that a perfect stage. I came away with the win which means a lot to give back to the team, they deserve stage wins, they deserve a lot and I’m happy to give that to them a little bit. Tomorrow, my job just means I’ve got to do a perfect job. All I’m looking forward to is opening the stage, doing the best I can and not make a single mistake and put Ricky into a good of position as possible. So I’ll just do my best, that’s all I can do.”

Ricky Brabec (9):

“Today it was the fastest stage and they had said this at the briefing. Everyday has been fast this week, we were like, “how can they get any faster?” But today was full gas, we were to the stop for 85% of the day. I did the best I could to catch my teammate Adrien and then we rode together, well he navigated and I kind of sat in his dust to collect some bonus time. Stage 11 was good, it was fast, a little bit technical and tricky, but I managed to manage myself well and now I think we’re in a good position for stage 12.”

Stark Future Posts Record Growth and Profitability

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 15, 2026

0

Stark Future Posts Record Growth and Profitability

Barcelona, Spain – Stark Future delivered a 77 % year-over-year sales growth to €115 million in revenue in the full year of 2025, achieving profitability in 5 of the last 9 months, underscoring strong demand for the company’s electric motorcycles and expanding global footprint. Q4 growth of 97 % capped a year of operational discipline and product momentum across MX, EX, and SM platforms.

Growth came primarily from existing dealers increasing sell-through, complemented by rapid geographic expansion into new regions and markets. In less than 1 year, Stark has achieved a share of over 3% in the global Enduro segment, demonstrating that riders adopt electric when they outperform combustion engines. The company targets a ~30% share in 5 years; notably, a 50% market share was already achieved in Germany in 2025, with similar performance observed in several European countries.

Stark is now developing vehicles aimed at larger motorcycle categories, with annual global volumes exceeding 55 million units, to replicate this trajectory at scale. Recent battery partnerships on the 26120 cell with EVE and Wanxiang A123 support this roadmap with multi-sourced, motorcycle-first energy platforms designed for high power, fast charging, and robust thermal control.

Stark Headquarter. Photo courtesy Stark.

● Anton Wass, CEO & Founder of Stark Future: “This year proved a simple theory: when you offer the market electric bikes that are superior to combustion, riders switch. We grew fast, stayed disciplined, and showed consistent growth while building the supply chain to scale. Next, we take the same winning formula into bigger categories, while we’ll continue our organic growth in off-road.”

● Morgan Karlsson, Stark Future Chief Marketing Officer: “From Europe to North America to APAC, the signal is the same: when electric motorcycles are better in performance and overall experience, riders switch. We’re scaling to match, broadening our dealer network, adding production windows, and securing cell supply to turn today’s demand spike into durable growth.”

A strengthened balance sheet, in December, Stark closed a €15m disbursement with the European Investment Bank and a €25m equity round with an existing shareholder, bringing the total 2025 equity investment to €45m. These events reinforce liquidity and fund the product and market expansion ahead.

Looking to the future, Stark plans to raise additional capital in 2026 and is preparing for an IPO within the next three years, ensuring the resources required to become a global leader in the motorcycle market.

About Stark Future :

Stark Future is a Barcelona-based premium electric motorcycle manufacturer redefining performance and sustainability in the powersports industry. Founded in 2020, the company has grown to become the fastest-growing Spanish company in history, combining cutting-edge technology with world-class design and engineering. Stark’s flagship model, the VARG MX, is the most powerful motocross bike ever created, delivering unmatched power, precision, and sustainability. With a rapidly expanding global presence, Stark Future’s mission is to accelerate the motorcycle industry’s shift toward sustainability by building motorcycles that outperform expectations on every level.

MotoGP: Aprilia Racing Unveils the Aprilia RS-GP26

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 15, 2026

0

MotoGP: Aprilia Racing Unveils the Aprilia RS-GP26

A roaring 2026 for Aprilia Racing.

Aprilia Racing officially unveiled the Aprilia RS-GP26, entrusted for the second year in a row to Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín for the 2026 MotoGP season. The proudly Italian bike has a strong technological and sport identity which represents the cutting edge of a continuously developing project.

The big change for the RS-GP26 livery, which maintains the iconic Aprilia Racing colours, is the presence of a noble symbol from our history – the lion which is part of Aprilia Racing’s DNA. Besides representing the strong ties with the territory, the Leone Alato – symbol of Venice, located just a few kilometres from Aprilia Racing headquarters in Noale – embodies values which fully reflect the identity of the team and its riders: power, strength, determination, and courage. It is the emblem of a team that never gives up, capable of stubbornly tackling difficulties and re-emerging even stronger and more steadfast.

The goal for 2026 is to improve on the results from last season, the most victorious ever for Aprilia Racing, ending with second place in the Manufacturers Championship at 418 points, breaking the 400 barrier for the first time in its history, and third place in the Riders Championship with Marco Bezzecchi at 353 points – the best result ever for a rider in Aprilia Racing’s MotoGP history. Adding to this are numerous impressive statistics: 19 podiums in all, with 3 sprint race wins and 4 long race wins, 5 pole positions to tie the previous record, and the 300th win for the Noale-based manufacturer in the Australian GP. This milestone, which later increased to 302, confirmed Aprilia Racing as the most victorious European manufacturer in the history of World Motorcycle Grand Prix Racing.

Defending the colours for the manufacturer from Noale in the 2026 season will be Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín. In 2025, the Italian rider was the protagonist of an extremely high-level season which placed him third overall in the Riders World Championship standings, with a performance that consecrated him as the best rider in Aprilia Racing history. Bezzecchi is approaching 2026 with the goal of reconfirming his status at the top of the category and continuing the upward trend begun with the team.

Jorge Martín, who will be on track with number 89 on his front fairing, is preparing to tackle a new season after a 2025 conditioned by injuries. For the Spanish rider, 2026 represents the start of a new chapter, which he is facing with determination and the desire to fully express his potential.

Supporting the factory riders, Lorenzo Savadori is confirmed as tester, after his immense contribution in recent years to the development and growth of the RS-GP.

Aprilia RS-GP26 represents an important evolution for Aprilia Racing’s MotoGP project. Each detail has been redesigned in order to be able to battle at top levels and consolidate Aprilia Racing’s position among the protagonists of MotoGP. Every area of the bike has been improved, from the further refined aerodynamics to the chassis architecture and all the way to the electronics and V4 engine, which underwent extensive development in every component not restricted by championship regulations. The technical office in Noale, led by Fabiano Sterlacchini, tackled this new challenge remaining faithful to their DNA and developing a bike that makes innovation an indispensable anchor of their vision.

The RS-GP26 will also be the latest evolution of a technical cycle which has placed the fastest bikes in MotoGP history on the track, thanks to extreme aerodynamics, ride height devices, and 1000cc engines which will no longer be permitted by the technical regulations from 2027. For these reasons, the RS-GP26 will be the fastest prototype ever built in Aprilia Racing history.

Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín will continue to be able to count on a solid and united team, with the support of official tester Lorenzo Savadori and Trackhouse MotoGP Team, with Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura. The Trackhouse project, conceived as a strategic partner and not as a simple satellite team, continues to represent a fundamental resource for the continued development of the RS-GP, providing invaluable data and contributing to the innovation process.

Marco Bezzecchi on his new Aprilia RS-GP26. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

MARCO BEZZECCHI: “I’m happy to finally be getting back to talking about bikes. I am anxious to start and we have a lot of work to do, although we never really stopped. In Noale, the company is working intensely and I have been training constantly. I am highly motivated and I can’t wait to have fun in the saddle. The 2025 season finale was extremely positive and that boosts our confidence even more. The goal is to start the season straight away in the best possible way and to continue doing a good job.”

Jorge Martín on his new Aprilia RS-GP26. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

JORGE MARTÍN: “After our experience last year along with Aprilia and the latest extremely important tests in Valencia, the goal now is to keep growing together. I’m sure there will be a lot of work to do at the start of the season, but we are well aware of where we need to improve. This will be a year where I want to get back to battling for the top spots and winning. As soon as I am at 100% fitness, we’ll be ready for anything.”

Lorenzo Savadori on his new Aprilia RS-GP26. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

LORENZO SAVADORI: “I can’t wait for 2026 to begin. The primary objective is to continue improving the bike, advancing the work and the path we began in 2025, in order to see Aprilia consistently at the front. I’ll be riding in a few wild-card spots throughout the season, and I’ll be giving it my all to contribute to developing the RS-GP26. In addition to all this, around April, we’ll also begin working and developing in view of 2027.”

MASSIMO RIVOLA, CEO APRILIA RACING: “We’re tackling the 2026 season well aware of what we are and where we want to be. We are coming from a solid 2025 which allowed us to reach an extremely high level of competitiveness, and the goal now is to battle in every race. We’ll be following two different paths in the garage. On one side, we’re keen to pick up from the same level where we left off at the end of last season with Marco, and on the other, we’ll be building a lot with Jorge. We believe very much in the RS-GP26 and we maintain that it has great potential, as do our riders.”

The presentation of the Aprilia Racing MotoGP Team at the Sky Studios in Milan was produced and realized by Sky Sport e Sky Content Factory.

Dakar Rally: American Brabec Takes Overall Lead

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 14, 2026

0

Dakar Rally: American Brabec Takes Overall Lead

Van Beveren storms stage 10 as Brabec takes Dakar Rally lead.

Stage 10 of the 2026 Dakar Rally delivered yet another dramatic swing in fortunes, as Adrien Van Beveren returned to top form with a dominant stage win, while Ricky Brabec emerged as the new overall leader.

Following a night of marathon-stage camping, riders set off early toward Bisha in Saudi Arabia’s Asir Province. A brutal 368 km special across soft, energy-draining dunes tested both endurance and concentration, with competitors pushing themselves to the limit before finally reuniting with their teams at the finish.

Van Beveren was outstanding throughout the day and by drawing on his vast experience in the sand – including three victories at the Le Touquet beach race – the Monster Energy Honda HRC rider looked completely at ease on the towering dunes. As he reeled in Tosha Schareina, Brabec, and Michael Docherty, he maximised the opportunity to collect bonus time from the front.

Although Luciano Benavides mounted a strong charge midway through the stage, Van Beveren kept his composure and pace to secure his seventh career Dakar stage win, finishing 3’49” ahead of Brabec. On his 11th Dakar appearance, it was a statement ride and one that confirmed his early rally issues are firmly behind him as he eyes further success before Saturday’s finish.

Brabec’s day was equally impressive, if more calculated. Starting fourth, the American used the tracks ahead to his advantage. His rhythm was briefly interrupted when he stopped to check on Daniel Sanders following his crash in the dunes, but he quickly regrouped to claim second place. A 1’37” time credit for assisting Sanders proved crucial, lifting Brabec to the top of the overall standings.

With the leaderboard reshuffled once again, Brabec now leads the rally by just 56 seconds over Benavides after more than 41 hours of racing.

After winning the previous stage, Schareina faced the difficult task of opening the route and paid the price early, losing 17 minutes within the first 123 km. Later working alongside Brabec to assist Sanders, the Spaniard then settled into a steady rhythm through the relentless dunes. Despite finishing sixth, 5’28” of bonus time for running at the front moved him onto the provisional podium in third overall. With a more favourable starting position tomorrow, he has a strong chance to extend his nearly two-minute gap to Sanders, who is now in fourth.

Skyler Howes continued his consistent Dakar with a solid fourth-place finish, also picking up bonus time. The dune-heavy terrain suited both the American and his Honda CRF450 RALLY and he completed the two-day marathon stage without issue, keeping him fifth overall.

With just three stages remaining, the battle for Dakar honours is wide open. Stage 11 will demand absolute focus as riders head toward Al Henakiyah, facing a punishing 883 km day with no margin for error.

Ruben Faria – General Manager:

“What a stage today! A few months ago in Spain, David Castera said at the Dakar presentation that if you liked dunes, stage ten would be full of them and he was true to his word. There were kilometres of dunes: soft dunes, big dunes, all kinds of dunes.
For us, it was a good stage. Tosha had a tough job opening this long stage, but he rode well to finish sixth and climb back onto the podium in third place. Skyler isn’t a fan of dunes, he prefers hard-packed, stony terrain, but he rode a solid stage to finish fourth. Ricky started in a good position, but he caught the front runners early and had to ride alongside Tosha, which made it hard to build a gap. Still, he finished second and took the overall lead, achieving the goal. Adrien is a completely different rider from the first week. He’s riding much better and winning today’s tough stage was a fantastic victory. As for stage 11, we don’t know much yet, based on the map, it looks fast, so we’ll see how it unfolds.”

Ricky Brabec (9):

“The marathon stage was good overall. We got to sleep on the ground, under the stars, it was really cool. Overall, the two days was awesome, we did the best job we could and the outcome is pretty good. If we’re still in a good position for the next three days, we’ll just keep doing the best we can and we’ll keep plugging away. We made it back which is my main goal, my bike is in one piece, so for my mechanics it’s super awesome. The times are super tight, I don’t know if I like it still, but it’s a good race I’m sure for the people watching. We’ll keep fighting, there’s three days to go, hopefully at the end of this thing we’re in the position we want to be in.”

MotoGP: Prima Pramac Yamaha Launches its 2026 Project

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 14, 2026

0

MotoGP: Prima Pramac Yamaha Launches its 2026 Project

Set against the timeless beauty of Siena‘s historic centre, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP launches its 2026 MotoGP campaign at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, just steps from the iconic Piazza del Campo.

Founded in 1923 and recognised as one of the world‘s most prestigious musical institutions, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana is housed in a magnificent historic building in the heart of the city. A place where tradition, excellence and innovation meet, it provides a fitting backdrop for the unveiling of the team‘s new season.

The choice of Siena is deeply symbolic. It reflects the heritage of Pramac, the construction equipment company whose long-term vision and commitment have played a central role in the development of the racing project. In 2026, two important milestones are celebrated: 25 years of competition in the MotoGP World Championship and 60 years of Pramac, making Siena a meaningful setting to mark these anniversaries.

The first season of the technical partnership with Yamaha marked the opening chapter of a long-term project, laying important groundwork for future development. As Yamaha‘s second Factory Team, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP has begun a learning process that continues into 2026.

The shared objective remains clear: to contribute actively to bringing this ambitious project to where it belongs — at the front of the field.

The Yamaha YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Team

The 2026 season also marks the MotoGP debut of three-time World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who becomes the first Turkish rider to compete in the premier class. Renowned for his spectacular and instinctive riding style, his transition to MotoGP will be one of the highlights of the season.

Alongside him, Jack Miller once again represents a key pillar of the project. The experienced Australian brings valuable knowledge of the championship and will play an important role in both bike development and race performance.
Stability remains one of the team‘s strengths. The management structure is confirmed for 2026, with a group that has worked together for years and continues to operate with cohesion, efficiency and shared ambition.

A winning partnership remains unchanged at the heart of the project. Prima Assicurazioni will once again be the title sponsor of Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP for the 2026 season, continuing to support the team and its long-term project with Yamaha.

From left to right, Jack Miller, Paolo Campinoti, Gino Borsoi and Toprak Razgatlioglu. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Team

PAOLO CAMPINOTI – Team Principal, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP:

“The 2026 season is a special milestone for us, as we celebrate 25 years in the MotoGP World Championship. These years have been full of emotions, challenges and growth, and they have shaped the strong and determined team we are today.

“We are fully focused on continuing the progress required by this ambitious partnership with Yamaha. Now in its second year, this project brings new challenges that we are eager to face with commitment, experience and the full strength of our team.

“I would like to thank Prima Assicurazioni for their continued trust and support, which gives us stability and confidence as we build for the future.

“I am delighted to welcome Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to the team and excited to see his talent and spectacular riding style in Prima Pramac colours. I also want to thank Jack Miller for being with us once again – his experience and contribution are fundamental to our ambitions.”

GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP:

“The second year of our partnership with Yamaha is extremely important, especially as it coincides with a major shift in their technical philosophy. Yamaha has taken a bold step forward with a completely new project, and their full support is helping us adapt quickly and effectively to this new bike.

The 2026 season represents a fresh start in many ways. While we welcome back Jack Miller, the new bike and the arrival of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu bring new challenges and a natural learning curve for everyone involved – an exciting phase where adaptability will be key.

We strongly believe in our rider line-up. Jack‘s experience, including his familiarity with V-engine bikes, will be invaluable in development, while Toprak will be given the time he needs to learn a new bike, new tyres and a new championship. His talent is exceptional and we know he can surprise us from the very beginning.

There is a strong determination within the team to help bring Yamaha back to where they belong. With their commitment, our structure and the talent of our riders, we are confident we can grow together and truly ’Rev Your Heart‘.”

Jack Miller. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Team

JACK MILLER – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider:

“Kicking off a new season with the same crew feels good. There‘s a lot to be said for continuity in this paddock and coming back into the garage knowing the people, the work ethic and the direction makes a big difference.

“Last year was a proper learning year for me with Yamaha. We had some strong moments, worked through a few tough ones but ultimately built a solid base together. I genuinely enjoyed the challenge of adapting and figuring things out as the season went on.

“Now with the V4 as our race bike for the season, it feels like a fresh chapter. It‘s an exciting project to be part of and there‘s a real sense of belief behind it. I‘m proud to be continuing with Prima Pramac Yamaha and keen to see where we can take this thing.”

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Team

TOPRAK RAZGATLIOGLU – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider:

“Today is a very special moment for me to join the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP family. The team‘s history and its strong partnership with Yamaha played a key role in my decision. This is a new chapter in my career, and I want to approach it with a long-term development mindset from the very beginning.

The first tests with the new YZR-M1 V4 have been positive, especially in terms of acceleration and corner exit. Of course, this is just the start — in MotoGP, performance comes from continuous work, data sharing and step-by-step improvement, and that is our focus right now.

My main objective this season is development: adapting to MotoGP, understanding the bike and the level of competition, and building consistency race by race. Results matter, but at this stage the process is the priority.

I‘ve found a very strong and motivated team here, and I‘m grateful to Prima Pramac Yamaha and to Yamaha for their trust and support. I will give my best every lap, and with patience, commitment and teamwork, I believe we are heading in the right direction.”

MotoAmerica: Altus Reveals Lineup for the 2026 Season

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 14, 2026

0

MotoAmerica: Altus Reveals Lineup for the 2026 Season

Gerardo and Martinez Join Nassaney and Collins for the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport Season.

In his third season with Altus Motorsports, Torin Collins moves from Suzuki to Yamaha for the Supersport Championship. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports

Torin Collins returns for his 3rd season with Altus, piloting the Yamaha R9 in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. Collins finished 9th overall in Supersport last season and made significant improvements with his pace. He is more determined then ever to be a consistent top rider.

Jaret Nassaney will be returning for his 12th season competing in MotoAmerica. Nassaney improved all of last season and battled in the top 10 the last few rounds aboard the Altus Yamaha R9.

Maximiliano “Maxi” Gerardo earns a full-time Altus Yamaha ride for 2026 following his Laguna Seca appearance. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports

Max Gerardo has joined the Altus team racing in Supersport. Gerardo filled in last season at Laguna and rode with impressive top 10 finishes in both races. Gerardo brings international experience along with the skill set to put him fighting at the top.

Austin Martinez completes the Altus Motorsports Supersport lineup, racing a Suzuki in 2026. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports

Austin Martinez is the newest member joining the Altus Team. This will be Austin’s first season competing in MotoAmerica Supersport and is excited to show his talent. Surrounding himself with experienced riders and the Altus Team will give Martinez a competitive advantage.

“We have put together an incredible lineup for 2026,” said Janette Nassaney, Altus Motorsports Co-Owner. “A mixture of returning talent and new riders, this team is poised for an incredible season. The Team Manager and Technical Director Boyd Brunner has brought on seasoned staff to make sure our riders will have success. Thibault Few and Michael Murphy will provide our riders technical data that is crucial every weekend. Our riders and crew share a commitment to excellence and embody the family-team atmosphere that Altus is known for. With everyone working together, we’re confident this season will bring consistent podium finishes and incredible moments on and off the track.”

“I am very excited to get the season started. Last season we had a lot of learning on the Yamaha R9, but made great improvements at the end of the season. We are proud to announce several new sponsors Parts Unlimited and MOTUL along with returning sponsors Buy A Jet From Steve Main and Barnett Clutches. Without these sponsors along with the rest of our family of sponsors this would not be possible.” Said Co-Owner George Nassaney

—

Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Parts Unlimited, MOTUL, Yamaha, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Hot Bodies Racing, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., GB Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, K-Tech, Orient Express, Attack Racing, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, PUIG, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, TechSpec Tank Grip, and Altus Factory Racing

Super Sonic School Ignites 2026 Toronto Motorcycle Supershow

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 14, 2026

0

Super Sonic School Ignites 2026 Toronto Motorcycle Supershow

“Coaches Challenge” Indoor Event featured Honda 50s on Concrete with star racers.

The 50th annual Motorcycle SuperShow at the International Centre, presented by the cooperators, featured the debut of a Super Sonic Road Race School organized Mini racer demonstration event. A series of heat and final races over three days highlighted many of the top instructors used at Super Sonic’s variety of summer go kart track venues, as well as guest celebrities including Kawasaki Superbike hero Jordan Szoke – Canadas’s most successful Pro competitor.

The temporary convention hall circuit set-up was tight and busy, with a concrete surface that didn’t allow ultimate traction for the popular small-wheeled, learner dirt bike-based Honda single cylinder 50cc racers. The seven-turn layout featured three “long lap” sections, with an agreement among competitors that the leader would take the detour every time it was available.

Over the three days of the Consumer Show, most of the time the on-track race leader took the extra section of track, a wider line. Sometimes that leader was joined by other competitors due to timing and proximity, so close together was the field. Some front runners didn’t follow the long lap rule’s structure, and track limits were also a challenge, certainly late in the short races when officials clamped down on riding standards.

Saturday evening Feature race action at the Super Sonic Road Race School Honda 50 Mini Demo races at the International Motorcycle SuperShow in Toronto, with (Left to Right) Eric Tanasic, Tomas Casas, Jordan Szoke and Cole Alexander fighting for first in turn two. Photo by Colin Fraser

“T.V. Tommy” Casas, a front runner on the FAST Riding School Suzuki GSX-R750 during the most recent Bridgestone CSBK National Supersport National at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last August, was the early pace setter when activities got underway on Friday afternoon, January 9.

A key instructor for the Super Sonic Road Race School since it’s inception, Casas has also attended the MotoMini World finals in Valencia to help coach Canada’s front runners. It also helps that he speaks Spanish!

Casas took the opening win , but then tumbled unhurt early in part two, loosing time while waiting to remount his machine in traffic. Alex Tanasic, father of Super Sonic protégé Stefan, won Friday’s evening main event, where Jordan Szoke made his first appearance to much acclaim.

14-year-old Stefan Tanasic and the rest of his racer family have been training in Florida in preparation for moving to “big wheel” action with a Kawasaki 500 in the Lightweight category next season.

Canadian Kawasaki Superbike racer and Canada’s most successful Superbike National competitor, Jordan Szoke, celebrates one of his Honda 50 mounted wins at the indoor Mini Road race demonstration event held in conjunction with the International Motorcycle SuperShow in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 9-11. Photo by Colin Fraser

Saturday afternoon’s program got under way with Tanasic loosing a Heat win for a last lap Track Limits violation, and issue that was typically only enforced late in each event. This ruling moved Lightweight ace Jared Walker to the top of the box in the winner’s circle. In race two, Walker again just edged Casas.

The third race of the afternoon was the Feature, run in front of a big crowd, and Walker worked hard to edge Casas and Alan Burns before Casas got disqualified for Track Limits issues.

After running up front, Walker passed his bike and leathers off to rising Lightweight star Cole Alexander for the Saturday evening Show, and Alexander was immediately at the front, a threat to Casas and the returning Szoke.

Alexander plans to run in the Bridgestone csbk middleweight class with a GSX-R750 in 2026.

Tanasic won Saturday’s later opener from Alexander, and then in heat two Szoke held off Cole and Casas, these three setting a torrid pace in the quickest laps of the weekend. In race three, Casas won from Cole and Szoke while Tanasic was again dinged for Track Limits. Tanasic then fell, unhurt, out of contention for the win in race four, Casas winning from Cole and Szoke.

“T.V. Tommy” Casas takes a tumble in Mini 50 Demo race action during the Super Sonic Road Race School demonstration event for Honda 50s at the International Motorcycle Supershow in Toronto.
The two-time Bridgestone CSBK Canadian National Super Sport champion was uninjured and won several races over three days of indoor action, although he skipped Sunday’s deciding race. Photo by Colin Frasee

Saturday’s second set of races would mark the popular Alexander’s only race appearance, but the 19-year-old certainly made a strong impression at the front.

The drop-in front runner for Sunday early set of races was HB Cycle’s Ben Hudson, the racer taking the biggest chances on the circuit that used spray Cola as a traction agent! Hudson wound up a lap down after a fall in the opener, with a returning Walker winning from Tanasic and another new recruit, Andrew Leim.

Hudson found form with the win in race two, edging Walker and Tanasic. Casas was not in attendance, meaning the event was short a pace setter. Leim took the point for the win in race three, ahead of Burns and Tanasic, and then Hudson won again to earn the overall.

Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Famer, former AMA Superbike and World Endurance racer, MotoMini Team Canada World Mini Captain, and Super Sonic Road Race School owner Toni Sharpless with some of the instructors who raced at the Mini Demo during the International Motorcycle SuperShow, January 9-11, in Toronto. Left to Right: Tomas Casas, Eric Tanasic, Sharpless, Darin Marshall, Jared Walker, and Alan Burns. Photo by Colin Fraser

For Sunday afternoon’s last set of races in the program of six events, crowd fave Szoke returned and agreed the track did not have the traction of the night before. Even so, Szoke went first/third/first/first to net a popular overall victory.

Organizer Toni Sharpless aims to turn the Instructor and Celebrity demonstration events of January 2026 into a more significant indoor competition in years to come. Crowd response certainly suggest that the opportunity is there at the International Centre.

FIM MotoMini World Series Applications Open for 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 13, 2026

0

FIM MotoMini World Series Applications Open for 2026

The first global programme in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality opens applications for the upcoming season on the Road to MotoGP™.

Federations and unions from around the world can now apply to become part of the 2026 FIM MotoMini World Series. The first global programme in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality, the Series is designed to standardise MotoMini competitions from around the world under the same umbrella and provide an equal stepping stone for all.

There are two classes: 160cc and 190cc. Applications to run a 190cc Series may only be made by those who have already run a 160cc Series. Applications should be made by National Federations or CONUs (Continental Unions) and are open until the 28th of February 2026.

Download Application Form HERE

There are three types of Cup:

FIM MotoMini National Cup: organised by or through one FMN (National Federation)
FIM MotoMini Regional Cup: organised by or through various FMNs
FIM MotoMini Continental Cup: organised by or through a CONU

Each Series must comprise five events and a total minimum of 10 races per category.

Applications are to be made to the FIM, via an application form that the FIM will provide to each National/Continental Union.

Once the application period closes in February, the FIM will select the competitions that will form the 2026 FIM MotoMini World Series and inform the competitions whose applications to add a 190cc Series have been accepted.

All Series must apply for the 2026 season through the official Application Form, attaching the calendar and entry lists and complying with the 2026 conditions, and send it to FIM and Dorna minimum of 3 months before the first event and latest by the 28th of February 2026. It is mandatory for all series to have the 160cc category (series cannot have only the 190cc category).

The 2026 guide provides a comprehensive look at the regulations, conditions, equipment, technical requirements and next steps for each FMN/CONU, promoter or interested party looking to apply to become part of the FIM MotoMini World Series.

Download FIM MiniGP World Series Participant Guide 2026 HERE

KEY DATES & INFORMATION

Applications open: now
Applications close: 28th February 2026
Application form for FMNs/CONUs available by contacting: [email protected]

2026 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship to Run Feb. 7-8

Mathilde Gasnier

-

January 13, 2026

0

2026 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship to Run Feb. 7-8

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Ice Race Grand Championship will run Feb. 7-8 at the Leisure Lake Family Campground in Sumner, Mich., with two days jam-packed with racing across a number of classes.

“We look forward to getting up to Michigan and enjoying a weekend on the ice while we crown a collection of AMA National Champions with No. 1 plates in ice racing,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We always enjoy this event and we can’t wait for another exciting couple of days of racing action.”

The AMA Ice Race Grand Championships provide the only opportunities in which a racer can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur ice racing. Not only will AMA No. 1 plates be on the line, but racers will also compete for AMA Ice Racer of the Year, AMA Vet/Senior Ice Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year.

Hosted by Team CDI Racing, a chartered AMA and AMA District 14 Club, the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship will contain a wide-range of classes across several tire distinctions, including Quad Studded, Quad Rubber, Motorcycle Studded, Motorcycle Rubber and Sidecar Rubber.

For more information regarding the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship, visitAmericanMotorcyclist.com/racing/track-racing/ice-racing/ .

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation motorcycle magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

MotoGP: Michelin Simplifies Front Tire Allocation for 2026

January 15, 2026

Michelin simplifies front tyre allocation for the 2026 MotoGP™ season. Photo courtesy Michelin

Fewer specifications, fewer tires, but an allocation better suited to riders’ requirements.
Maintenance of a specific allocation on circuits most exposed to weather uncertainty and temperature variations.
A decision that forms part of Michelin’s long-term strategy, approved by all MotoGP stakeholders and validated by the Grand Prix Commission.

True to its sustainability strategy and commitment to optimising resources—implemented in MotoGP through a progressive and controlled reduction in the number of specifications made available to riders—Michelin announces an evolution of the front tire allocation starting from the 2026 season, in consultation with all Championship stakeholders.

A simplified and more efficient allocation

From 2026, the front tire allocation will evolve as follows at the majority of Grands Prix:

2 front tire specifications, instead of 3 in 2025;
7 tires allocated per specification, instead of 5 in 2025;
14 tires in total, instead of 15 in 2025.

This new distribution makes it possible to reduce the front tire allocation by one tire per rider per weekend, while offering greater freedom of choice thanks to an increased number of tires of the specification best suited to each rider’s style and the characteristics of each circuit.

This approach fully aligns with Michelin’s policy to reduce the number of specifications, limit the Championship’s environmental footprint and maintain a very high level of sporting performance.

An exception for circuits sensitive to climatic conditions

For circuits particularly exposed to weather uncertainty and temperature variations, the allocation will remain identical to that of the 2025 season, in order to guarantee safety, performance and sporting fairness.

The Grands Prix concerned are:

Michelin Grand Prix of France (Le Mans)
British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
German Grand Prix (Sachsenring)
Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island)
Valencian Community Grand Prix (Cheste)

At these events, 3 front tire specifications will be maintained, with an allocation of 5 tires per specification.

A concerted and validated decision

This evolution of the front tire allocation for 2026 was defined in consultation with the teams, as well as with Dorna Sports, the IRTA and the MSMA, and was officially validated by the Grand Prix Commission.

Piero Taramasso, Manager of Michelin Two-Wheel Competition: “With this new rationalisation of the front tire allocation, we are continuing work that began back in 2018. Over the past eight MotoGP™ seasons, Michelin has halved the number of specifications offered to riders, while continuously improving safety and performance across an increasing number of circuits, as demonstrated by the many records that have been set.

By way of comparison, the 2018 season featured 58 different front and rear tire specifications for 19 Grands Prix, compared with 29 specifications in 2026 for 22 races. Thanks to this continuous optimisation approach, Michelin has progressively reduced the volumes of tires manufactured and transported.

Michelin thus reaffirms its commitment to reconciling technological innovation, environmental responsibility and sporting excellence, in the service of MotoGP™ and all of its stakeholders.”

About Michelin:

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.

Dakar Rally: American Howes Takes His First Stage Victory

January 15, 2026

6968d89bce2c36.54436671 — Skyler Howes (10) wons in Stage 11. Photo courtesy Honda HRC