Championships Are Won By Preparing For The Bad Days
By Michael Gougis
First Person/Opinion:
If you want to know why Bobby Fong is the 2026 MotoAmerica Quad Lock Superbike Champion (and only one mistake away from being a two-time and defending Champion), look at the lap charts from Qualifying One at Road America in 2025.
The track was soaked. There was no rain in the forecast for the rest of the weekend. No one went out for the session, really. Nothing to gain, a lot to lose. Sean Dylan Kelly did a trio of slow laps. A couple of backmarkers went out to play in the rain.
No one, that is, except for Fong. He pounded in 10 laps around the long 4.0-mile circuit. And when I asked him why he did it, he said he wanted to learn the bike, learn how to work with his crew under those conditions, and to learn to ride better in the rain.
Go back a few months earlier, and I am interviewing Fong about his new ride with Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha. We’re talking about his training routine, and he says that the majority of his training is simply riding motocross. Fong wanted experience in seeking the edge of traction, how to find it and manage what the bike is doing under those circumstances and to extract the most speed he could find in that instance. And on a motocross track, Fong says, the surface changes every lap, every corner. It’s an intense learning curve, like a summer college class where a full semester’s worth of work is crammed into five weeks.
Championships, they say, are won on the bad days. And the days when everything is perfect are far outnumbered by the days when they are not. There were other riders who were as fast as Fong, and sometimes a lot faster. But when the track surface got sketchy – wet, dry or damp – most of the time Fong simply did a better job of getting the most out of those conditions.
Attack played its part as well. Helpful to winning in MotoAmerica competition is: A) a worldwide network of people racing the bike who are sharing information and B) knowledge of how to get the spec Dunlops to work on your bike. Yamaha races the R1 around the globe, so there’s a wealth of data to tap into. Just to illustrate, a few years ago, I was driving across Germany with a technician who provides trackside support for the alpha Racing BMWs that are raced worldwide. He said, one of the things that we offer the teams who buy our bikes is this: If you have a question, there’s someone else running one of these bikes who has had the same question. Call us and we’ll give you an answer. Yamaha’s racing DNA pays off in ways that go largely unseen to the casual spectator; there’s a wealth of data available for anyone racing an R1 because many, many teams race this bike.
Attack’s Richard Stanboli probably knows the current YZF-R1 as well as any tuner/builder on the planet. The platform’s age means there are few secrets left. And Attack has loads of experience in optimizing it for a wide range of track conditions on the spec Dunlop tires. Again, maybe not the fastest machine under ideal conditions, but Attack’s ability to get it as good as it can get on race day when things aren’t ideal is a huge advantage. The fact that JD Beach and Mathew Scholtz also won on Attack-built R1s is testament to that; each had a good machine performing at its best.
Sean Dylan Kelly (40) at Road America in 2026. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The biggest surprise, to me, was watching Kelly lead the Championship right up to the final race. There’s no questioning Kelly’s skills. You don’t come back from years in the Moto2 World Championship slower. But it was his first season with the OrangeCat team, and it was the team’s first full season with its Superbike-spec alpha Racing BMW M 1000 RR. While it had that bank of alpha Racing knowledge to tap into, OrangeCat still had to execute trackside. And while the team was experienced, having won the last Stock 1000 title easily with the M 1000 RR, stepping up to Superbike is always a challenge. The most competitive class always poses questions that you learn to answer over years of trying, failing and succeeding.
So as skilled as the OrangeCat crew is, I expected Kelly to win races, but I didn’t expect to see him fighting for the title. It bodes well for Kelly in 2027, when he will be back with bike-specific track knowledge for each of MotoAmerica’s circuits. And the well-funded OrangeCat team’s determination to win is unquestionable. Only one rider beat them to the title in 2026. That was Fong. So OrangeCat simply went out and hired him for 2027.
PJ Jacobsen (15) at The Ridge. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
If OrangeCat and Kelly overachieved, in my view, in 2026, the biggest underachievers this season were the riders on the new Ducati V4 R racebikes. On paper, 2026 should have seen the Panigales run away with everything. You don’t just go buy one of these bikes. You apply for the privilege of racing one. Ducati vets your team to determine whether they think you can win before they’ll sell you one, no matter how much money you have. The bikes come from a factory that builds nothing but racebikes, and they are as trick as the rule book allows.
Again, a few years back, I was interviewing the crew chief of a team that was racing Panigales in the Endurance World Championship series. The team bought machines straight from Ducati’s racebike factory and then modified them for endurance racing. One of the modifications they had to make was to swap out the forks. The Superbike-spec Ohlins forks were so precisely tuned for flex and so lightweight that the endurance team didn’t trust them not to crumple in a crash. In their mind, the Ohlins forks that came on the full Superbikes were like a racer’s helmet: Good for one crash. The point is this: A factory-built Panigale is one finely-honed racebike, built right to the edge of the rules and refined to get every last bit of performance from the machines.
And there’s no shortage of information on how to set up one of these bikes, either. Ducati won every Superbike World Championship race this year and took every pole and the vast majority of the podiums, and did so with seven different riders. It’s clear that the bikes are fast and there’s knowledge available about how to get the most out of them.
Now, to be fair, there were injuries and other setbacks that were not the fault of those riders at all. Cameron Beaubier’s fall at Road America should not have sidelined him for half a season. Benjamin Smith’s scary crash at the same track was due to a part flying off of another machine and locking his front wheel at more than 180 miles an hour. There was no shortage of bad luck plaguing the Ducati contingent.
But there were a lot of crashes, and the Ducatis frequently seemed to bite their riders unexpectedly. My theory is this: MotoAmerica is the only series in the world that uses the spec Dunlop tire. Every other racing Ducati is on Pirelli or in a series that has open tire competition. And a modern racebike is optimized around its tires. Rahal, Warhorse HSBK – they were basically on their own in trying to get new-for-2026 Panigales to work on the spec Dunlops. Not only was the Panigale V4 R this year brand new, weather conspired to limit the pre-season testing for the teams learning the new bike. In contrast, Attack, Strack, OrangeCat were all racing on basic platforms they knew and had raced on with Dunlops in the past. They started ahead of the teams running the new Ducati and basically stayed ahead.
Richie Escalante (54) at The Ridge. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
In a way, the Team Hammer squad was in the same position as the Ducati teams trying to sort out Dunlops on their own. The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is a known quantity, but it’s the oldest bike in the field, and Suzuki isn’t racing MotoGP, World Superbike, or even competitively at the factory level in high-profile National series like British Superbike. Even in Japan, the best-placed Suzuki rider in Superbike was barely in the top 10. Other than the evergreen Yoshimura SERT squad in the FIM Endurance World Championship, Team Hammer is the only team, really, making the GSX-R a better, faster racebike, and it is largely on its own. Respect for what it accomplishes in that situation, and Richie Escalante’s podium at The Ridge was hard-earned and well deserved.
And respect to Fong. As a racer sets up a pass three turns before it happens, he built this title over the past several years, and he came back from a bitter disappointment last season to hold his nerve until the very end this year. He earned this one.
It will be interesting to see what the Ducati teams can do next year with a season of Dunlop experience on the new bikes and with a fully healthy Beaubier, 2026 Supersport Champion Darryn Binder and former Superbike Champion Josh Herrin aboard.
• The return of the storied BMW Rennsport moniker.
• Limited to 1,000 units globally.
• 205 hp and 432 lb. unladen weight.
• Expected U.S. Market Launch, Q1 2027.
• MSRP: $38,395 plus destination.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad USA is proud to announce the return of the Rennsport [Racing Sport] moniker to the BMW motorcycle lineup with the new limited edition 2027 M 1000 RS. The new M hyper naked bike carries with it a heritage of eighty-eight years of track capable production motorcycles, including significant historical customer racing models such as the 1939 BMW R 51 RS, the RS 255 Kompressor and the 1954 RS54.
Since the 1970’s the RS moniker has also referred to ReiseSport [Touring Sport] with models such as the R 100 RS and current R 1300 RS, but now, the M 1000 RS Rennsport firmly brings the original meaning back into the hands of today’s BMW enthusiasts.
“The BMW M 1000 RS makes a clear statement. RS stands for Rennsport – and that is exactly what you feel in every detail. With 205 hp, maximum precision, M Brake and a character all its own, it is BMW Motorrad’s ultimate hyper naked bike. And because true exclusivity needs limits, we are building exactly 1,000 units. More performance. More character. It simply does not get more M than this,” says Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad.
The new 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
• Limited Edition 1 of 1,000 plate on triple clamp.
• Matte Carbon M Winglets with RS lettering.
• Dark-clear coated brushed aluminum fuel tank.
• Night Black Matte paint finish.
• Black rear subframe with M 1000 Rennsport lettering.
• Tall single seat configuration.
• M 1000 RR tail section with rear Matte Carbon Cover with RS lettering.
• High-grip M Alcantara seat with M embroidery.
• M Forged aluminum footrest system.
• M Carbon Wheels.
• M Brake
• Pirelli Diablo IV Corsa tires.
• M Track Package.
1,000 units. Maximum exclusivity.
The BMW M 1000 RS is limited to 1,000 units worldwide with a limited number coming to the U.S. Market arrival is expected here in Q1 2027 and ordering will be available through a pre-order program. Sign up on www.bmwmotorcycles.com to stay informed.
The BMW M 1000 RS brings the high-performance credentials of the BMW M 1000 RR to the hyper naked segment. Its unfaired design puts the technology on display, while dark finishes and powerful proportions give it a distinctive, assertive presence. The M rider footrest system from the M 1000 RR and a seat height 0.78 inches higher than the M 1000 R create a more forward-focused riding position, emphasizing the M 1000 RS’s uncompromising sporting character.
The M full titanium exhaust system highlights the bike’s focus on lightweight construction and performance. Matte carbon M winglets with RS lettering combine distinctive racing style with aerodynamic function, while the tail section from the BMW M 1000 RR further underscores its superbike roots. Matte carbon components, a brushed aluminum fuel tank, new graphics and an M seat with an Alcantara look complete its exclusive, dark aesthetic.
At the heart of the BMW M 1000 RS is the superbike engine from the BMW M 1000 RR, featuring updated components including an increased compression ratio, titanium connecting rods, forged pistons with a two-ring piston design. Paired with an unladen weight of just 432 lbs., the engine delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio and immediate response across riding situations. The result combines strong acceleration, precise control and hyper naked agility with the advanced engineering of a superbike.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
205 hp M 1000 RR spec motor, Full titanium exhaust, Chain drive with M Endurance Chain, Anti-hopping clutch, Gear Shift Assist Pro, M Quick-Action Throttle with 58 degrees of rotation, M Carbon Wheels, ABS Pro, Race ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Upside down fork with adjustable rebound, compression and preload, Adjustable Steering stabilizer, DTC Dynamic Traction Control, MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control, M Carbon Winglets, Tire Pressure Monitor, Radial front brake caliper with M Brake, Rear suspension strut with adjustable rebound, compression and preload, Dynamic Damping Control, Heated Grips, Electronic immobilizer, LED tail light, headlight and turn signals, M Lightweight Battery, USB port, Drop sensor, Cruise Control, Comfort turn indicator, Headlight Pro, Multi-Controller, 6.5″ Colored TFT screen, Passenger Seat Cover, On-board computer, Adjustable M clutch and M handbrake levers, M Rider’s seat with rear seat cover (Rider’s seat with Alcantara look, Pillion seat cover in matte carbon), Keyless Ride, Riding Modes Pro, Connectivity, Scope of carbon parts: M Carbon Winglets, M Carbon front & Rear Fenders, M Carbon left & right tank covers, M Carbon Chain Guard, M Carbon Airbox cover, M Carbon Pillion seat cover(all carbon surfaces in matte finish), Detachable license plate holder, M milled adjustable footrest system, Ready for GP shift pattern, Aluminum fuel tank, M GPS Laptrigger Activation Code, Hill Start Control Pro, Ultimate Care Break-In Service.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states, including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support more than 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Brea, CA — As if the stakes in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to the Championship playoffs weren’t high enough, they got even bigger when dangerously high winds in Las Vegas on Sunday forced the final round matchup between RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera to be postponed until the season finale in Pomona, CA, in two weeks.
Race Highlights
Championship leader Richard Gadson qualified second and advanced to the final round, which will be contested during qualifying at the season finale in Pomona
Gaige Herrera qualified number one and advanced to the final round
The penultimate round of the NHRA season and fifth of six races in the Countdown for the Championship playoffs was held at the MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race was marked by gusty winds that forced a brief halt to all racing on Sunday afternoon and ultimately the postponement of the Pro Stock Motorcycle final round.
Fittingly for a race held just a few miles from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the event also featured a few lucky breaks for both RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki riders that allowed them to advance to face each other in the now-delayed final round and virtually clinch the 2026 Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship for the team.
The season finale in Pomona will now feature head-to-head battles between Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera to determine both the Las Vegas race winner and the season champion.
Reigning world champion Richard Gadson qualified second on Saturday with a 6.836-second/196.10 mph run, marking the third time this season the Vance & Hines team has locked out the top two spots in the starting order.
Portending events to come, Gadson survived his first scare of the day in round one on Sunday against John Hall when a strong side wind forced his motorcycle to drift towards the centerline. The championship leader hung off the side of his Hayabusa trying to keep it inside the line and held onto the throttle just long enough to run 7.158 seconds at 186.33 mph. Fortunately for Gadson, Hall had problems of his own in the other lane, coasting to a losing 7.860-second/123.93 mph run.
In round two, Gadson again had to fight the wind to keep his motorcycle in the racing groove, hanging on to claim a narrow 6.857-second/194.72 mph victory over Angie Smith (6.865 seconds/199.08 mph).
Gadson’s string of wild rides continued in the semi-final round, when number three qualifier Ryan Oehler also struggled in the crosswind, lifting and slowing to 8.484 seconds at 107.81 mph. Gadson held onto his run longer, posting a 6.933-second/174.48 mph run to advance to his ninth final round appearance of the season and fifth against Herrera.
“Everybody was fighting the same issues with the wind today, but I was able to find a way to beat them to the finish line even though there were some wild rides. It was more about willing myself to the finish line than luck. I definitely caught some breaks today, but when you’re dealt a set of cards, you play them,” said Gadson, who agreed with the decision to postpone the final round.
Championship leader Richard Gadson battles the competition and crosswind to the finish line and advances to compete in final round in Pomona. Photo courtesy Suzuki.
“At the end of the day, the competitor in me wants to race, but I have a three-year-old girl back home who’s waiting for me to walk back through the door, so it was the right decision by the NHRA. I’m happy they took it out of our hands because we’re maybe stupid enough to try to race anyways. My number one priority is to make it back home to my family,” he said.
Gadson currently leads Herrera by 55 points in the Countdown standings. Depending on the outcome of the Las Vegas final round, which will be contested during the third round of qualifying in Pomona, Gadson will enter eliminations for the finale with at least a 35-point lead over Herrera, which he can extend to 75 points if he wins the delayed final. Third place Matt Smith, who lost in the second round in Las Vegas, sits 133 points behind Gadson, and with the available points remaining, is all but mathematically eliminated from contention.
“It’ll be a doubleheader in Pomona with a lot riding on that race. I really want to find a way to survive Gaige’s assault and win it on the track. Hopefully from a performance standpoint I won’t need luck, but I’ll take whatever I can get,” Gadson said.
Gaige Herrera ran 6.799 seconds at 197.91 mph on Saturday, earning his fifth number one qualifier of the season and the 36th of his career.
In round one, Herrera posted a 6.765-second/199.79 mph run, low elapsed time of the round, against Chris Bostick (6.895 seconds/195.11 mph).
Herrera continued to show he was the class of the field in Las Vegas by again posting low ET in round two, running 6.752 seconds at 200.05 mph against Clayton Howey (6.890 seconds/195.73 mph) to advance to the semi-finals.
Herrera caught a break of his own in the semi-final round by barely edging out Joey Gladstone when both racers struggled to hold a straight line and full throttle in the heavy crosswinds. Herrera prevailed with a 7.280-second/181.96 mph run over Gladstone’s 7.332 second/180.09 mph pass, setting up his sixth final round appearance of the season and fifth against Gadson.
“I’ve got the bike to beat right now. Andrew is doing his thing and my Hayabusa is on rails, especially in the 60-foot. The wind just threw us for a big loop today. When you’re next to the big bleachers the wind is going in one direction and then it flip-flops when you pass them and blows you the other way. I was making good runs until the semis, but it was hairy for sure. NHRA made the decision to move the final, which I feel was the safest and best call,” Herrera said.
Helped by grabbing nine of the 12 available qualifying bonus points, Herrera edged three points closer to Gadson and now trails by 55 points after the semi-final round. He can reduce that deficit a further 20 points by winning the delayed Las Vegas final.
With the points-and-a-half format at the season finale, which awards 4 points for the lowest ET of each qualifying round and 30 points for each round win, Herrera will likely need to go at least two rounds farther than Gadson during eliminations in Pomona to add a third world championship to the titles he earned in 2023 and 2024.
“It’s going to make Pomona that much more interesting. I don’t have any room for error if I want to take this championship back,” Herrera said. “I have the mindset to go out there and win. Richard has been on his game going rounds on Sunday. That’s the day that counts. I need to do the same thing and do it better than him in Pomona.”
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines said the team’s plan for Las Vegas, as it has been throughout the Countdown, was to focus on extracting the best qualifying performance from both riders to set them up to run deep into the elimination rounds.
“Before we left the shop to come here, I told the guys we needed to go out, do our jobs, and qualify one and two, because that gives us the best shot of advancing out of the first round, and then focus on bringing the best two motorcycles to the starting line every run. We did that today. It may not have been the prettiest, but Richard got away with three round wins today because he was better than his opponent in those rounds. Not exactly how we expected it, but mission accomplished by putting both of our Hayabusas in the final,” Hines said.
Similar to the situation heading into last year’s season finale in Pomona, the team’s riders hold the top two positions in the Countdown standings and are poised to battle head-to-head for the championship with no others in realistic contention.
Hines hopes to see the championship settled on track, an outcome that fans were denied last season by unprecedented rain storms that forced the cancellation of racing and resulted in the awarding of championships based on points.
“It’s going to be a grudge match in Pomona. Gaige is out for vengeance, and Richard is out to prove a point. It’s going to be an all-out dog fight and no matter what happens in the ‘Vegas final’ on Saturday, it’s going to come down to what happens on Sunday,” Hines said.
With one round remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, Gadson and Herrera sit first and second in the standings, with 2,579 and 2,524 points, respectively.
The RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines team returns to action Nov. 13-15 for the NHRA season finale at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, CA.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
About Vance & Hines Motorsports:
Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica. For more information, visit www.vanceandhinesmotorsports.com.
Reigning British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde will return to defend his number one plate with a new manufacturer in 2027 as he joins Honda Racing UK in a three-strong rider line-up.
Ryde made history this season by becoming the first champion to win consecutive titles for two different manufacturers, now having celebrated three back-to-back crowns from 2024; he looks to add to his incredible record with Honda Racing UK.
The move marks the beginning of a new partnership with Honda and the opportunity to help shape the competitive development of the all-new Fireblade.
Reigning champion Ryde joins Ryan Vickers, whilst Dean Harrison returns to the Superbike class for the forthcoming campaign aboard the all-new 2027 Honda Fireblade.
The programme combines championship-winning experience, proven race-winning pace and extensive knowledge of the Fireblade as Honda Racing UK sets its sights on challenging for the BSB title.
The introduction of the all-new 2027 Honda Fireblade gives the team a fresh focus for its winter preparations. All three riders will contribute to a testing and development programme and establish a strong foundation before the season opener, ready to arrive ready to deliver a strong campaign to fight for the title.
Ryde said: “I’m massively looking forward to riding for Honda, it’s another challenge in my career and I’m excited to ride another new bike. Working with a factory team is something I’ve not done before, and having a hand in the year one racing development of a bike is going to be another new area for me to work in. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and will hopefully be able to carry on delivering what I’ve been doing for the last couple of seasons on different bikes for other teams.
“I think Ryan had a brilliant end to the 2026 season, towards the end I think he matched me on points and it’s clear the team worked well to help Ryan unlock the potential in the bike. It was a difficult bike to race against at certain tracks in the calendar and Ryan made the most of that whenever he could. I know there’s going to be some tracks on the calendar where I think I can already see an advantage for Honda next year. I get on really well with Ryan and I’m looking forward to working with him again.
“Dean is a lovely person to be around and will be a great teammate. I’m sure we’ll all bounce off each other and make each other better riders for the full season next season.
“I plan to spend my off-season chilling out for a bit. I have a couple of holidays booked and, I’ll get stuck back into winter plans once I’ve played some golf and allowed myself a chance to relax.
“I’ll get out to Spain and will put some miles on a Fireblade track bike, that’ll be fun I’m sure. I did the same thing last year and feel that it really helped keep me sharp. I don’t look at it as testing as such, it’s just enjoying my riding while I’m figuring a bike out.
“I can’t thank the Honda Racing team enough for giving me the opportunity, I fully intend to make the most of it and I’m looking forward to sticking the number one on this new Fireblade.”
Neil Fletcher, Head of Racing Honda Europe, concluded: “I think it’s fair to say that we have three incredibly talented riders signed for the 2027 British Superbike Championships. Adding Kyle Ryde to the Honda line up is really exciting, it’s impossible to ignore his talent, his pace and his professionalism. I hope his transition into the team is as smooth as possible so he can focus on what he’s been doing so well for the last three seasons.
“Ryan Vickers is an exceptional talent, a multiple race winner in BSB on the Fireblade and carries the advantage of having worked with the team in 2026. As if two front running superbike racers wasn’t enough, we’ve elected to run Dean for a full season of BSB as well. His dominant pace in 2026 on the roads proves he has the ability on a Fireblade and his front running pace in the British Supersport Championship shows his short circuit credentials.
“Honda and HRC’s commitment to developing Honda Racing UK’s headquarters in Louth, an all-new Fireblade and three amazing riders means 2027 is going to be a strong year for Honda.”
California Superbike School Announces 2027 Schedule
The California Superbike School has announced its 2027 schedule, with classes at 16 racetracks across the United States. The school will have a full fleet of new 2027 BMW S1000RR motorcycles available for students.
Founded in 1980, the California Superbike School has been training riders for more than four decades, with graduates going on to win 113 world and national championships.
August 9, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 10, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 11 & 12, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
August 16 & 17, 2027 Virginia International Raceway South Alton, VIR 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
August 23, 2027 High Plains Raceway Deer Trail, CO Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 24, 2027 High Plains Raceway Deer Trail, CO Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 11, 2027 Thunderhill Raceway West Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 12, 2027 Thunderhill Raceway West Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 13 & 14, 2027 Sonoma Raceway Sonoma, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,495
September 26 & 27, 2027 Weathertech Raceway at Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $3,695/$3,995
October 2, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 3, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 4 & 5, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
October 13 & 14, 2027 Chuckwalla Raceway Desert Center, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
October 16, 2027 Podium Club Casa Grande, AZ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 17, 2027 Podium Club Casa Grande, AZ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 23 & 24, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
November 11 & 12, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
November 13 & 14, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
The MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang is in the books, with Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking the victory ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), while Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the podium. Marco Bezzecchi finished sixth, while Jorge Martin sat out the weekend to focus on his recovery. Read the teams’ post-race PR below.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Marc Márquez takes a dominant win in the Grand Prix of Malaysia with the Ducati Lenovo Team. Francesco Bagnaia thirteenth.
Marc claims his 80th victory in the MotoGP class
Alex Márquez on the podium in third with the Ducati of Gresini Racing MotoGP
Marc Márquez and the Ducati Lenovo Team came out victorious in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, setting the stage for the first match point of the season. Francesco Bagnaia finished the race in thirteenth position.
Márquez took the lead at Turn 1 by overtaking his brother Alex. After a brief exchange of positions between the two during the opening lap, Marc ultimately pulled away in the middle stages of the race before crossing the finish line with a 4.1-second margin over Acosta. Bagnaia, starting from the fourth row, lost several positions in the opening two laps and ultimately finished thirteenth.
As the nineteenth Grand Prix of the season draws to a close, Marc Márquez leads the Riders’ standings with 399 points. Francesco Bagnaia is ninth with 173 points. The Ducati Lenovo Team is currently second in the teams’ standings (572 points), while Ducati sits atop the constructors’ championship (537 points).
The next Grand Prix on the calendar for the Ducati Lenovo Team is scheduled for November 6th to 8th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Marc Marquez on the podium after claiming victory at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Marc Márquez (#93 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1st: “The goal for today was to lead from start to finish. Based on the previous sessions, it was clear that my pace was good and I felt comfortable. Luckily, Alex (Márquez) went wide at Turn 4 after trying to overtake me. Apart from that moment, I focused solely on riding at my own pace, and I’m happy with the 34 points scored this weekend. We have reached the point in the season where we need to think about the overall situation. We’re leading the championship and there are very few races left, but the job isn’t done yet and there are still many moments to come.”
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 13th: “The race went more or less as expected. Yesterday, in a way, we were helped a little by the rain. Today, from the start, I knew I had a grip issue and tried to manage it as best I could. Even so, after five laps, the goal became simply to bring the bike home. Unfortunately, this is the situation, and I have to accept it. There are three Grands Prix left in the season, and we’ll try to give it our all in every session.”
Luigi Dall’Igna – Ducati Corse General Manager: “Today’s race wasn’t easy, because it was necessary to keep an eye on rear-tyre wear. Marc did an incredible job, and the bike worked well. Alex also had a good race, so I’m happy with the results. There are still three races left and a lot to do, so we must stay focused until the end. We’re leading the championship, that’s true, but we haven’t achieved anything yet, so we’ll keep both feet on the ground.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Sixth place for Aprilia Racing in Malaysian Grand Prix. Marco Bezzecchi sixth, Ai Ogura fourth for SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team.
Aprilia Racing ended the weekend at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit with both RS-GP26s on track finishing in the top six of the long race.
Marco Bezzecchi started fifth on the grid and ran fourth for much of the race. In the closing laps, Ai Ogura of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team attempted to overtake, resulting in contact between the two RS-GP26 bikes. Bezzecchi lost a few metres to the Japanese rider, and shortly afterwards a small mistake took him wide and cost him another place. The Italian crossed the line sixth and holds third in the riders’ standings on 332 points.
Ai Ogura of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team finished fourth. A result that sees Aprilia place the only two RS-GP26 bikes on track inside the top six.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I struggled badly in the race, but there are still positives to take from the weekend. Now we go to Qatar. I’m not sure what to expect, but there’s no shortage of drive and determination. I hope we’ll have an easier time, but if not, we’ll take the same positive approach we had here at Sepang.”
Massimo Rivola – CEO Aprilia Racing: “We knew Sepang would be a difficult track for us. The positive, though, is that the gap was confined to a single sector, which shows us where we need to focus to improve. Marco gave it everything, but by the end of the race he had no tyre left. Jorge tried to work a miracle, but the hard truth is that racing with a fracture of the radius six days earlier was always going to be a tall order. That won’t change anyone’s approach at Aprilia Racing. We’ll keep fighting to the end.”
More, from a press release issued by Tech3:
Double points finish for Tech3 as temperatures soar in Sepang.
Enea Bastianini fought until the very end of the Grand Prix of Malaysia to claim a well-earned fifth place, while Maverick Viñales also added to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team’s championship points tally, finishing in P14.
Much like the previous two days, conditions at the Sepang International Circuit for the 19th round of the 2026 MotoGP™ Championship were among the most challenging of the season. Track temperatures had climbed to 55 degrees come the start time of the race at 15:00 MYT (UTC+8), while the humidity stood at 47%.
The 20-lap race also threw up other challenges. The soaring temperatures meant tyre wear was high and needed careful attention, while the track surface was also far from ideal.
Aware he was let down by his start in Saturday’s Sprint, Bastianini worked with his crew ahead of Sunday morning to get a better launch in front of a record-breaking crowd. The hard work paid off as the Italian jumped from seventh to fourth at the first corner before a mistake at Turn 6 dropped him to sixth.
From there, ‘La Bestia’ was unable to run the pace of the lead group of five. But as the laps passed, he gradually gained on Marco Bezzecchi ahead. When his compatriot ran off track at Turn 14 on the final lap, Bastianini was on hand to claim fifth, his second-best Grand Prix result of the season. A successful points-scoring weekend now moves the Italian into the Top 10 of the Riders’ Championship standings.
Starting from a season’s best qualifying of twelfth, Viñales had a tricky start and dropped back to P20 on lap one. But ‘Top Gun’ was determined to make the finish, despite feeling a lack of grip in the hot conditions. The Spaniard continued gaining positions as the race wore on and scored two points from P14 as the chequered flag fell.
There’s little rest for Tech3 after a successful Malaysian Grand Prix. The third round in as many weeks kicks off in just five days’ time with the Grand Prix of Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit running from 6 – 8 November.
Enea Bastianini (23) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
Enea Bastianini: “We worked during the night to try something different, and this morning my start was already better in the Warm Up, and we demonstrated it during the race. It was a bit risky to brake on the kerb at Turn 1, but it was the only solution to be close to the top at the end of Turn 1. I was in fourth position at Turn 6, but I braked late and went wide, and from there I lost some positions. I tried to stay with them, but it was complicated. I suffered like yesterday with the front, but I fought a lot during this race, I saved the bike probably 20 times. Anyway, we can be satisfied. It’s been great work, because yesterday I wasn’t confident of doing a great race like that. Turn 14 on the last lap was a bit like Christmas, a small gift. P6 to P5 doesn’t change a lot, but anyway, it’s better. Now we have Qatar, so I’m looking ahead to that.”
Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
Maverick Viñales: “We managed to finish today and get some points, so that’s a positive. The race was not so bad but overall, I found it hard to get a good feeling on the bike. We just keep trying to analyse, learn and improve with the team. I still haven’t figured out how to ride the bike quite right, because I feel very low grip and it’s so difficult to make a correct line. Over 20 laps it was tough for sure. After a few laps I started to brake a little bit differently, but the shoulder needs load, so it’s what we expected coming into today. I hope I can recover between these two races. Qatar will feel totally different, but maybe it can be a place where I can start to learn a little bit more.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “Well, a pretty good result here in Sepang, with a strong P5 in the main race. We knew yesterday, after the disappointing Sprint, that Enea was able to do much better than this, and the work through the night has paid off. Congratulations to Enea, he delivered a solid race with a really great start, where he was already P4 at the first corner, and he fought all through the race with some decent lap times. In the end, it’s P5 and Enea is now inside the Top 10 in the championship, which is ultimately his target. So, good job from Enea’s side.
“On the other half of the garage, I know it’s been a tricky weekend for Maverick. Yesterday he struggled to finish the Sprint, but I’d like to thank him for his effort today. I know he wants more, but at the moment that’s all he can get, and in the end it is P14 and we take these two good points for the championship. We hope that Maverick can fight for higher positions in the near future. Now it’s time for everyone to pack, and we’re going to head to Doha for the next race next week in Qatar.”
More, from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Team:
Podium for Alex Marquez, Iker Lecuona scores points again.
RACEDAY
ALEX MARQUEZ 3º
IKER LECUONA 15º
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ALEX MARQUEZ 8º (202)
FERMIN ALDEGUER 10º (125)
IKER LECUONA 23º (11)
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
BK8 GRESINI RACING 5º (333)
Alex Marquez in parc fermé after the MotoGP race at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini.
Alex Marquez:“I’m very happy to finish on the podium and, above all, to have finished a race that really tested me, especially physically. Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult to cope with two consecutive races, which is why I’ve decided to stop and undergo surgery tomorrow. Otherwise, I would arrive in Qatar without the strength needed to even make it through FP1. There were several possible windows for this operation, and I pushed it as far as I could to complete the overseas tour, but the time has come. Now the goal is to return at full strength for the final two races of the season.”
Iker Lecuona (right) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini.
Iker Lecuona: “Today, the heat was my biggest rival. This definitely isn’t my circuit, but today’s race pushed me to my physical limit. Let’s say it felt like three normal races in one. I’m not a fan of the humidity and the heat, but I gave it my best today. I learned a lot this weekend and I have to be happy with it: it was a positive weekend in terms of my riding, and we also brought home a point for the team.”
More, from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Motivated Marini turns weekend around for seventh place as Mir’s Malaysian GP ends early.
Brutal conditions pushed the riders and their machines to the limit in the 20-lap Malaysian GP, Luca Marini overcoming his physical limitations to earn a solid seventh place.
As ambient temperature pushed towards 40°C from early in the day, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sunday in Sepang would be a demanding affair. Ten short minutes of Warm Up allowed the Honda HRC Castrol team to implement their final changes before the main event of the weekend. A tenth place for Joan Mir and 15th for Luca Marini had the pair confident of again fighting for the top ten, even in the demanding conditions.
Having been left drained of his energy after Saturday’s Sprint, Luca Marini entered Sunday unsure if he would be able to complete the full Grand Prix. Another incredible first lap thrust him into top ten contention and extra motivation provided by memories of the last three years with the Honda factory team spurred him on. Keeping Zarco as an early benchmark, Marini was able to open up a significant gap over the chasing pack and with others fading, the #10 kept his focus and held Di Giannantonio at bay until the end to secure seventh place and nine points. A welcome return to the top ten after complicated weekends in Indonesia and Australia.
He leaves Malaysia 39-points clear of Diogo Moreira in the battle for top Honda in the World Championship standings.
Joan Mir was able to make a much more aggressive start to Sunday and went side-by-side with his Honda HRC Castrol teammate through the first sector. As strong as ever, Mir battled with the likes of Marini, Moreira and Binder for the first eight laps. Unfortunately, his race would end soon after as he returned to the pits due to a change in his physical condition.
There are now only a few days until the Qatar Grand Prix, the Honda HRC Castrol team traveling directly to Doha to begin preparations for Round 20 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
Luca Marini (10) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Luca Marini:“Today has been really good when we look at the whole weekend, yesterday after the Sprint I honestly did not know if I would be able to finish this race. I have to say a big thank you to everyone in my crew because they gave me a lot of motivation before the race, thinking about the three years we have spent together – I wanted to give them something to celebrate and match the effort they always show me. Today was a day to remember, even if it is just for seventh place, we did an amazing race in a tough situation. I knew that the first lap would be the most critical, so I went as hard as I could and I found myself with Zarco and kept him as a point of motivation throughout. Now I’ll head back to Italy before Qatar to continue to improve my condition as much as possible.”
Joan Mir (36) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Joan Mir:“Coming into this weekend we knew that there would be some challenges and had already agreed that if I started to feel different, I would stop. On lap nine I started to not feel at my 100% and decided to stop to avoid making anything worse. We need to double check everything now and understand our situation because the weekend until Sunday has been really good – even better than we were expecting. It’s a big shame and of course I am frustrated, but I remain focused to work with the team to understand and overcome this situation.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Battle Heat in Sweltering Sepang Race.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins pushed in today’s dry and hot Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. The duo completed the 20-lap contest in 11th and 12th place respectively.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins had to strike a balance between pushing and tyre management in the 20-lap Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. They negotiated the Sepang International Circuit in 36°C and ultimately took 11th and 12th place respectively.
Quartararo started from P18, held the position in the opening corner to then overtake Jack Miller and Maverick Viñales. Though Iker Lecuona had got through on him on lap 1, he retaliated on lap 2. With Joan Mir retiring, the number 20 next found a way past Francesco Bagnaia on lap 9 and then chased his teammate, who was 1.5s ahead of him. With nobody closely behind, the Frenchman focused on his rhythm and gradually closed the gap to Rins, and a battle between the teammates ensued with two laps to go. Quartararo came out victorious. As two more rivals failed to reach the chequered flag, he secured P11, 25.826s from the winner.
Launching from P17, Rins had a good start. He went around the outside in the first corner and wrapped up the opening lap in P15. He continued his charge on the next lap, overtaking Bagnaia. It allowed the number 42 to latch onto the back of Franco Morbidelli for a while, but he ultimately couldn’t stay with him. As Mir retired, Diogo Moreira crashed on lap 13, and Johann Zarco later also retired from the race, Rins was riding in P11 when he entered a battle with his charging teammate with two laps remaining. Rins finished in P12, 27.063s from first.
Following today’s Race, Quartararo moves up to 14th in the MotoGP World Championship standings with 79 points, while Rins keeps 20th place with 29 points. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP stay 10th in the Team Championship with 108 points, and Yamaha remain fifth in the Constructor Championship with 105 points.
Alex Rins (42) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins:“It was really tough, but I gave it my best effort, as always. I started really well, and I recovered some positions. But then I was seeing on the pit board ‘Quartararo 1.6’, then 1 second… I started to ride smoothly, but he caught me. I had a brief chat with him later, and he saw that I was on the limit with the front. I had a big drop of the tyre with 12 laps to go, but I had good fun. It was a tough and physical race, but we did it.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“I gave it my maximum, and the race went like expected. I think I improved my feeling a bit compared to Friday, but we were still not quite where we wanted to be.”
More, from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP faces another difficult Sunday in Malaysia.
Jack Miller finished the Malaysian Grand Prix in 16th position after tyre wear and grip issues affected his race, while Augusto Fernandez crashed out on the second lap.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP endured another difficult Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with both riders unable to achieve the results they had hoped for in the sweltering heat of Sepang. In a season that has proved more demanding than expected, the team faced another race in which the challenges encountered throughout the weekend continued to limit its potential.
Augusto Fernandez, standing in for the injured Toprak Razgatlıoğlu for the remainder of the season, saw his race come to an early end after crashing on the second lap. The Yamaha test rider had been looking to gain further valuable experience in race conditions, but the incident brought his Malaysian Grand Prix to a premature conclusion.
Jack Miller, meanwhile, battled in the midfield for much of the 20-lap race. However, the grip issues that had troubled him throughout the weekend, combined with increasing tyre wear in the closing stages, made it difficult to maintain his position. The Australian lost ground over the final laps and eventually crossed the finish line in 16th place.
Jack Miller (43) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Jack Miller:“It was a long, tough race. From start to finish, it was more about surviving than thriving. There‘s not a huge amount to say, really. I had a couple of moments early on, and by around lap ten, when I saw the riders ahead pulling away, I could already feel that I was struggling a little more than them. I tried to manage things as best I could, both with my riding and the engine maps, but towards the end I was pretty much a sitting duck and couldn‘t do much more. Tyre wear was definitely a factor. The conditions were among the toughest we‘ve faced, and Turn 1 felt like an ice rink on every lap. The biggest issue for me was the huge difference in grip between the track surface and the kerbs, so you were constantly trying to use the kerbs to your advantage wherever possible. It was a really difficult situation out there.”
Augusto Fernandez (47) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Augusto Fernandez:“I made a mistake, and it was my fault. At the beginning, I was close to the other Yamahas, and after the pace we showed yesterday, I knew I could stay with them and try to make some passes. I was behind Iker Lecuona, and because of the engine difference, I was losing time in the corners and then he was able to pull away again on the straight. I wanted to get past him, but it was too early, and I made a mistake. Despite that, I think it was a positive weekend in terms of my riding. I‘m recovering my pace and feeling more comfortable on the bike, so I‘m making good progress. Physically, I felt okay during the race, and I was happy with how I managed the heat throughout the weekend. It‘s a shame I couldn‘t finish the Grand Prix, because completing the full race distance would have been important for rebuilding my physical condition, but I feel I‘m getting there, both physically and mentally, as well as in terms of my riding. I was happy with the Sprint and with the overall progress we made.”
More, from a press release issued by Castrol Honda HRC:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco was unable to finish Sunday’s race at Sepang.
Starting from 8th on the grid after a positive weekend, Zarco was determined to fight for a strong result.
The Frenchman made a good start and quickly gained positions, finding his rhythm and battling with his rivals for a place in the top five.
Unfortunately, in the closing stages of the race, Zarco encountered a technical issue with his bike, which is currently under investigation. He was forced to return to the pits and retire from the race.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, Zarco had shown strong potential throughout the race and was on course for a solid result, which would have been a fitting end to a weekend marked by consistency and good pace.
Johann Zarco (5) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco DNF:“I’m fine. I was having a good race, and we’ve shown strong pace throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, we had to retire due to a technical issue, but these things can happen. Overall, I’m happy with the work we’ve done here in Malaysia. We’ve made some solid improvements, and the goal now is to keep this positive momentum going.”
More, from a press release issued by Pro Honda HRC:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira crashed during Sunday’s race at Sepang.
Starting from 14th on the grid, Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira made a strong start and immediately began gaining positions.
While battling for a top-ten finish, Moreira crashed at the last corner, some laps to the end. He managed to pick up his bike and rejoin the race but was eventually forced to retire due to the damage sustained to the bike.
On a positive note, Moreira had been showing consistent pace and was on course for a strong result. Despite the unfortunate outcome, the rider and the team will take the positives from the weekend and aim to bounce back at the next race!
Diogo Moreira (11) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Diogo Moreira DNF:“I’m fine. I managed to save a few crashes throughout the weekend, but unfortunately, I couldn’t save this one during the race. It’s a shame, but we’ll keep working and try to make some adjustments ahead of the next races to see if we can take another step forward.”
Following its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions.
As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.
This decision reflects Yamaha’s assessment of the information currently available and is independent of the measures implemented by MotoGP Group and the event organizer.
Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
More from a statement from MotoGP Group:
MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha’s decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix. While we recognise the team is subject to a broader corporate policy restricting travel to the Middle East, we do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders.
Following consultation with the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and MotoGP’s own ongoing risk assessment process, MotoGP has not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans for the event.
We communicated that position, together with the latest available information, to all Manufacturers and Teams today and welcome the confirmation from the remainder of the grid that they will compete in Qatar, and we thank them for that commitment.
In addition to the contractual implications of Yamaha’s decision for its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, Yamaha’s non-participation also carries sporting implications, with any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM in accordance with the Championship regulations.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26 on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 20-lap race by 4.172 seconds.
The win extended his lead in the MotoGP World Championship point standings to 44.
Pedro Acosta was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Alex Marquez placed third on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Ai Ogura crossed the finish line fourth on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.
Enea Bastianini took fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 399 points, 44 ahead of Jorge Martin who has 355 points. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 332 points.
Masterclass: Marc Marquez marches to Malaysia victory to earn 2026 match point. The #93, in the absence of Martin, inflicts maximum championship damage to take a giant stride towards the title as Acosta and Alex Marquez complete the Sepang rostrum.
We are watching a master at work. 80 MotoGP victories. A third at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. And now, staring down the barrel of a first match point at the Lusail International Circuit next weekend. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), by a dominant 4.1s, marched to a seventh win of 2026 to take one giant leap towards sticking another plaque on the famous Tower of Champions.
It’s now a healthy 44-point lead the seven-time MotoGP King has over injured rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, and a 67-point advantage over the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi after the Italian finished P6 in Malaysia. Joining the reigning World Champion on the Sepang rostrum was second-place Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the KTM star completing a brilliant weekend at the office, and polesitter Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP).
THE START: MM93 GETS THE HOLESHOT
Nailing the start was your championship leader Marc Marquez, who gobbled up the holeshot ahead of Alex Marquez. Biting back at Turn 4 was the latter, though, but the blue corner in the Marquez scrap ran wide to allow the red corner to keep hold of the lead.
It was a right old fight for P3 on the opening lap between the rapid-starting Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Acosta, and after a sluggish start, it was the Tissot Sprint winner who climbed back into P3 by the end of the lap. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was soon fourth after the Italian muscled his way past Ogura at Turn 14 on Lap 2.
ACOSTA SHADOWS THE MARQUEZ’S
A fastest lap of the Grand Prix saw Acosta quickly reel in the Marquez brothers. With tyre wear crucial, the Grand Prix then settled down in the early exchanges as Marc Marquez led Alex Marquez by 0.5s, with Acosta lingering just under fourth tenths away from the Gresini star. Bezzecchi was a further seven tenths adrift in fourth, while Ogura lapped the same distance behind his Aprilia stablemate.
MM93 STRETCHES HIS LEAD AS PA37 POUNCES ON AM73
By Lap 9, Marc Marquez had stretched his advantage to 1.1s. A lap later, it was 1.5s. How much of this was managing the tyres for Alex Marquez? The #73 had Acosta swarming all over his rear Michelin, before the KTM star launched an attack at Turn 9 on Lap 10. And it stuck. Then, Bezzecchi had a nibble at Turn 14. That, however, didn’t pay off for the #72.
Would the margin come down now Acosta was P2? The immediate answer was no. Marc Marquez’s advantage climbed north of two seconds for the first time, with Acosta putting nearly a second between his RC16 and the fight for the final podium spot between Alex Marquez, Bezzecchi, and Ogura.
A CLASS OF HIS OWN
With five laps to go, Marc Marquez led Acosta by 2.9s. Then 3.2s. Then 4.2s. A master at work in Malaysia. Untouchable today, and maybe now, untouchable in the championship chase. A seventh Grand Prix victory of the season. His 80th ever. One giant leap toward an eighth MotoGP title – the first chance: Qatar.
THE PODIUM FINISHERS AND POINT SCORERS
For the second year in a row, Acosta takes home a second place from Malaysia and after his Sprint win, that’s another top weekend for the #37. Polesitter Alex Marquez did hold onto that final podium spot, as Ogura – after forcing his way through on Bezzecchi – collected a double P4, with the gap to Alex Marquez sitting at 0.8s across the line.
Fifth place? Bastianini. A last-lap Turn 14 error from Bezzecchi allowed his compatriot to come through to pinch crucial points away from the Aprilia star, which now leaves Bezzecchi 67 points off Marc Marquez. It isn’t game over. It never is when the maths say it’s possible. But for Bezzecchi and Aprilia, it’s now a monumental mountain to climb if the title is to fall into their hands this season.
Closing out the top 10 positions were Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) in seventh, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in eighth as just 0.066s splits the Italians at the flag, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in ninth, and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P10.
The rest of the points in Malaysia went to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the Frenchman’s teammate Alex Rins, a disappointed Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), and Fermin Aldeguer’s BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP stand-in Iker Lecuona.
NEXT: MATCH POINT WEEKEND
As we head to Qatar, Marc Marquez and Ducati know it could be the weekend where the title is wrapped up. Score 30 points more than Martin, and eight points more than Bezzecchi, and the crown is kept. Aprilia simply have to respond, as Martin aims to return fighting from his broken wrist.
David Alonso won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Colombian rider won the 17-lap race by 1.932 seconds.
His teammate, Daniel Holgado was the runner-up.
Angel Piqueras was third on his QJMOTOR – MSI Kalex.
Izan Guevara finished fourth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Championship point leader Manuel Gonzalez took fifth on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 18th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez leads the championship with 276.5 points, 3.5 ahead of Izan Guevara who has 273 points. Ivan Ortola is third with 199.5 points.
Alonso fends off Holgado to clinch classy Sepang victory. Aspar celebrate a 1-2; Piqueras claims a maiden podium, and in the title race, the points gap closes again between Gonzalez and Guevara.
For the second time in 2026, MotoGP-bound David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) is a winner in Moto2 as the Colombian, despite a huge moment in the closing stages, comfortably fended off teammate Daniel Holgado in some brutally hot conditions at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. Thanks to the latter, Aspar celebrate a dream 1-2 in Sepang – and speaking of dreams, third place went to rookie star Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – MSI). That’s a maiden podium in the class for the Spaniard after an injury-hit first campaign in Moto2.
Meanwhile, in the chase for the Moto2 title, P4 and P5 went to Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), with the gap now coming down to just 3.5 points between the pair.
Holgado got the dream launch from pole position to easily collect the holeshot, as teammate Alonso jumped ahead of Guevara into the opening corner. Gonzalez, from P9 on the grid, jumped up two places to P7, while it was rookie Piqueras who held his position off the front row – the Spaniard was P2.
On Lap 2, Alonso pounced on Piqueras to make it an Aspar 1-2 at the front, while a little further down the road, Gonzalez made more progress. The pre-race championship leader, by the end of Lap 4, was up to P5, having carved past Daniel Muñoz (Italtrans Racing Team) and Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2). Next up? Guevara, 1.9s ahead.
A first change of the lead came at Turn 4 on Lap 6. Alonso, clean as you like, dived up the inside of his teammate to snatch the P1 baton away from the #96. By Lap 9, Alonso extended his lead to 1.1s, with Holgado being kept on his toes by Piqueras. Guevara, meanwhile, was 0.9s away from his compatriots – but crucially, the gap to Gonzalez had grown to 3.3s.
While it was looking comfortable for Alonso, a huge rear-end moment on the apex at Turn 14 with just over three laps to go opened the door for Holgado to get back onto the rear wheel of his teammate. It was surely Alonso vs Holgado for victory in Sepang, with Piqueras two seconds clear of Guevara in the race for P3.
Fair play to Alonso though. The Colombian responded well to his mistake to open up a four-tenth gap to Holgado, and heading onto the last lap, it was much more relaxing 1.1s. And in the end, despite that scare, Alonso collected his second win of the season to lead home an Aspar 1-2, with rookie Piqueras – after an injury-hit campaign – claiming a maiden Moto2 podium in P3.
Guevara’s P4 is the first time he’s finished off the top set of the podium since Misano, but it’s more points chipped out of Gonzalez’s lead. Not many though. The latter delivered a classy, damage-limited job in Sepang to round out the top five, with the gap between the title-chasing pair just 3.5 points.
Sixth place went to Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team), that’s a Moto2 career-best for the #99, as Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the better of Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – MSI) on the final lap to see the Dutchman earn P7 ahead of the rider third in the championship. In the heated battle for the top 10, Celestino Vietti (BETA Tools SpeedRS Team) and Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team) were the duo who took the honours in P9 and P10.
And so, onto Qatar we go, with the Moto2 championship fight closer again. 3.5 points. Game on.
Maximo Quiles won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Using his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, the Spaniard won the 15-lap race by 3.734 seconds.
Veda Pratama was the runner-up on his Honda Team Asia machine.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was third, 4.184 seconds behind race winner Quiles.
Home hero Hakim Danish crossed the finish line fourth on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
David Almansa got fifth on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM.
Maximo Quiles leads the championship with 376 points, 148 ahead of David Almansa who has 228 points. Brian Uriarte is third with 205 points.
Quiles takes 11th win of 2026, Danish denied home podium in fourth. A commanding victory for the World Champion but the big battle for the home crowd was for a podium.
A first win as World Champion for Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) as the #28 sealed the deal for an 11th victory of 2026. However, the big story was behind as the home crowd cheered on their hero Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) who was in the podium battle throughout. Despite his best efforts that went all the way to the last corner, he had to settle for fourth behind Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bill KTM Ajo). David Almansa’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) P5 sees him extend his gap in P2 in the standings over the chasing pack.
Starting from pole, Quiles snatched the holeshot down to Turn 1 ahead of Carpe and a fast-starting Almansa, who was soon into P2 at Turn 2. He didn’t waste any time hitting the front, leading by Turn 4 from P4 on the grid. Further back, Jesus Rios’ (Rivacold Snipers Team) GP was done with a crash at Turn 2; he remounted and was OK. At the front, it was Almansa led the first lap whilst home star Danish was P4. On Lap 2, he took advantage of Carpe and Quiles’ battling and stormed into P2, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Behind, Pratama was close in P5 whilst Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo), third in the standings, was battling further back in the pack, aiming to crack the top ten.
At Turn 9 on Lap 3, Matteo Bertelle’s (LEVELUP-MTA) GP ended with a crash whereas at the front, the top five were all covered by half a second with the pack closing up. Two laps later and a change in the lead as Quiles took over at the front from Almansa at the final corner. On Lap 7, Carpe started battling with Almansa, allowing Quiles to break free and Danish to come through at the final corner for third; the #22 was back to fifth soon enough with Pratama in P4 and then third when he cleared the Malaysian. More crashes came; on Lap 8 for Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) at Turn 1 and then at Turn 15 for Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3). Ogden then crashed at the same corner two laps later, ending the Brit’s GP.
With four to go, Danish pounced on Pratama at Turn 1 to move up into second place whilst Almansa was likewise back in the hunt and dispatched of Pratama; it all changed again a lap later though as the Indonesia and the Spaniard battled hard and pushed home-hero Danish back to fourth. The battle was very much for P2 though as Quiles was three seconds up the road and cruising to victory 11 of the year.
Onto the last lap and Danish got his elbows out to briefly go P2, although he soon found himself back in fifth and with work to do to try and get a home podium. Danish was strong to take fourth from Almansa, pushing him out at Turn 5 and leaving the #22 in P5. He was then into third by Turn 11, getting ahead of Carpe but the #83 retaliated at Turn 14. Throwing everything at it in a last-ditch attempt, Danish went for P3 at the final corner but went wide, allowing Carpe to come back through and break Malaysian hearts.
Quiles made it an 11th win of the year ahead of Pratama, Carpe, Malaysia’s Danish and Almansa – the latter of which extends his lead over third in the standings to 23 with two GPs to go. Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) rode a solid GP to P6 ahead of Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Eddie O’Shea (Gryd Racing) who rounded out the top ten. Elsewhere, first career points for Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia) in P13 whilst a difficult weekend for Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) gave him a point in P15.
Next time out, we’re under the lights at Lusail for the Grand Prix of Qatar! Don’t miss out!
Bobby Fong (50) at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica Quad Lock Superbike 2026 In Review:
Championships Are Won By Preparing For The Bad Days
By Michael Gougis
First Person/Opinion:
If you want to know why Bobby Fong is the 2026 MotoAmerica Quad Lock Superbike Champion (and only one mistake away from being a two-time and defending Champion), look at the lap charts from Qualifying One at Road America in 2025.
The track was soaked. There was no rain in the forecast for the rest of the weekend. No one went out for the session, really. Nothing to gain, a lot to lose. Sean Dylan Kelly did a trio of slow laps. A couple of backmarkers went out to play in the rain.
No one, that is, except for Fong. He pounded in 10 laps around the long 4.0-mile circuit. And when I asked him why he did it, he said he wanted to learn the bike, learn how to work with his crew under those conditions, and to learn to ride better in the rain.
Go back a few months earlier, and I am interviewing Fong about his new ride with Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha. We’re talking about his training routine, and he says that the majority of his training is simply riding motocross. Fong wanted experience in seeking the edge of traction, how to find it and manage what the bike is doing under those circumstances and to extract the most speed he could find in that instance. And on a motocross track, Fong says, the surface changes every lap, every corner. It’s an intense learning curve, like a summer college class where a full semester’s worth of work is crammed into five weeks.
Championships, they say, are won on the bad days. And the days when everything is perfect are far outnumbered by the days when they are not. There were other riders who were as fast as Fong, and sometimes a lot faster. But when the track surface got sketchy – wet, dry or damp – most of the time Fong simply did a better job of getting the most out of those conditions.
Attack played its part as well. Helpful to winning in MotoAmerica competition is: A) a worldwide network of people racing the bike who are sharing information and B) knowledge of how to get the spec Dunlops to work on your bike. Yamaha races the R1 around the globe, so there’s a wealth of data to tap into. Just to illustrate, a few years ago, I was driving across Germany with a technician who provides trackside support for the alpha Racing BMWs that are raced worldwide. He said, one of the things that we offer the teams who buy our bikes is this: If you have a question, there’s someone else running one of these bikes who has had the same question. Call us and we’ll give you an answer. Yamaha’s racing DNA pays off in ways that go largely unseen to the casual spectator; there’s a wealth of data available for anyone racing an R1 because many, many teams race this bike.
Attack’s Richard Stanboli probably knows the current YZF-R1 as well as any tuner/builder on the planet. The platform’s age means there are few secrets left. And Attack has loads of experience in optimizing it for a wide range of track conditions on the spec Dunlop tires. Again, maybe not the fastest machine under ideal conditions, but Attack’s ability to get it as good as it can get on race day when things aren’t ideal is a huge advantage. The fact that JD Beach and Mathew Scholtz also won on Attack-built R1s is testament to that; each had a good machine performing at its best.
Sean Dylan Kelly (40) at Road America in 2026. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The biggest surprise, to me, was watching Kelly lead the Championship right up to the final race. There’s no questioning Kelly’s skills. You don’t come back from years in the Moto2 World Championship slower. But it was his first season with the OrangeCat team, and it was the team’s first full season with its Superbike-spec alpha Racing BMW M 1000 RR. While it had that bank of alpha Racing knowledge to tap into, OrangeCat still had to execute trackside. And while the team was experienced, having won the last Stock 1000 title easily with the M 1000 RR, stepping up to Superbike is always a challenge. The most competitive class always poses questions that you learn to answer over years of trying, failing and succeeding.
So as skilled as the OrangeCat crew is, I expected Kelly to win races, but I didn’t expect to see him fighting for the title. It bodes well for Kelly in 2027, when he will be back with bike-specific track knowledge for each of MotoAmerica’s circuits. And the well-funded OrangeCat team’s determination to win is unquestionable. Only one rider beat them to the title in 2026. That was Fong. So OrangeCat simply went out and hired him for 2027.
PJ Jacobsen (15) at The Ridge. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
If OrangeCat and Kelly overachieved, in my view, in 2026, the biggest underachievers this season were the riders on the new Ducati V4 R racebikes. On paper, 2026 should have seen the Panigales run away with everything. You don’t just go buy one of these bikes. You apply for the privilege of racing one. Ducati vets your team to determine whether they think you can win before they’ll sell you one, no matter how much money you have. The bikes come from a factory that builds nothing but racebikes, and they are as trick as the rule book allows.
Again, a few years back, I was interviewing the crew chief of a team that was racing Panigales in the Endurance World Championship series. The team bought machines straight from Ducati’s racebike factory and then modified them for endurance racing. One of the modifications they had to make was to swap out the forks. The Superbike-spec Ohlins forks were so precisely tuned for flex and so lightweight that the endurance team didn’t trust them not to crumple in a crash. In their mind, the Ohlins forks that came on the full Superbikes were like a racer’s helmet: Good for one crash. The point is this: A factory-built Panigale is one finely-honed racebike, built right to the edge of the rules and refined to get every last bit of performance from the machines.
And there’s no shortage of information on how to set up one of these bikes, either. Ducati won every Superbike World Championship race this year and took every pole and the vast majority of the podiums, and did so with seven different riders. It’s clear that the bikes are fast and there’s knowledge available about how to get the most out of them.
Now, to be fair, there were injuries and other setbacks that were not the fault of those riders at all. Cameron Beaubier’s fall at Road America should not have sidelined him for half a season. Benjamin Smith’s scary crash at the same track was due to a part flying off of another machine and locking his front wheel at more than 180 miles an hour. There was no shortage of bad luck plaguing the Ducati contingent.
But there were a lot of crashes, and the Ducatis frequently seemed to bite their riders unexpectedly. My theory is this: MotoAmerica is the only series in the world that uses the spec Dunlop tire. Every other racing Ducati is on Pirelli or in a series that has open tire competition. And a modern racebike is optimized around its tires. Rahal, Warhorse HSBK – they were basically on their own in trying to get new-for-2026 Panigales to work on the spec Dunlops. Not only was the Panigale V4 R this year brand new, weather conspired to limit the pre-season testing for the teams learning the new bike. In contrast, Attack, Strack, OrangeCat were all racing on basic platforms they knew and had raced on with Dunlops in the past. They started ahead of the teams running the new Ducati and basically stayed ahead.
Richie Escalante (54) at The Ridge. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
In a way, the Team Hammer squad was in the same position as the Ducati teams trying to sort out Dunlops on their own. The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is a known quantity, but it’s the oldest bike in the field, and Suzuki isn’t racing MotoGP, World Superbike, or even competitively at the factory level in high-profile National series like British Superbike. Even in Japan, the best-placed Suzuki rider in Superbike was barely in the top 10. Other than the evergreen Yoshimura SERT squad in the FIM Endurance World Championship, Team Hammer is the only team, really, making the GSX-R a better, faster racebike, and it is largely on its own. Respect for what it accomplishes in that situation, and Richie Escalante’s podium at The Ridge was hard-earned and well deserved.
And respect to Fong. As a racer sets up a pass three turns before it happens, he built this title over the past several years, and he came back from a bitter disappointment last season to hold his nerve until the very end this year. He earned this one.
It will be interesting to see what the Ducati teams can do next year with a season of Dunlop experience on the new bikes and with a fully healthy Beaubier, 2026 Supersport Champion Darryn Binder and former Superbike Champion Josh Herrin aboard.
2027 BMW M 1000 RR Limited Edition: A New Chapter in M Performance. Photo courtesy BMW.
• The return of the storied BMW Rennsport moniker.
• Limited to 1,000 units globally.
• 205 hp and 432 lb. unladen weight.
• Expected U.S. Market Launch, Q1 2027.
• MSRP: $38,395 plus destination.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad USA is proud to announce the return of the Rennsport [Racing Sport] moniker to the BMW motorcycle lineup with the new limited edition 2027 M 1000 RS. The new M hyper naked bike carries with it a heritage of eighty-eight years of track capable production motorcycles, including significant historical customer racing models such as the 1939 BMW R 51 RS, the RS 255 Kompressor and the 1954 RS54.
Since the 1970’s the RS moniker has also referred to ReiseSport [Touring Sport] with models such as the R 100 RS and current R 1300 RS, but now, the M 1000 RS Rennsport firmly brings the original meaning back into the hands of today’s BMW enthusiasts.
“The BMW M 1000 RS makes a clear statement. RS stands for Rennsport – and that is exactly what you feel in every detail. With 205 hp, maximum precision, M Brake and a character all its own, it is BMW Motorrad’s ultimate hyper naked bike. And because true exclusivity needs limits, we are building exactly 1,000 units. More performance. More character. It simply does not get more M than this,” says Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad.
The new 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
• Limited Edition 1 of 1,000 plate on triple clamp.
• Matte Carbon M Winglets with RS lettering.
• Dark-clear coated brushed aluminum fuel tank.
• Night Black Matte paint finish.
• Black rear subframe with M 1000 Rennsport lettering.
• Tall single seat configuration.
• M 1000 RR tail section with rear Matte Carbon Cover with RS lettering.
• High-grip M Alcantara seat with M embroidery.
• M Forged aluminum footrest system.
• M Carbon Wheels.
• M Brake
• Pirelli Diablo IV Corsa tires.
• M Track Package.
1,000 units. Maximum exclusivity.
The BMW M 1000 RS is limited to 1,000 units worldwide with a limited number coming to the U.S. Market arrival is expected here in Q1 2027 and ordering will be available through a pre-order program. Sign up on www.bmwmotorcycles.com to stay informed.
The BMW M 1000 RS brings the high-performance credentials of the BMW M 1000 RR to the hyper naked segment. Its unfaired design puts the technology on display, while dark finishes and powerful proportions give it a distinctive, assertive presence. The M rider footrest system from the M 1000 RR and a seat height 0.78 inches higher than the M 1000 R create a more forward-focused riding position, emphasizing the M 1000 RS’s uncompromising sporting character.
The M full titanium exhaust system highlights the bike’s focus on lightweight construction and performance. Matte carbon M winglets with RS lettering combine distinctive racing style with aerodynamic function, while the tail section from the BMW M 1000 RR further underscores its superbike roots. Matte carbon components, a brushed aluminum fuel tank, new graphics and an M seat with an Alcantara look complete its exclusive, dark aesthetic.
At the heart of the BMW M 1000 RS is the superbike engine from the BMW M 1000 RR, featuring updated components including an increased compression ratio, titanium connecting rods, forged pistons with a two-ring piston design. Paired with an unladen weight of just 432 lbs., the engine delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio and immediate response across riding situations. The result combines strong acceleration, precise control and hyper naked agility with the advanced engineering of a superbike.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
205 hp M 1000 RR spec motor, Full titanium exhaust, Chain drive with M Endurance Chain, Anti-hopping clutch, Gear Shift Assist Pro, M Quick-Action Throttle with 58 degrees of rotation, M Carbon Wheels, ABS Pro, Race ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Upside down fork with adjustable rebound, compression and preload, Adjustable Steering stabilizer, DTC Dynamic Traction Control, MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control, M Carbon Winglets, Tire Pressure Monitor, Radial front brake caliper with M Brake, Rear suspension strut with adjustable rebound, compression and preload, Dynamic Damping Control, Heated Grips, Electronic immobilizer, LED tail light, headlight and turn signals, M Lightweight Battery, USB port, Drop sensor, Cruise Control, Comfort turn indicator, Headlight Pro, Multi-Controller, 6.5″ Colored TFT screen, Passenger Seat Cover, On-board computer, Adjustable M clutch and M handbrake levers, M Rider’s seat with rear seat cover (Rider’s seat with Alcantara look, Pillion seat cover in matte carbon), Keyless Ride, Riding Modes Pro, Connectivity, Scope of carbon parts: M Carbon Winglets, M Carbon front & Rear Fenders, M Carbon left & right tank covers, M Carbon Chain Guard, M Carbon Airbox cover, M Carbon Pillion seat cover(all carbon surfaces in matte finish), Detachable license plate holder, M milled adjustable footrest system, Ready for GP shift pattern, Aluminum fuel tank, M GPS Laptrigger Activation Code, Hill Start Control Pro, Ultimate Care Break-In Service.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
The 2027 BMW M 1000 RS Limited Edition. Photo courtesy BMW.
BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states, including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support more than 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Gaige Herrera earns his fifth number one qualifier of the season and the 36th of his career, securing his position at the season finale in Pomona, CA. Photo courtesy Suzuki.
Brea, CA — As if the stakes in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to the Championship playoffs weren’t high enough, they got even bigger when dangerously high winds in Las Vegas on Sunday forced the final round matchup between RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera to be postponed until the season finale in Pomona, CA, in two weeks.
Race Highlights
Championship leader Richard Gadson qualified second and advanced to the final round, which will be contested during qualifying at the season finale in Pomona
Gaige Herrera qualified number one and advanced to the final round
The penultimate round of the NHRA season and fifth of six races in the Countdown for the Championship playoffs was held at the MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race was marked by gusty winds that forced a brief halt to all racing on Sunday afternoon and ultimately the postponement of the Pro Stock Motorcycle final round.
Fittingly for a race held just a few miles from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the event also featured a few lucky breaks for both RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki riders that allowed them to advance to face each other in the now-delayed final round and virtually clinch the 2026 Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship for the team.
The season finale in Pomona will now feature head-to-head battles between Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera to determine both the Las Vegas race winner and the season champion.
Reigning world champion Richard Gadson qualified second on Saturday with a 6.836-second/196.10 mph run, marking the third time this season the Vance & Hines team has locked out the top two spots in the starting order.
Portending events to come, Gadson survived his first scare of the day in round one on Sunday against John Hall when a strong side wind forced his motorcycle to drift towards the centerline. The championship leader hung off the side of his Hayabusa trying to keep it inside the line and held onto the throttle just long enough to run 7.158 seconds at 186.33 mph. Fortunately for Gadson, Hall had problems of his own in the other lane, coasting to a losing 7.860-second/123.93 mph run.
In round two, Gadson again had to fight the wind to keep his motorcycle in the racing groove, hanging on to claim a narrow 6.857-second/194.72 mph victory over Angie Smith (6.865 seconds/199.08 mph).
Gadson’s string of wild rides continued in the semi-final round, when number three qualifier Ryan Oehler also struggled in the crosswind, lifting and slowing to 8.484 seconds at 107.81 mph. Gadson held onto his run longer, posting a 6.933-second/174.48 mph run to advance to his ninth final round appearance of the season and fifth against Herrera.
“Everybody was fighting the same issues with the wind today, but I was able to find a way to beat them to the finish line even though there were some wild rides. It was more about willing myself to the finish line than luck. I definitely caught some breaks today, but when you’re dealt a set of cards, you play them,” said Gadson, who agreed with the decision to postpone the final round.
Championship leader Richard Gadson battles the competition and crosswind to the finish line and advances to compete in final round in Pomona. Photo courtesy Suzuki.
“At the end of the day, the competitor in me wants to race, but I have a three-year-old girl back home who’s waiting for me to walk back through the door, so it was the right decision by the NHRA. I’m happy they took it out of our hands because we’re maybe stupid enough to try to race anyways. My number one priority is to make it back home to my family,” he said.
Gadson currently leads Herrera by 55 points in the Countdown standings. Depending on the outcome of the Las Vegas final round, which will be contested during the third round of qualifying in Pomona, Gadson will enter eliminations for the finale with at least a 35-point lead over Herrera, which he can extend to 75 points if he wins the delayed final. Third place Matt Smith, who lost in the second round in Las Vegas, sits 133 points behind Gadson, and with the available points remaining, is all but mathematically eliminated from contention.
“It’ll be a doubleheader in Pomona with a lot riding on that race. I really want to find a way to survive Gaige’s assault and win it on the track. Hopefully from a performance standpoint I won’t need luck, but I’ll take whatever I can get,” Gadson said.
Gaige Herrera ran 6.799 seconds at 197.91 mph on Saturday, earning his fifth number one qualifier of the season and the 36th of his career.
In round one, Herrera posted a 6.765-second/199.79 mph run, low elapsed time of the round, against Chris Bostick (6.895 seconds/195.11 mph).
Herrera continued to show he was the class of the field in Las Vegas by again posting low ET in round two, running 6.752 seconds at 200.05 mph against Clayton Howey (6.890 seconds/195.73 mph) to advance to the semi-finals.
Herrera caught a break of his own in the semi-final round by barely edging out Joey Gladstone when both racers struggled to hold a straight line and full throttle in the heavy crosswinds. Herrera prevailed with a 7.280-second/181.96 mph run over Gladstone’s 7.332 second/180.09 mph pass, setting up his sixth final round appearance of the season and fifth against Gadson.
“I’ve got the bike to beat right now. Andrew is doing his thing and my Hayabusa is on rails, especially in the 60-foot. The wind just threw us for a big loop today. When you’re next to the big bleachers the wind is going in one direction and then it flip-flops when you pass them and blows you the other way. I was making good runs until the semis, but it was hairy for sure. NHRA made the decision to move the final, which I feel was the safest and best call,” Herrera said.
Helped by grabbing nine of the 12 available qualifying bonus points, Herrera edged three points closer to Gadson and now trails by 55 points after the semi-final round. He can reduce that deficit a further 20 points by winning the delayed Las Vegas final.
With the points-and-a-half format at the season finale, which awards 4 points for the lowest ET of each qualifying round and 30 points for each round win, Herrera will likely need to go at least two rounds farther than Gadson during eliminations in Pomona to add a third world championship to the titles he earned in 2023 and 2024.
“It’s going to make Pomona that much more interesting. I don’t have any room for error if I want to take this championship back,” Herrera said. “I have the mindset to go out there and win. Richard has been on his game going rounds on Sunday. That’s the day that counts. I need to do the same thing and do it better than him in Pomona.”
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines said the team’s plan for Las Vegas, as it has been throughout the Countdown, was to focus on extracting the best qualifying performance from both riders to set them up to run deep into the elimination rounds.
“Before we left the shop to come here, I told the guys we needed to go out, do our jobs, and qualify one and two, because that gives us the best shot of advancing out of the first round, and then focus on bringing the best two motorcycles to the starting line every run. We did that today. It may not have been the prettiest, but Richard got away with three round wins today because he was better than his opponent in those rounds. Not exactly how we expected it, but mission accomplished by putting both of our Hayabusas in the final,” Hines said.
Similar to the situation heading into last year’s season finale in Pomona, the team’s riders hold the top two positions in the Countdown standings and are poised to battle head-to-head for the championship with no others in realistic contention.
Hines hopes to see the championship settled on track, an outcome that fans were denied last season by unprecedented rain storms that forced the cancellation of racing and resulted in the awarding of championships based on points.
“It’s going to be a grudge match in Pomona. Gaige is out for vengeance, and Richard is out to prove a point. It’s going to be an all-out dog fight and no matter what happens in the ‘Vegas final’ on Saturday, it’s going to come down to what happens on Sunday,” Hines said.
With one round remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, Gadson and Herrera sit first and second in the standings, with 2,579 and 2,524 points, respectively.
The RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines team returns to action Nov. 13-15 for the NHRA season finale at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, CA.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
About Vance & Hines Motorsports:
Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica. For more information, visit www.vanceandhinesmotorsports.com.
Champion Ryde targets four-midable new chapter with Honda Racing UK. Photo courtesy BSB.
Reigning British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde will return to defend his number one plate with a new manufacturer in 2027 as he joins Honda Racing UK in a three-strong rider line-up.
Ryde made history this season by becoming the first champion to win consecutive titles for two different manufacturers, now having celebrated three back-to-back crowns from 2024; he looks to add to his incredible record with Honda Racing UK.
The move marks the beginning of a new partnership with Honda and the opportunity to help shape the competitive development of the all-new Fireblade.
Reigning champion Ryde joins Ryan Vickers, whilst Dean Harrison returns to the Superbike class for the forthcoming campaign aboard the all-new 2027 Honda Fireblade.
The programme combines championship-winning experience, proven race-winning pace and extensive knowledge of the Fireblade as Honda Racing UK sets its sights on challenging for the BSB title.
The introduction of the all-new 2027 Honda Fireblade gives the team a fresh focus for its winter preparations. All three riders will contribute to a testing and development programme and establish a strong foundation before the season opener, ready to arrive ready to deliver a strong campaign to fight for the title.
Ryde said: “I’m massively looking forward to riding for Honda, it’s another challenge in my career and I’m excited to ride another new bike. Working with a factory team is something I’ve not done before, and having a hand in the year one racing development of a bike is going to be another new area for me to work in. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and will hopefully be able to carry on delivering what I’ve been doing for the last couple of seasons on different bikes for other teams.
“I think Ryan had a brilliant end to the 2026 season, towards the end I think he matched me on points and it’s clear the team worked well to help Ryan unlock the potential in the bike. It was a difficult bike to race against at certain tracks in the calendar and Ryan made the most of that whenever he could. I know there’s going to be some tracks on the calendar where I think I can already see an advantage for Honda next year. I get on really well with Ryan and I’m looking forward to working with him again.
“Dean is a lovely person to be around and will be a great teammate. I’m sure we’ll all bounce off each other and make each other better riders for the full season next season.
“I plan to spend my off-season chilling out for a bit. I have a couple of holidays booked and, I’ll get stuck back into winter plans once I’ve played some golf and allowed myself a chance to relax.
“I’ll get out to Spain and will put some miles on a Fireblade track bike, that’ll be fun I’m sure. I did the same thing last year and feel that it really helped keep me sharp. I don’t look at it as testing as such, it’s just enjoying my riding while I’m figuring a bike out.
“I can’t thank the Honda Racing team enough for giving me the opportunity, I fully intend to make the most of it and I’m looking forward to sticking the number one on this new Fireblade.”
Neil Fletcher, Head of Racing Honda Europe, concluded: “I think it’s fair to say that we have three incredibly talented riders signed for the 2027 British Superbike Championships. Adding Kyle Ryde to the Honda line up is really exciting, it’s impossible to ignore his talent, his pace and his professionalism. I hope his transition into the team is as smooth as possible so he can focus on what he’s been doing so well for the last three seasons.
“Ryan Vickers is an exceptional talent, a multiple race winner in BSB on the Fireblade and carries the advantage of having worked with the team in 2026. As if two front running superbike racers wasn’t enough, we’ve elected to run Dean for a full season of BSB as well. His dominant pace in 2026 on the roads proves he has the ability on a Fireblade and his front running pace in the British Supersport Championship shows his short circuit credentials.
“Honda and HRC’s commitment to developing Honda Racing UK’s headquarters in Louth, an all-new Fireblade and three amazing riders means 2027 is going to be a strong year for Honda.”
California Superbike School students with their assigned bikes. Photo by Bob Hartman/etechphoto.com.
NATIONWIDE SCHEDULE
California Superbike School Announces 2027 Schedule
The California Superbike School has announced its 2027 schedule, with classes at 16 racetracks across the United States. The school will have a full fleet of new 2027 BMW S1000RR motorcycles available for students.
Founded in 1980, the California Superbike School has been training riders for more than four decades, with graduates going on to win 113 world and national championships.
August 9, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 10, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 11 & 12, 2027 New Jersey Motorsports Park Thunderbolt Millville, NJ 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
August 16 & 17, 2027 Virginia International Raceway South Alton, VIR 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
August 23, 2027 High Plains Raceway Deer Trail, CO Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
August 24, 2027 High Plains Raceway Deer Trail, CO Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 11, 2027 Thunderhill Raceway West Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 12, 2027 Thunderhill Raceway West Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
September 13 & 14, 2027 Sonoma Raceway Sonoma, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,495
September 26 & 27, 2027 Weathertech Raceway at Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $3,695/$3,995
October 2, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 3, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 4 & 5, 2027 Streets of Willow Springs CCW Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
October 13 & 14, 2027 Chuckwalla Raceway Desert Center, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
October 16, 2027 Podium Club Casa Grande, AZ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 17, 2027 Podium Club Casa Grande, AZ Single Day/All Levels $695/$895
October 23 & 24, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
November 11 & 12, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
November 13 & 14, 2027 Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels $2,935/$3,235
Alex Marquez (73) and Pedro Acosta (37) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
The MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang is in the books, with Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking the victory ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), while Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the podium. Marco Bezzecchi finished sixth, while Jorge Martin sat out the weekend to focus on his recovery. Read the teams’ post-race PR below.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Marc Márquez takes a dominant win in the Grand Prix of Malaysia with the Ducati Lenovo Team. Francesco Bagnaia thirteenth.
Marc claims his 80th victory in the MotoGP class
Alex Márquez on the podium in third with the Ducati of Gresini Racing MotoGP
Marc Márquez and the Ducati Lenovo Team came out victorious in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, setting the stage for the first match point of the season. Francesco Bagnaia finished the race in thirteenth position.
Márquez took the lead at Turn 1 by overtaking his brother Alex. After a brief exchange of positions between the two during the opening lap, Marc ultimately pulled away in the middle stages of the race before crossing the finish line with a 4.1-second margin over Acosta. Bagnaia, starting from the fourth row, lost several positions in the opening two laps and ultimately finished thirteenth.
As the nineteenth Grand Prix of the season draws to a close, Marc Márquez leads the Riders’ standings with 399 points. Francesco Bagnaia is ninth with 173 points. The Ducati Lenovo Team is currently second in the teams’ standings (572 points), while Ducati sits atop the constructors’ championship (537 points).
The next Grand Prix on the calendar for the Ducati Lenovo Team is scheduled for November 6th to 8th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Marc Marquez on the podium after claiming victory at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Marc Márquez (#93 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1st: “The goal for today was to lead from start to finish. Based on the previous sessions, it was clear that my pace was good and I felt comfortable. Luckily, Alex (Márquez) went wide at Turn 4 after trying to overtake me. Apart from that moment, I focused solely on riding at my own pace, and I’m happy with the 34 points scored this weekend. We have reached the point in the season where we need to think about the overall situation. We’re leading the championship and there are very few races left, but the job isn’t done yet and there are still many moments to come.”
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 13th: “The race went more or less as expected. Yesterday, in a way, we were helped a little by the rain. Today, from the start, I knew I had a grip issue and tried to manage it as best I could. Even so, after five laps, the goal became simply to bring the bike home. Unfortunately, this is the situation, and I have to accept it. There are three Grands Prix left in the season, and we’ll try to give it our all in every session.”
Luigi Dall’Igna – Ducati Corse General Manager: “Today’s race wasn’t easy, because it was necessary to keep an eye on rear-tyre wear. Marc did an incredible job, and the bike worked well. Alex also had a good race, so I’m happy with the results. There are still three races left and a lot to do, so we must stay focused until the end. We’re leading the championship, that’s true, but we haven’t achieved anything yet, so we’ll keep both feet on the ground.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Sixth place for Aprilia Racing in Malaysian Grand Prix. Marco Bezzecchi sixth, Ai Ogura fourth for SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team.
Aprilia Racing ended the weekend at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit with both RS-GP26s on track finishing in the top six of the long race.
Marco Bezzecchi started fifth on the grid and ran fourth for much of the race. In the closing laps, Ai Ogura of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team attempted to overtake, resulting in contact between the two RS-GP26 bikes. Bezzecchi lost a few metres to the Japanese rider, and shortly afterwards a small mistake took him wide and cost him another place. The Italian crossed the line sixth and holds third in the riders’ standings on 332 points.
Ai Ogura of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team finished fourth. A result that sees Aprilia place the only two RS-GP26 bikes on track inside the top six.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I struggled badly in the race, but there are still positives to take from the weekend. Now we go to Qatar. I’m not sure what to expect, but there’s no shortage of drive and determination. I hope we’ll have an easier time, but if not, we’ll take the same positive approach we had here at Sepang.”
Massimo Rivola – CEO Aprilia Racing: “We knew Sepang would be a difficult track for us. The positive, though, is that the gap was confined to a single sector, which shows us where we need to focus to improve. Marco gave it everything, but by the end of the race he had no tyre left. Jorge tried to work a miracle, but the hard truth is that racing with a fracture of the radius six days earlier was always going to be a tall order. That won’t change anyone’s approach at Aprilia Racing. We’ll keep fighting to the end.”
More, from a press release issued by Tech3:
Double points finish for Tech3 as temperatures soar in Sepang.
Enea Bastianini fought until the very end of the Grand Prix of Malaysia to claim a well-earned fifth place, while Maverick Viñales also added to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team’s championship points tally, finishing in P14.
Much like the previous two days, conditions at the Sepang International Circuit for the 19th round of the 2026 MotoGP™ Championship were among the most challenging of the season. Track temperatures had climbed to 55 degrees come the start time of the race at 15:00 MYT (UTC+8), while the humidity stood at 47%.
The 20-lap race also threw up other challenges. The soaring temperatures meant tyre wear was high and needed careful attention, while the track surface was also far from ideal.
Aware he was let down by his start in Saturday’s Sprint, Bastianini worked with his crew ahead of Sunday morning to get a better launch in front of a record-breaking crowd. The hard work paid off as the Italian jumped from seventh to fourth at the first corner before a mistake at Turn 6 dropped him to sixth.
From there, ‘La Bestia’ was unable to run the pace of the lead group of five. But as the laps passed, he gradually gained on Marco Bezzecchi ahead. When his compatriot ran off track at Turn 14 on the final lap, Bastianini was on hand to claim fifth, his second-best Grand Prix result of the season. A successful points-scoring weekend now moves the Italian into the Top 10 of the Riders’ Championship standings.
Starting from a season’s best qualifying of twelfth, Viñales had a tricky start and dropped back to P20 on lap one. But ‘Top Gun’ was determined to make the finish, despite feeling a lack of grip in the hot conditions. The Spaniard continued gaining positions as the race wore on and scored two points from P14 as the chequered flag fell.
There’s little rest for Tech3 after a successful Malaysian Grand Prix. The third round in as many weeks kicks off in just five days’ time with the Grand Prix of Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit running from 6 – 8 November.
Enea Bastianini (23) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
Enea Bastianini: “We worked during the night to try something different, and this morning my start was already better in the Warm Up, and we demonstrated it during the race. It was a bit risky to brake on the kerb at Turn 1, but it was the only solution to be close to the top at the end of Turn 1. I was in fourth position at Turn 6, but I braked late and went wide, and from there I lost some positions. I tried to stay with them, but it was complicated. I suffered like yesterday with the front, but I fought a lot during this race, I saved the bike probably 20 times. Anyway, we can be satisfied. It’s been great work, because yesterday I wasn’t confident of doing a great race like that. Turn 14 on the last lap was a bit like Christmas, a small gift. P6 to P5 doesn’t change a lot, but anyway, it’s better. Now we have Qatar, so I’m looking ahead to that.”
Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
Maverick Viñales: “We managed to finish today and get some points, so that’s a positive. The race was not so bad but overall, I found it hard to get a good feeling on the bike. We just keep trying to analyse, learn and improve with the team. I still haven’t figured out how to ride the bike quite right, because I feel very low grip and it’s so difficult to make a correct line. Over 20 laps it was tough for sure. After a few laps I started to brake a little bit differently, but the shoulder needs load, so it’s what we expected coming into today. I hope I can recover between these two races. Qatar will feel totally different, but maybe it can be a place where I can start to learn a little bit more.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “Well, a pretty good result here in Sepang, with a strong P5 in the main race. We knew yesterday, after the disappointing Sprint, that Enea was able to do much better than this, and the work through the night has paid off. Congratulations to Enea, he delivered a solid race with a really great start, where he was already P4 at the first corner, and he fought all through the race with some decent lap times. In the end, it’s P5 and Enea is now inside the Top 10 in the championship, which is ultimately his target. So, good job from Enea’s side.
“On the other half of the garage, I know it’s been a tricky weekend for Maverick. Yesterday he struggled to finish the Sprint, but I’d like to thank him for his effort today. I know he wants more, but at the moment that’s all he can get, and in the end it is P14 and we take these two good points for the championship. We hope that Maverick can fight for higher positions in the near future. Now it’s time for everyone to pack, and we’re going to head to Doha for the next race next week in Qatar.”
More, from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Team:
Podium for Alex Marquez, Iker Lecuona scores points again.
RACEDAY
ALEX MARQUEZ 3º
IKER LECUONA 15º
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ALEX MARQUEZ 8º (202)
FERMIN ALDEGUER 10º (125)
IKER LECUONA 23º (11)
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
BK8 GRESINI RACING 5º (333)
Alex Marquez in parc fermé after the MotoGP race at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini.
Alex Marquez:“I’m very happy to finish on the podium and, above all, to have finished a race that really tested me, especially physically. Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult to cope with two consecutive races, which is why I’ve decided to stop and undergo surgery tomorrow. Otherwise, I would arrive in Qatar without the strength needed to even make it through FP1. There were several possible windows for this operation, and I pushed it as far as I could to complete the overseas tour, but the time has come. Now the goal is to return at full strength for the final two races of the season.”
Iker Lecuona (right) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Gresini.
Iker Lecuona: “Today, the heat was my biggest rival. This definitely isn’t my circuit, but today’s race pushed me to my physical limit. Let’s say it felt like three normal races in one. I’m not a fan of the humidity and the heat, but I gave it my best today. I learned a lot this weekend and I have to be happy with it: it was a positive weekend in terms of my riding, and we also brought home a point for the team.”
More, from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Motivated Marini turns weekend around for seventh place as Mir’s Malaysian GP ends early.
Brutal conditions pushed the riders and their machines to the limit in the 20-lap Malaysian GP, Luca Marini overcoming his physical limitations to earn a solid seventh place.
As ambient temperature pushed towards 40°C from early in the day, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sunday in Sepang would be a demanding affair. Ten short minutes of Warm Up allowed the Honda HRC Castrol team to implement their final changes before the main event of the weekend. A tenth place for Joan Mir and 15th for Luca Marini had the pair confident of again fighting for the top ten, even in the demanding conditions.
Having been left drained of his energy after Saturday’s Sprint, Luca Marini entered Sunday unsure if he would be able to complete the full Grand Prix. Another incredible first lap thrust him into top ten contention and extra motivation provided by memories of the last three years with the Honda factory team spurred him on. Keeping Zarco as an early benchmark, Marini was able to open up a significant gap over the chasing pack and with others fading, the #10 kept his focus and held Di Giannantonio at bay until the end to secure seventh place and nine points. A welcome return to the top ten after complicated weekends in Indonesia and Australia.
He leaves Malaysia 39-points clear of Diogo Moreira in the battle for top Honda in the World Championship standings.
Joan Mir was able to make a much more aggressive start to Sunday and went side-by-side with his Honda HRC Castrol teammate through the first sector. As strong as ever, Mir battled with the likes of Marini, Moreira and Binder for the first eight laps. Unfortunately, his race would end soon after as he returned to the pits due to a change in his physical condition.
There are now only a few days until the Qatar Grand Prix, the Honda HRC Castrol team traveling directly to Doha to begin preparations for Round 20 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
Luca Marini (10) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Luca Marini:“Today has been really good when we look at the whole weekend, yesterday after the Sprint I honestly did not know if I would be able to finish this race. I have to say a big thank you to everyone in my crew because they gave me a lot of motivation before the race, thinking about the three years we have spent together – I wanted to give them something to celebrate and match the effort they always show me. Today was a day to remember, even if it is just for seventh place, we did an amazing race in a tough situation. I knew that the first lap would be the most critical, so I went as hard as I could and I found myself with Zarco and kept him as a point of motivation throughout. Now I’ll head back to Italy before Qatar to continue to improve my condition as much as possible.”
Joan Mir (36) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Joan Mir:“Coming into this weekend we knew that there would be some challenges and had already agreed that if I started to feel different, I would stop. On lap nine I started to not feel at my 100% and decided to stop to avoid making anything worse. We need to double check everything now and understand our situation because the weekend until Sunday has been really good – even better than we were expecting. It’s a big shame and of course I am frustrated, but I remain focused to work with the team to understand and overcome this situation.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Battle Heat in Sweltering Sepang Race.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins pushed in today’s dry and hot Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. The duo completed the 20-lap contest in 11th and 12th place respectively.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins had to strike a balance between pushing and tyre management in the 20-lap Grand Prix of Malaysia Race. They negotiated the Sepang International Circuit in 36°C and ultimately took 11th and 12th place respectively.
Quartararo started from P18, held the position in the opening corner to then overtake Jack Miller and Maverick Viñales. Though Iker Lecuona had got through on him on lap 1, he retaliated on lap 2. With Joan Mir retiring, the number 20 next found a way past Francesco Bagnaia on lap 9 and then chased his teammate, who was 1.5s ahead of him. With nobody closely behind, the Frenchman focused on his rhythm and gradually closed the gap to Rins, and a battle between the teammates ensued with two laps to go. Quartararo came out victorious. As two more rivals failed to reach the chequered flag, he secured P11, 25.826s from the winner.
Launching from P17, Rins had a good start. He went around the outside in the first corner and wrapped up the opening lap in P15. He continued his charge on the next lap, overtaking Bagnaia. It allowed the number 42 to latch onto the back of Franco Morbidelli for a while, but he ultimately couldn’t stay with him. As Mir retired, Diogo Moreira crashed on lap 13, and Johann Zarco later also retired from the race, Rins was riding in P11 when he entered a battle with his charging teammate with two laps remaining. Rins finished in P12, 27.063s from first.
Following today’s Race, Quartararo moves up to 14th in the MotoGP World Championship standings with 79 points, while Rins keeps 20th place with 29 points. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP stay 10th in the Team Championship with 108 points, and Yamaha remain fifth in the Constructor Championship with 105 points.
Alex Rins (42) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins:“It was really tough, but I gave it my best effort, as always. I started really well, and I recovered some positions. But then I was seeing on the pit board ‘Quartararo 1.6’, then 1 second… I started to ride smoothly, but he caught me. I had a brief chat with him later, and he saw that I was on the limit with the front. I had a big drop of the tyre with 12 laps to go, but I had good fun. It was a tough and physical race, but we did it.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“I gave it my maximum, and the race went like expected. I think I improved my feeling a bit compared to Friday, but we were still not quite where we wanted to be.”
More, from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP faces another difficult Sunday in Malaysia.
Jack Miller finished the Malaysian Grand Prix in 16th position after tyre wear and grip issues affected his race, while Augusto Fernandez crashed out on the second lap.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP endured another difficult Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with both riders unable to achieve the results they had hoped for in the sweltering heat of Sepang. In a season that has proved more demanding than expected, the team faced another race in which the challenges encountered throughout the weekend continued to limit its potential.
Augusto Fernandez, standing in for the injured Toprak Razgatlıoğlu for the remainder of the season, saw his race come to an early end after crashing on the second lap. The Yamaha test rider had been looking to gain further valuable experience in race conditions, but the incident brought his Malaysian Grand Prix to a premature conclusion.
Jack Miller, meanwhile, battled in the midfield for much of the 20-lap race. However, the grip issues that had troubled him throughout the weekend, combined with increasing tyre wear in the closing stages, made it difficult to maintain his position. The Australian lost ground over the final laps and eventually crossed the finish line in 16th place.
Jack Miller (43) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Jack Miller:“It was a long, tough race. From start to finish, it was more about surviving than thriving. There‘s not a huge amount to say, really. I had a couple of moments early on, and by around lap ten, when I saw the riders ahead pulling away, I could already feel that I was struggling a little more than them. I tried to manage things as best I could, both with my riding and the engine maps, but towards the end I was pretty much a sitting duck and couldn‘t do much more. Tyre wear was definitely a factor. The conditions were among the toughest we‘ve faced, and Turn 1 felt like an ice rink on every lap. The biggest issue for me was the huge difference in grip between the track surface and the kerbs, so you were constantly trying to use the kerbs to your advantage wherever possible. It was a really difficult situation out there.”
Augusto Fernandez (47) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Augusto Fernandez:“I made a mistake, and it was my fault. At the beginning, I was close to the other Yamahas, and after the pace we showed yesterday, I knew I could stay with them and try to make some passes. I was behind Iker Lecuona, and because of the engine difference, I was losing time in the corners and then he was able to pull away again on the straight. I wanted to get past him, but it was too early, and I made a mistake. Despite that, I think it was a positive weekend in terms of my riding. I‘m recovering my pace and feeling more comfortable on the bike, so I‘m making good progress. Physically, I felt okay during the race, and I was happy with how I managed the heat throughout the weekend. It‘s a shame I couldn‘t finish the Grand Prix, because completing the full race distance would have been important for rebuilding my physical condition, but I feel I‘m getting there, both physically and mentally, as well as in terms of my riding. I was happy with the Sprint and with the overall progress we made.”
More, from a press release issued by Castrol Honda HRC:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco was unable to finish Sunday’s race at Sepang.
Starting from 8th on the grid after a positive weekend, Zarco was determined to fight for a strong result.
The Frenchman made a good start and quickly gained positions, finding his rhythm and battling with his rivals for a place in the top five.
Unfortunately, in the closing stages of the race, Zarco encountered a technical issue with his bike, which is currently under investigation. He was forced to return to the pits and retire from the race.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, Zarco had shown strong potential throughout the race and was on course for a solid result, which would have been a fitting end to a weekend marked by consistency and good pace.
Johann Zarco (5) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco DNF:“I’m fine. I was having a good race, and we’ve shown strong pace throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, we had to retire due to a technical issue, but these things can happen. Overall, I’m happy with the work we’ve done here in Malaysia. We’ve made some solid improvements, and the goal now is to keep this positive momentum going.”
More, from a press release issued by Pro Honda HRC:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira crashed during Sunday’s race at Sepang.
Starting from 14th on the grid, Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira made a strong start and immediately began gaining positions.
While battling for a top-ten finish, Moreira crashed at the last corner, some laps to the end. He managed to pick up his bike and rejoin the race but was eventually forced to retire due to the damage sustained to the bike.
On a positive note, Moreira had been showing consistent pace and was on course for a strong result. Despite the unfortunate outcome, the rider and the team will take the positives from the weekend and aim to bounce back at the next race!
Diogo Moreira (11) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Diogo Moreira DNF:“I’m fine. I managed to save a few crashes throughout the weekend, but unfortunately, I couldn’t save this one during the race. It’s a shame, but we’ll keep working and try to make some adjustments ahead of the next races to see if we can take another step forward.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) in Austria. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Statement from Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.:
Following its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions.
As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.
This decision reflects Yamaha’s assessment of the information currently available and is independent of the measures implemented by MotoGP Group and the event organizer.
Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
More from a statement from MotoGP Group:
MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha’s decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix. While we recognise the team is subject to a broader corporate policy restricting travel to the Middle East, we do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders.
Following consultation with the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and MotoGP’s own ongoing risk assessment process, MotoGP has not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans for the event.
We communicated that position, together with the latest available information, to all Manufacturers and Teams today and welcome the confirmation from the remainder of the grid that they will compete in Qatar, and we thank them for that commitment.
In addition to the contractual implications of Yamaha’s decision for its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, Yamaha’s non-participation also carries sporting implications, with any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM in accordance with the Championship regulations.
MotoGP Sprint race start at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26 on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 20-lap race by 4.172 seconds.
The win extended his lead in the MotoGP World Championship point standings to 44.
Pedro Acosta was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Alex Marquez placed third on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Ai Ogura crossed the finish line fourth on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.
Enea Bastianini took fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 399 points, 44 ahead of Jorge Martin who has 355 points. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 332 points.
Masterclass: Marc Marquez marches to Malaysia victory to earn 2026 match point. The #93, in the absence of Martin, inflicts maximum championship damage to take a giant stride towards the title as Acosta and Alex Marquez complete the Sepang rostrum.
We are watching a master at work. 80 MotoGP victories. A third at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. And now, staring down the barrel of a first match point at the Lusail International Circuit next weekend. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), by a dominant 4.1s, marched to a seventh win of 2026 to take one giant leap towards sticking another plaque on the famous Tower of Champions.
It’s now a healthy 44-point lead the seven-time MotoGP King has over injured rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, and a 67-point advantage over the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi after the Italian finished P6 in Malaysia. Joining the reigning World Champion on the Sepang rostrum was second-place Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the KTM star completing a brilliant weekend at the office, and polesitter Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP).
THE START: MM93 GETS THE HOLESHOT
Nailing the start was your championship leader Marc Marquez, who gobbled up the holeshot ahead of Alex Marquez. Biting back at Turn 4 was the latter, though, but the blue corner in the Marquez scrap ran wide to allow the red corner to keep hold of the lead.
It was a right old fight for P3 on the opening lap between the rapid-starting Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Acosta, and after a sluggish start, it was the Tissot Sprint winner who climbed back into P3 by the end of the lap. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was soon fourth after the Italian muscled his way past Ogura at Turn 14 on Lap 2.
ACOSTA SHADOWS THE MARQUEZ’S
A fastest lap of the Grand Prix saw Acosta quickly reel in the Marquez brothers. With tyre wear crucial, the Grand Prix then settled down in the early exchanges as Marc Marquez led Alex Marquez by 0.5s, with Acosta lingering just under fourth tenths away from the Gresini star. Bezzecchi was a further seven tenths adrift in fourth, while Ogura lapped the same distance behind his Aprilia stablemate.
MM93 STRETCHES HIS LEAD AS PA37 POUNCES ON AM73
By Lap 9, Marc Marquez had stretched his advantage to 1.1s. A lap later, it was 1.5s. How much of this was managing the tyres for Alex Marquez? The #73 had Acosta swarming all over his rear Michelin, before the KTM star launched an attack at Turn 9 on Lap 10. And it stuck. Then, Bezzecchi had a nibble at Turn 14. That, however, didn’t pay off for the #72.
Would the margin come down now Acosta was P2? The immediate answer was no. Marc Marquez’s advantage climbed north of two seconds for the first time, with Acosta putting nearly a second between his RC16 and the fight for the final podium spot between Alex Marquez, Bezzecchi, and Ogura.
A CLASS OF HIS OWN
With five laps to go, Marc Marquez led Acosta by 2.9s. Then 3.2s. Then 4.2s. A master at work in Malaysia. Untouchable today, and maybe now, untouchable in the championship chase. A seventh Grand Prix victory of the season. His 80th ever. One giant leap toward an eighth MotoGP title – the first chance: Qatar.
THE PODIUM FINISHERS AND POINT SCORERS
For the second year in a row, Acosta takes home a second place from Malaysia and after his Sprint win, that’s another top weekend for the #37. Polesitter Alex Marquez did hold onto that final podium spot, as Ogura – after forcing his way through on Bezzecchi – collected a double P4, with the gap to Alex Marquez sitting at 0.8s across the line.
Fifth place? Bastianini. A last-lap Turn 14 error from Bezzecchi allowed his compatriot to come through to pinch crucial points away from the Aprilia star, which now leaves Bezzecchi 67 points off Marc Marquez. It isn’t game over. It never is when the maths say it’s possible. But for Bezzecchi and Aprilia, it’s now a monumental mountain to climb if the title is to fall into their hands this season.
Closing out the top 10 positions were Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) in seventh, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in eighth as just 0.066s splits the Italians at the flag, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in ninth, and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P10.
The rest of the points in Malaysia went to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the Frenchman’s teammate Alex Rins, a disappointed Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), and Fermin Aldeguer’s BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP stand-in Iker Lecuona.
NEXT: MATCH POINT WEEKEND
As we head to Qatar, Marc Marquez and Ducati know it could be the weekend where the title is wrapped up. Score 30 points more than Martin, and eight points more than Bezzecchi, and the crown is kept. Aprilia simply have to respond, as Martin aims to return fighting from his broken wrist.
Daniel Holgado (96), David Alonso (80) and Angel Piqueras (36) during the Moto2 Race at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
David Alonso won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Colombian rider won the 17-lap race by 1.932 seconds.
His teammate, Daniel Holgado was the runner-up.
Angel Piqueras was third on his QJMOTOR – MSI Kalex.
Izan Guevara finished fourth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Championship point leader Manuel Gonzalez took fifth on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 18th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez leads the championship with 276.5 points, 3.5 ahead of Izan Guevara who has 273 points. Ivan Ortola is third with 199.5 points.
Alonso fends off Holgado to clinch classy Sepang victory. Aspar celebrate a 1-2; Piqueras claims a maiden podium, and in the title race, the points gap closes again between Gonzalez and Guevara.
For the second time in 2026, MotoGP-bound David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) is a winner in Moto2 as the Colombian, despite a huge moment in the closing stages, comfortably fended off teammate Daniel Holgado in some brutally hot conditions at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. Thanks to the latter, Aspar celebrate a dream 1-2 in Sepang – and speaking of dreams, third place went to rookie star Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – MSI). That’s a maiden podium in the class for the Spaniard after an injury-hit first campaign in Moto2.
Meanwhile, in the chase for the Moto2 title, P4 and P5 went to Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), with the gap now coming down to just 3.5 points between the pair.
Holgado got the dream launch from pole position to easily collect the holeshot, as teammate Alonso jumped ahead of Guevara into the opening corner. Gonzalez, from P9 on the grid, jumped up two places to P7, while it was rookie Piqueras who held his position off the front row – the Spaniard was P2.
On Lap 2, Alonso pounced on Piqueras to make it an Aspar 1-2 at the front, while a little further down the road, Gonzalez made more progress. The pre-race championship leader, by the end of Lap 4, was up to P5, having carved past Daniel Muñoz (Italtrans Racing Team) and Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2). Next up? Guevara, 1.9s ahead.
A first change of the lead came at Turn 4 on Lap 6. Alonso, clean as you like, dived up the inside of his teammate to snatch the P1 baton away from the #96. By Lap 9, Alonso extended his lead to 1.1s, with Holgado being kept on his toes by Piqueras. Guevara, meanwhile, was 0.9s away from his compatriots – but crucially, the gap to Gonzalez had grown to 3.3s.
While it was looking comfortable for Alonso, a huge rear-end moment on the apex at Turn 14 with just over three laps to go opened the door for Holgado to get back onto the rear wheel of his teammate. It was surely Alonso vs Holgado for victory in Sepang, with Piqueras two seconds clear of Guevara in the race for P3.
Fair play to Alonso though. The Colombian responded well to his mistake to open up a four-tenth gap to Holgado, and heading onto the last lap, it was much more relaxing 1.1s. And in the end, despite that scare, Alonso collected his second win of the season to lead home an Aspar 1-2, with rookie Piqueras – after an injury-hit campaign – claiming a maiden Moto2 podium in P3.
Guevara’s P4 is the first time he’s finished off the top set of the podium since Misano, but it’s more points chipped out of Gonzalez’s lead. Not many though. The latter delivered a classy, damage-limited job in Sepang to round out the top five, with the gap between the title-chasing pair just 3.5 points.
Sixth place went to Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team), that’s a Moto2 career-best for the #99, as Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the better of Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – MSI) on the final lap to see the Dutchman earn P7 ahead of the rider third in the championship. In the heated battle for the top 10, Celestino Vietti (BETA Tools SpeedRS Team) and Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team) were the duo who took the honours in P9 and P10.
And so, onto Qatar we go, with the Moto2 championship fight closer again. 3.5 points. Game on.
Maximo Quiles (28), David Almansa (22), Alvaro Carpe (83), Veda Pratama (9) and David Muñoz (64) during the Moto3 race at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Maximo Quiles won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Using his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, the Spaniard won the 15-lap race by 3.734 seconds.
Veda Pratama was the runner-up on his Honda Team Asia machine.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was third, 4.184 seconds behind race winner Quiles.
Home hero Hakim Danish crossed the finish line fourth on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
David Almansa got fifth on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM.
Maximo Quiles leads the championship with 376 points, 148 ahead of David Almansa who has 228 points. Brian Uriarte is third with 205 points.
Quiles takes 11th win of 2026, Danish denied home podium in fourth. A commanding victory for the World Champion but the big battle for the home crowd was for a podium.
A first win as World Champion for Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) as the #28 sealed the deal for an 11th victory of 2026. However, the big story was behind as the home crowd cheered on their hero Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) who was in the podium battle throughout. Despite his best efforts that went all the way to the last corner, he had to settle for fourth behind Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bill KTM Ajo). David Almansa’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) P5 sees him extend his gap in P2 in the standings over the chasing pack.
Starting from pole, Quiles snatched the holeshot down to Turn 1 ahead of Carpe and a fast-starting Almansa, who was soon into P2 at Turn 2. He didn’t waste any time hitting the front, leading by Turn 4 from P4 on the grid. Further back, Jesus Rios’ (Rivacold Snipers Team) GP was done with a crash at Turn 2; he remounted and was OK. At the front, it was Almansa led the first lap whilst home star Danish was P4. On Lap 2, he took advantage of Carpe and Quiles’ battling and stormed into P2, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Behind, Pratama was close in P5 whilst Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo), third in the standings, was battling further back in the pack, aiming to crack the top ten.
At Turn 9 on Lap 3, Matteo Bertelle’s (LEVELUP-MTA) GP ended with a crash whereas at the front, the top five were all covered by half a second with the pack closing up. Two laps later and a change in the lead as Quiles took over at the front from Almansa at the final corner. On Lap 7, Carpe started battling with Almansa, allowing Quiles to break free and Danish to come through at the final corner for third; the #22 was back to fifth soon enough with Pratama in P4 and then third when he cleared the Malaysian. More crashes came; on Lap 8 for Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) at Turn 1 and then at Turn 15 for Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3). Ogden then crashed at the same corner two laps later, ending the Brit’s GP.
With four to go, Danish pounced on Pratama at Turn 1 to move up into second place whilst Almansa was likewise back in the hunt and dispatched of Pratama; it all changed again a lap later though as the Indonesia and the Spaniard battled hard and pushed home-hero Danish back to fourth. The battle was very much for P2 though as Quiles was three seconds up the road and cruising to victory 11 of the year.
Onto the last lap and Danish got his elbows out to briefly go P2, although he soon found himself back in fifth and with work to do to try and get a home podium. Danish was strong to take fourth from Almansa, pushing him out at Turn 5 and leaving the #22 in P5. He was then into third by Turn 11, getting ahead of Carpe but the #83 retaliated at Turn 14. Throwing everything at it in a last-ditch attempt, Danish went for P3 at the final corner but went wide, allowing Carpe to come back through and break Malaysian hearts.
Quiles made it an 11th win of the year ahead of Pratama, Carpe, Malaysia’s Danish and Almansa – the latter of which extends his lead over third in the standings to 23 with two GPs to go. Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) rode a solid GP to P6 ahead of Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Eddie O’Shea (Gryd Racing) who rounded out the top ten. Elsewhere, first career points for Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia) in P13 whilst a difficult weekend for Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) gave him a point in P15.
Next time out, we’re under the lights at Lusail for the Grand Prix of Qatar! Don’t miss out!
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