Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.85-mile (4.49 km) course in 1:52.572 to top the field of 25 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.988 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 , and her teammate Roberta Ponziani earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.710.
American Mallory Dobbs got 20th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.093.
FIGHTING FOR P1: Herrera resists Ramos challenge to secure Portimao pole. The two Spaniards were duelling it out for pole position at Portimao, with Herrera coming out on top against Ramos.
The fight for the first pole position of the 2026 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship went in favour of Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) as she beat Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) by four tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The Pirelli Portuguese Round marks the start of the third WorldWCR campaign and Herrera started her title defence exactly how she would have imagined by claiming P1 for Saturday’s Race 1 grid.
HERRERA VS RAMOS FOR POLE: A step ahead of the field in Superpole
Herrera wasted no time in throwing down a gauntlet as she set a 1’52.923s on her first flying lap, despite seemingly having traffic heading through the final corner. That lap alone was over a second quicker than her rivals, with Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) slotting into P2. That margin would have been the biggest gap between first and second in WorldWCR history, although Ramos was able to reduce it to just 0.187s as the final runs started, before closing it further again. However, Herrera set a 1’52.572s to cement her place on pole at Portimao and take her seventh pole in the category as she smashed the lap record. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) fended off a host of riders to take a front row start for the season-opener, posting a 1’53.170s.
NEILA CLIMBS THE ORDER: The #36 rescues a second-row start
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) salvaged a second row start with her last lap in the 25-minute session. The #36 set a 1’54.141s to secure P4 ahead of rookie Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), who impressed as she claimed P5 in her first WorldWCR weekend. Talya Relph (Full Throttle Racing) did provisionally post a front-row time but found herself demoted as the session progressed, eventually settling for P6.
COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: Boudesseul heads the third row
Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) will go from the third row in Race 1 after securing a P7 start ahead of Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) in eighth. The #64 posted a 1’54.324s to move onto the third row and she’s joined by Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) in ninth. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) completed the top ten with a 1’54.727s.
The top six from WorldWCR Superpole, full results here:
1. María Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.572s
2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.416s
3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.138s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.569s
5. Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) +1.577s
6. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) +1.681s
Don’t miss the first race of the 2026 season at 12:00 Local Time (UTC+0) on Saturday –
Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.705, topping the field of 8 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:14.263 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Cody Wyman was third with a lap time of 2:15.584.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:16.297), Travis Wyman (2:16.715), and Cory West (2:16.775) finished 5th, 7th, and 8th respectively.
Valentin Debise was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) road course in 1:43.758, topping the field of 32 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:44.218 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:44.244 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Sam Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Brit recorded a 1:40.287 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:40.291 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:40.442 on his Bimoto by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:40.951 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Sam Lowes pips Bulega to FP1 honours at Portimao by 0.004s, Alex Lowes completes top three. The #14 had a delayed start to Free Practice 1 in WorldSBK but wasted no time in getting up to speed once he hit the track.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) left it late to claim top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the action at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve kicked off. After missing the first 15 minutes or so through a technical problem, the #14 slowly built his speed up throughout the 45-minute session as he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 0.004s and twin brother Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) by 0.155s.
Sam Lowes missed out on running at the start of the session due to electronics issues on his Panigale V4R machine, setting his first time around 17 minutes into FP1. Building his speed throughout the session, the British star eventually went fastest on his final lap as he posted a 1’40.287s; although he was shaking out his left hand after crossing the line. This demoted Bulega into P2 although there was little to separate the pair, with just 0.004s between them. Alex Lowes had been quick all session, and let a Bimota 1-2 at points, although found himself demoted to third as riders improved at the end of the session.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a strong session as he finished in P4, although he lost some valuable running time with a tech problem that he suffered around 10 minutes into the session. He re-joined the action once it was repaired and set his best time, a 1’40.663s, to claim P4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his excellent Australian Round pace with P5, 0.493s down on Sam Lowes, while Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top six.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into Portimao fresh off the back of his wedding, and he also had a good start to the weekend. The Texan took P7 with a 1’40.951s, finishing ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in P8. The Spaniard was the lead Yamaha rider as he finished ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team), who completed the top ten.
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 11th, although he was just a tenth away from finishing in the top eight. Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was 17th on his Honda return, with Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) in 19th.
The top six from WorldSBK Free Practice 1, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’40.287s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.004s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.155s
4. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.376s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.493s
6. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.502s
Catch all the action from WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Elite Young Racers Begin Their “Road to MotoGP™” Journey, Top Season Finishers Eyeing Coveted Invitation To Red Bull Rookies Cup Selection Event.
IRVINE, CA (March 26, 2026) –The future of American road racing takes center stage this weekend as the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship kicks off the 2026 season at the 3.462-mile, 20-turn Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
Running in conjunction with the MotoGP™ World Championship, 14 of the fastest young racers will begin their championship hunt, participating in the prestigious Road to MotoGP™ program during the weekend’s Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas.
The 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup entry list features competitors from 14 to 21 years old ready to wrangle the 3.426-mile Texas circuit. The field is anchored by five returning, full-time riders with a complete season of racecraft under their belts, flanked by three racers who were wild card entries last year. They are joined by six rookies set to make their MotoAmerica debuts on the world stage. This diverse mix of “graduates” and fresh faces creates a high-stakes stampede as they look to grab the Texas track by its longhorns – a circuit they will compete on twice during the 2026 championship.
Sam Drane led Talent Cup Race 2 at the COTA last year. Drane reached the podium in both races on the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The point rider coming into Austin, Texas, is Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane. The 15-year-old Australian enters the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup following a third-place overall finish in 2025. Drane is the highest-placing series returnee from 2025 and was a consistent force in his inaugural campaign, capturing nine podiums and missing the runner-up spot by a single point at the final round.
Leading the rookie class is multi-time Mission Mini Cup National Champion Kensei Matsudaira. While the 15-year-old from Los Angeles has just one prior Talent Cup start to his name, he made it count, stepping onto the podium at this very circuit. He returns to COTA this weekend to begin his first complete championship campaign. Representing Team Roberts, Matsudaira begins the season with international momentum following a podium performance at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia in Brazil, where he finished third in the FIM Moto4 Latin Cup race and was just .075 of a second behind the race winner.
Nathan Gouker proved he is ready to run up front during the two-day COTA test last week, trailing the top time of Matsudaira by just .020 of a second. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Also returning from a successful international trip, 14-year-old Nathan Gouker joins Quarterley Racing for the 2026 championship. The North Carolina native notched three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Championships (GP 110 and GP 160 in 2022, and GP 160 in 2023) along with serious international credentials, competing in the FIM MiniGP World Finals and the Spanish (ESBK) Talent Cup hampionship. The team is led by its namesake, Dale Quarterley, widely considered the most successful privateer in AMA Road Racing history. A former Superbike race winner, Quarterley brings over a decade of experience from running his own programs in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His career is headlined by a legendary 1993 victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where he piloted a privateer Kawasaki to the top step against a field of full-factory efforts.
Caruthers, California, native Colton “Colt 45” Shafer joins the DCR/Motion Pro squad as one of flat track’s most decorated young prospects. A multi-time AMA Flat Track National Champion and 2026 Team Dunlop Elite athlete, Shafer is now set to bring his championship pedigree to the pavement. The team is spearheaded by AMA legend Doug Chandler, a Hall of Famer and one of only four riders in history to achieve the AMA Grand Slam by winning Nationals in mile, half-mile, short track, TT, and road racing disciplines. Under the mentorship of the three-time AMA Superbike Champion, “Colt 45” looks to leverage Chandler’s world-class expertise to cement his status as the next breakout star in the professional ranks.
Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt finished a career-high third in Talent Cup race two this past September at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Building on the momentum of a breakout rookie year, 15-year-old Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt enters the 2026 season looking to transform his maiden MotoAmerica Talent Cup podium into a championship charge. The New Englander, who finished sixth overall in 2025, returns after a steady season climb that culminated in a third-place finish at the New Jersey Motorsports Park season finale, signaling that a breakout 2026 campaign could be within reach.
Real Steel Honda’s Derek Sanchez King carries his 2025 momentum into the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup season. The 15-year-old from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and recipient of the 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award – an honor recognizing the sport’s most promising young talent – secured his first career podium in race one at New Jersey Motorsports Park this past September.
Derek Sanchez King did not let the rain dampen his spirits at New Jersey Motorsports Park last year as he reached the podium in Talent Cup race one. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Rossi Garcia carries the support of the Texas fans as he brings his Castroville-based Rossi Motorsports team to the opening grid. Garcia looks to leverage his home-circuit knowledge against his competition. Following a productive off-season, the local standout is poised to use his 2025 experience to fight for a career-best result in front of the MotoGP crowd.
Adding a fresh chapter to a prominent racing legacy, 14-year-old Farrah “Bandit” Landers joins the Jones Honda squad. Landers is the sole female competitor in the 2026 field, bringing a well-rounded racing background rooted in Southern California road racing and flat track. She is also the sister of three-time MotoAmerica champion Rocco Landers, giving her a paddock education few riders at any level can match.
Farrah Landers is shown here navigating the tricky succession of esses during the recent Dunlop Tire Test at COTA. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The MotoAmerica Talent Cup serves as the official North American pillar of the global Road to MotoGP™ program, a unified developmental system created by Dorna Sports to funnel elite young talent into the Grand Prix paddock.
Australian road racer and flat tracker Jake Paige, age 14, is competing in the FIM Asia Cup as well as in the entire MotoAmerica Talent Cup. He ran one MotoAmerica race last year, at New Jersey. Photo by Ben Paige.
This framework standardizes competition worldwide to ensure racing remains balanced. By competing on identically prepared motorcycles, the Road to MotoGP™ program ensures that results are dictated by pure racer skill, providing a level playing field for identifying the next generation of global road racing talent.
At the end of the Talent Cup season, up to five top finishers will earn a coveted invitation to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in Europe, offering them a real chance to climb the final rungs towards the Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP World Championships.
To watch the opening round of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, fans can subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+
More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Wild West vibes for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Austin.
The Ducati Lenovo Team has landed in Texas for the second race of these American back-to-back races, taking place this weekend at COTA (Circuit of the Americas). A country atmosphere and a few hours of relax before returning at work. The Desmosedici GP triumphed at the Texan circuit last year with a P1 finish in the SPRINT (won by Marc) and a win in the long race (won by Pecco).
Marc, coming from the victory in the SPRINT in Brazil and a solid fourth place in the race, arrives in Austin knowing it’s one of the circuits that best suits his riding style. With seven previous wins, COTA is a circuit where Marc has often found a good feeling and has been able to consistently express himself.
Pecco, winner here last year after finishing third in Saturday’s race, is working to close the gap. The sweet memories of that Sunday, including the hot dog delivery at Parc Fermé, are an added incentive to tackle the weekend with determination.
Marc Marquez #93 Ducati Lenovo Team: “Austin is definitely one of my favorite tracks. Very technical and physically demanding, but it has given me so much satisfaction and unforgettable memories over the years. Last year, the race was incredibly emotional. From the grid to the crash, we were really competitive. This year, we arrive here after a good weekend in Brazil, with the victory in the SPRINT and an overall good race”.
Francesco Bagnaia #63 Ducati Lenovo Team: “I always enjoy arriving in Austin. I like the atmosphere, the track, the vibes of the United States. The track is beautiful, unique, technical in the riding sections, and very, very physically demanding. In 2025, we did very well here with the podium in the SPRINT and then the victory in Sunday’s race. A wonderful memory that motivates us to work even harder to get back to the top positions”.
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Aprilia Racing arrives in the USA for the third GP of the season. Anticipation high also for the new X, the limited edition bike that will be presented on Friday.
After a historic weekend in Brazil, highlighted by a one-two finish in the long race, Aprilia Racing heads straight back on track for the third GP of the season at the Circuit of The Americas. The weekend will also feature a special moment: on Friday, March 27, the new X will be unveiled — an exclusive bike produced in a limited run of just 30 units.
Marco Bezzecchi arrives in Austin following a successful weekend, that confirmed his excellent form, culminating in his fourth consecutive victory and his second of the season. Jorge Martín, after a solid weekend in Brazil with a return to the podium in both the sprint and the long race, will continue his development path with the aim of further strengthening his feeling with the RS-GP26.
The Circuit of The Americas is 5,51 km long with an anti-clockwise direction and it has a total of 20 turn, 9 right-handers and 11 left-handers. One of its features is a height difference of almost 41 metres at the end of the main straight, followed by a left-handed corner.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I’m happy to be back in Austin. It’s a great track, but also difficult and quite particular, where last year we had a decent weekend despite some challenges. We’ll try to maintain this positive momentum and our determination to keep performing well.”
Jorge Martin in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Jorge Martin: “We’re heading back to Austin, a track that could confirm the positive feelings from the first two races. I think we’re doing a great job, but we need to keep our feet on the ground, as this is always a particular track.”
More from a press release issued by The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing:
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team arrives to Austin after a visit in NYC.
The Circuit of the Americas will host the third MotoGP race weekend, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will race with a special livery dedicated to the story of the Tavullia squad and unveiled in New York in a historic event and an unforgettable day.
MotoGP is back in action this weekend for the United States GP, first back-to-back round if the 2026 campaign: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team arrives to Austin with positive feelings, also following the double podium – Sprint and race – secured by Fabio Di Giannantonio in Brazil. The American round will be even more special for the Tavullia-based team, that will race on Sunday with a special livery, dedicated to the history of the team and unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards, New York, yesterday.
In the evocative scenario of the “Big Apple”, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli lived the American style at its fullest: the day started at the Edge at Hudson Park, where they unveiled the livery for the US GP with Manhattan as background. This historic event was just the start of a real American day: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team riders strolled in New York City, stopping by at Joe’s Pizza and visiting the iconic NYSE. The day ended attending on front row to the NBA match between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Di Giannantonio arrives to the United States with high motivation thanks to the great results he got in Brazil, where he was very close to the victory and secured a podium in both races. The Austin track is one of Fabio’s favourites, and he was third last year – with the NFL special livery – after conquering the front row in qualifying. The rider from Rome, who was third in 2017 (moto3) and second in 2021 (Moto2), arrives to the third round of the season in fourth place of the World Standing with 37 points.
Morbidelli is eager to race at the United States GP, where he wants to maximize his potential after the struggling of the first two rounds. Franco is ready to hit the Austin track – where he won in 2017 (Moto2) – and his goal is to claim his first podium in the top class on this track. The Italian Brazilian rider arrives to the Circuit of the Americas in tenth place in the World Standing with 12 points.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will go on track on Friday for the first free practice sessions. Qualifying will take place on Saturday, starting at 10:50 (local time, -6 CET), followed by the Sprint at 15:00 (local time). The US GP will conclude with Sunday’s race, which will start at 15:00 (local time, -7 CET for the hour change).
Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Sprint race podium after finishing P2. Photo courtesy of MotoGP.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO: “Austin is one of my favourite tracks, the United States GP is one I love the most in the calendar. Both the track and the atmosphere are amazing. I can’t wait to be at Austin, where we expect to have another great weekend as we had in Brazil. After the double podium in Goiânia, we arrive to the United States with high motivation also for thi special livery, that is beautiful and full of colours. We lived a historic and amazing day in New York, with the livery launch at the Edge at Hudson Yards, visiting the NYSE and attending the NBA match. We are so ready.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) in Brazil. Photo courtesy VR46 Team.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “I am very happy to be back on track right away and to be at Austin, a great track. I still feel the energy of the Brazilian fans, they pushed me and gave me some extra motivation. Moreover, we will have a special livery for the United States GP, again designed by Aldo Drudi and launched in New York. It was a historic event that could be organized just from this team. The day was amazing, and it was my first time in the Big Apple. Now we are more than ready to live the race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Austin awaits Honda HRC Castrol.
From one of the shortest circuits on the calendar to one of the longest, Luca Marini and Joan Mir arrive at Round Three prepared for an intense weekend on and off the track.
From South America to North America, the global tour of the MotoGP World Championship continues at pace. A standout as one of the most demanding tracks of the year, the run from Turn 3 to Turn 9 can make or break a lap early on and finding your speed through this section is crucial for Qualifying. On the calendar since 2013, the Circuit of the Americas has seen Honda win eight times in the premier class.
Qualifying remains a major focus for Luca Marini, the Italian charging from 19th on the grid in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix in Brazil to challenge for the top ten. Earning a spot in Q2 will no doubt allow Marini to improve on his eighth-place finish from the 2025 Americas GP. He currently sits just a single point behind Johann Zarco in the battle for top Honda honours in the World Championship standings, plenty of road left to run in the 22-round season.
Joan Mir arrives in America with undeniable speed, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion again looking to back that up with consistent race finishes. COTA has been a complicated circuit for Mir during his time with the Honda HRC Factory Team, but the ever improving Honda RC213V has all of the potential to deliver the #36 a strong result.
The Americas GP will be the final race before a three-week break due to the delay of the Qatar GP.
Luca Marini (10) and Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“Back to work right away at a track which I enjoy a lot. To go from one of the shortest circuits on the calendar to one of the longest is certainly a big change! COTA is a track where the rider can really make the difference, in the past I have gone well there and so has the Honda RC213V. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together and seeing how the bike has progressed since we last visited. It will be important to get a good result before we have this three-week break, I want to give the team something to enjoy after these intense opening races.”
Joan Mir:“It’s always nice to go to America, especially to Austin – it’s a good place to be and I enjoy the whole weekend a lot. In Brazil we showed our speed, we showed our ability to be the top Honda rider and repeating that is the objective this weekend. It will be about staying focused and working well with the team to create the best situation possible to deliver on what we know we can do.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Prepare for Texas Throwdown.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team made their way from Brazil to the USA and are setting up for this weekend’s Round 3 on the 2026 MotoGP calendar: the Grand Prix of the United States held at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team have made their way from Brazil to Austin, Texas for the Grand Prix of The Americas. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins both like the COTA track and the atmosphere in Austin and are fully motivated to start the US GP race weekend.
Quartararo arrives in Austin ranking 16th in the championship. The track holds good memories for him: he took second place there in Moto3 in 2015, repeated the result in MotoGP in 2021, and returned to the podium with a third place in 2023. He aims to add another strong result this weekend.
Rins always looks forward to riding at COTA. He won the 2023 Americas GP there after finishing second in the Sprint and previously claimed MotoGP podiums in 2022 (P2) and 2019 (P1). His US GP success also includes rostrums in Moto2 in 2016 (P1) and 2015 (P3) and Moto3 in 2013 (P1). Sitting 18th in the 2026 standings, he targets another solid points haul.
After completion in 2012, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) was added to the Grand Prix schedule the following year. Its length of 5.513km and mixture of fast straights and tight hairpins make the track both challenging and exciting to master for teams and riders. They need to find exactly the right balance for their bike’s set-up that suits the 11 left and 9 right turns and the 1,200m straight in order to snatch a place on the podium. The especially sharp Turn 1 will be a place where the fans can expect a lot of overtaking action.
Alex Rins (42) and Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Yamaha
Massimo Meregalli – Team Director:“Brazil was a mixed weekend for us. Friday and Saturday were positive, especially Fabio’s strong qualifying and Sprint, but Sunday was tougher. We have now travelled to the US. On paper, COTA might be a tough circuit for us, especially the back part of the track, where the long straight could be critical. With the new bike, it‘s still hard to predict how the weekend will unfold. However, we are certain that this race weekend will help drive our learning process forward.”
Fabio Quartararo:“Brazil was up and down for us. Saturday felt good, both qualifying and the Sprint, but the rear grip issues on Sunday made it tough. Now we’re in the US, and I’ll approach this race weekend with an open mind again. I like COTA and Austin a lot. Let’s see what we can do, and hopefully we can take a step again.”
Alex Rins:“The Race in Brazil started positive, but once I got stuck behind riders, it was hard to keep the pace. I’m happy to be at COTA again now – I really like this track and the atmosphere, and I have some good memories here. I’m curious to see what we can do this weekend. COTA is demanding, but we are getting to know more about the new bike step by step.”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Heads to Austin for Round 3 of the Championship.
Straight from Brazil, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP arrives in Austin, Texas, for Round 3 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, ready to continue its development work at the demanding Circuit of the Americas.
With no break between rounds, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP heads directly from Brazil to Austin, Texas, for the third round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship. The back-to-back schedule keeps the team fully immersed in race mode, maintaining focus and continuity as work on the Yamaha YZR-M1 continues.
The Circuit of the Americas, widely known as COTA, is one of the most distinctive and technically demanding tracks on the calendar. Its combination of tight sequences, elevation changes and long straights presents a unique challenge for both riders and engineers, requiring a well-balanced package and precise set-up.
Jack Miller arrives in Austin with positive memories, having secured a strong fifth-place finish here last season in only his third race weekend with Yamaha. The Australian will look to build on that experience and apply it to the current project as the team continues its progression.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, it will be another important step in his MotoGP learning journey. Although he has previous experience at COTA from earlier in his career, including appearances in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, racing at the circuit on a MotoGP machine presents a completely different challenge, offering further opportunities to adapt and grow throughout the weekend.
Jack Miller on the left and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu on the right. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Gino Borsoi – Team Director:“We‘re all happy to be back at COTA — it‘s a beautiful but very demanding track. Of course, we hope to repeat last year‘s result. Jack enjoys racing here and, considering the commitment he‘s showing to this project, he truly deserves a strong performance like the one he achieved last season.
For Toprak, it will be another important step in his learning process, as he doesn‘t have much experience at this circuit. It will be our responsibility as a team to support him in finding the right set-up. In Brazil, we believe we identified a first positive direction that helped him be more aggressive on corner entry and more confident in moving the bike, and we‘re aiming to continue working along that line. Hopefully, we can start to see the first concrete results of this progress already this weekend.”
Jack Miller:“I really like this track, even though it‘s not traditionally the most favourable one for Yamaha. Still, I‘ve always felt good riding here. Looking back to last year, we had a very strong result — I felt competitive from the start and got a great launch in the race, which allowed me to run with the front group.
It was a tough battle all race long, especially on the straights where I was losing a bit, but I was able to make it back under braking and stay in the fight. It would be great to put ourselves in that position again this weekend, to battle until the end and create some more good memories here.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“It‘s another important weekend for me because everything is still new in MotoGP, and especially here at COTA. I have some experience from the Rookies Cup, but riding here with a MotoGP bike is a completely different challenge.
We are continuing to work step by step, trying to understand the bike better and improve my feeling, especially on tracks like this that are quite demanding. In Brazil we found some positive direction, particularly on corner entry, and I want to build on that and keep improving. My goal is to keep progressing, session by session, and do my best for the team.”
More from a press release issued by ELF Marc VDS:
Canet and Öncü aim for big turnaround in Texas. The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team has headed from South to North America as Aron Canet and Deniz Öncü get ready to test their skills at the spectacular Circuit of The Americas in Austin this weekend.
Widely known as the horsepower rodeo, the super-fast and undulating CoTA presents an immediate opportunity for Canet and Oncu to bounce back from a difficult Grand Prix of Brazil in Goiania last weekend.
The Moto2 field kick off round three at 950am local time on Friday morning, with Sunday’s race getting underway at 1pm over 16 laps.
Aron Canet (44) in Brazil. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS.
The Spaniard touches down in Texas targeting a big reversal in fortunes after he crossed the line outside of the points scoring places last Sunday at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna.
Canet is hoping recent history at CoTA is going to inject some momentum into his 2026 campaign with Boscoscuro claiming the last two Moto2 victories in Austin, including a stunning success for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team rider Jake Dixon last season.
The 26-year-old has fond memories of CoTA having claimed a Moto3 victory there back in 2019 and he started from pole position in Moto2 two years ago ahead of an excellent fourth place in Austin one year ago.
Aron Canet:“We’ve been able to reflect and analyse why it was such a complicated weekend in Brazil and I’m confident that myself and the team can be much more competitive in Austin. We have to keep working together to try and understand our package better and this weekend is going to be a good reference for us because it is clear in the past that Boscoscuro has been very competitive at this track. COTA is a very unique challenge because it is a long lap with a lot of different challenges, but I have been fast there before in both Moto3 and Moto2, so let’s hope that is the case again this weekend.”
Deniz Oncu (53) in Brazil. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS.
The Turkish star arrives in the United States in a positive frame of mind after his maiden visit to Brazil proved to be a tough affair when he battled to 20thposition.
Öncü is ready to reset and respond with a big weekend in CoTA, with the main focus on working to find the confidence he was lacking during the Goiania showdown.
His best results in Austin are a pair of fifth places in 2021 and 2022 when he was competing in the Moto3 category.
Deniz Oncu:“I love going to America and racing in Austin is always very cool because the city has a nice vibe and the track is special. It is a long layout with some very tricky parts, but I like the challenge it presents. The performance in Brazil clearly didn’t match our expectations, but I arrive in Texas with a positive mindset and like always I will be giving my maximum to try and improve our situation and deliver the results we want.”
Team to campaign the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in both Superbike and Superbike Cup, while expanding with a two-rider Talent Cup program.
For 2026 Hayden Gillim will return on his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike and will be joined by the 2025 Stock 1000 champion Andrew Lee competing in the Superbike Cup class on Honda machinery. In the Talent Cup, Ian Fraley will be joined by 2024 Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Derek Sanchez.
The Talent Cup season kicks off March 27-29 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Three weeks later, the Superbike and Superbike Cup seasons begin April 17–19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA, where Talent Cup competition will also take place.
Real Steel Honda Racing is proudly supported by American Honda, HRC, Progressive Insurance, Pro Honda Oils. Southern Honda Powersports, Idemitsu, Last Ark: Tactics Analogue, Vesrah, K-Tech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Sprint Filter, Armor Bodywork, Vortex and REB Graphics.
Brandon Wilson – American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing:“We are excited to return to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season with Real Steel Honda, fielding entries in both Superbike and Superbike Cup and expanding to a two-rider Talent Cup program. After a full year competing aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade in Superbike, we’re entering the season with a stronger baseline and a clearer direction than a year ago. Equally important, we’re proud to continue investing in the next generation with Ian and Derek, alongside the outstanding partners who make this program possible. We look forward to getting the season underway.”
Hayden Gillim – Rider #69 / Team Principal: “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and continuing to get better on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. After a full year of Superbike, we now have data to look at and can come out of the gate swinging every race weekend. We finished last season with a podium at New Jersey so I’m looking to pick up where we left off.
I want to thank the team, sponsors, and fans for supporting this program. Having Honda back in the paddock last year was incredible for everyone and I’m looking forward to making it another big year!”
Andrew Lee – Rider #14: “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Real Steel Honda Racing team. Although this came together late in the offseason, the whole crew has made a great effort to pull everything together. It’s an honor to be with a team that has such a rich history of success and proven ability to build great programs. Most importantly, the team is one large family, and we all share the same goal of improving each session and weekend. I look forward to putting the Honda on the grid in a few weeks!”
Ian Fraley – Rider #10:“I’m excited to be back with Real Steel Honda Racing this season. This team feels like family, and we’ve built a strong foundation together. I’ve grown a lot and I’m coming into the season more focused, more confident, and ready to compete every weekend. Let’s get to work.”
Derek Sanchez – Rider #23:“I’m incredibly grateful to the Real Steel Honda team for giving me this opportunity. It means a lot to be part of such a strong and professional team, and I’m excited to give it everything I have this season as we fight for the championship.
This offseason I’ve been working extremely hard, both physically and mentally, to come into the season stronger, more consistent, and smarter on the bike. We’ve already done some testing together, and from the beginning I felt very comfortable with the team and the bike. The environment within the team is great, and I already feel at home working with everyone.
I’m also extremely happy to have Darwin Rodriguez as my crew chief and my father, Jose Sanchez, working with me this season as my mechanic and trainer. Having such a strong group around me gives me a lot of confidence going into the year.
I’m really looking forward to the season starting and continuing to build together throughout the year.”
Mark Junge – Technical Director / Team Principal: “I am looking forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica season and continuing to develop and refine the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for both Hayden and Andrew. Expanding to a two-rider effort in the Talent Cup class will hopefully benefit both Ian and Derek as they look to progress in their road racing journey. I cannot thank American Honda and HRC enough for the support they have shown this program.”
At the Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli unveiled the special livery they will use on Sunday of the United States GP. It was a special and historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike was unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’.
The United States GP has always been a unique weekend for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which today unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards – one of the most prestigious skyscrapers in New York City – the special livery it will race with at Austin Sunday’s race. This unique day for the Tavullia-based team also represents a historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike is unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’, right at the top of one of the highest points of the City. Moreover, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli will attend the NBA game between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli present the special COTA livery of the Ducati Desmosedici, which they will campaign in Sunday’s MotoGP race. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.
The special livery, conceived designed by Aldo Drudi – Drudi Performance, is the pictorial representation of the history of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, his founder Valentino Rossi and Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, his close friend and guide of this project. The livery recalls the Pop Art, and the main characters are part of an explosion of colors, with the fluo yellow as a dominant color. The riders take the central part of the scene and the symbols of the United States, such as the National Flag and the Austin Tower – as a tribute to the Circuit of the Americas – are in the scene too.
The riders will “wear” the livery, because the leathers will have these same special colors for the American weekend. Not only bikes and leathers: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will have the special colors on the jersey, a special edition “Pop Art” style that you can purchase on the Kappa Sport and VR46 Tribe websites.
MotoGP thunders Stateside for Round 3. After four wins on the bounce for Bezzecchi we arrive into true Marquez territory. So can the #72 defeat the king of COTA?
Two down, 20 to go and we head north to the USA from Brazil to tackle the rollercoaster of COTA. From the shortest circuit on the calendar to the longest, from South America to North America, the contrasts bring new challenges and perhaps a new order. Last year’s dramatic Grand Prix in the history books and with another on the horizon, a showdown in Texas awaits the most exciting sport on Earth. MotoGP: wired different. Austin: keeping it weird. A combination that will bring us shocks, surprises and more throughout this year’s Grand Prix.
Marc Márquez (93) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Ducati
BEZZECCHI VS MARC MARQUEZ: the battle we’ve waited for set for COTA?
With Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) dominant start to the year seeing him take the Championship lead after the opening two Grands Prix, and after winning the last two of last year, he’s looking to lay down the law at COTA. Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) track record speaks for itself with seven wins but a blunder in last year’s rain means there’s revenge to be served. Those two stories combined, do we have another showdown this weekend between the Championship leader and the reigning World Champion, the latter fifth in the standings? Misano, Balaton Park, Brno and Red Bull Ring and Assen, they’ve gone toe-to-toe. Will it be a last lap battle this time?
Jorge Martin finished the MotoGP Sprint race P3. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
APRILIA ON TOP: historic start for the Noale factory
It’s an Aprilia Racing 1-2 in the standings after a Goiania double podium and first Grand Prix rostrum since his title-winning Solidarity GP weekend in 2024 for Jorge Martin, who moves into second overall. He’ll have to hit the ground running at COTA, given that he didn’t race there last year. From Championship leader pre-Brazil to P3 overall after, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is just 14 points behind ‘Bez’ and rode a smart Grand Prix at Goiania to bag valuable points – and he’s shown some good speed at COTA. Meanwhile, a first podium of 2026 after holding off Marc Marquez was secured last weekend by Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) sees him as the top Ducati and the Italian now heads to COTA where he was third 12 months ago – and he’ll be racing with that stunning new livery revealed in New York on Tuesday.
Ai Ogura (79) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Trackhouse.
EARLY REVELATIONS: Ogura sits sixth to lead established names
Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has finished every Grand Prix or Sprint in the top five and gears up for the team’s home round. Teammate Raul Fernandez and he’s had bigger highs and lower lows, with a P3 in Thailand but a P10 last week in Brazil. Then comes 2025’s COTA podium finisher and World Championship runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), still finding his feet with the GP26 whereas both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) aim to cast tricky Brazilian GPs aside stateside. Another revelation, particularly in qualifying at Goiania, was 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) when he started fourth – will he repeat it this weekend and fight for the V4-powered Yamaha’s first top ten in a Grand Prix having secured sixth in Goiania’s Sprint?
Johann Zarco (5) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
CHASING THE TOP 10: those aiming to strike in COTA
Top Honda honours at Goiania went to Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and he sits as top Honda in the standings too, one point ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) who is in 12th whilst his teammate Joan Mir is in 19th, with bad luck and crashes not reflecting the 2020 World Champion’s true pace. After Marini, double MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who hasn’t enjoyed the start to the season he hoped for after testing. Yet to finish a Grand Prix or Sprint in the top 7, last year’s COTA winner hopes that this weekend provides a turning point. Two points further back is Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who returned last weekend and was straight into the top ten.
Diogo Moreira (11) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
INDIVIDUAL ASPIRATIONS: points and progress on the agenda
Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) put on a show for his massive home audience in Goiania to bring home points for the second Grand Prix in a row but he now eyes a Sunday top ten, whilst Red Bull KTM Tech 3 pairing Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales seek improvements, the latter hoping for his first points of 2026 – and he’s a former COTA winner. There’s also the three V4 Yamahas of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and his rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu, all of which showed flashes in Brazil. Rins brought home points for the second time in 2026 whilst Razgatlioglu chases his first in MotoGP.
It’s time to ride rodeo in Texas and after 2025’s thriller, who will be the sole star in the Lone Star state in 2026? Bezzecchi vs Marquez might be about to light up…
Pipe Dreams Podcast returns with Episode 37, featuring one of the most promising young talents in American Flat Track, Dallas Daniels. In this episode, Daniels shares the story of his rise from riding at just four years old to becoming a Grand National Champion, offering an in-depth look at the experiences that shaped his path to the top.
Raised in the paddock under the guidance of his father, Nick Daniels, Daniels developed a deep understanding of the sport from an early age. Their unique dynamic as both family and team laid the foundation for his work ethic, race craft, and professional mindset.
Throughout the conversation, Daniels reflects on the influence of key mentors who helped guide his development, including JD Beach, Johnny Lewis, Dale Quarterly, and the Hayden family. Their support played a significant role in shaping both his on-track performance and his personal growth within the sport.
Beyond racing, Daniels opens up about his efforts to share more of his personality off the bike. With a growing focus on social media and fan engagement, he is committed to giving audiences a more complete view of who he is, balancing the seriousness of competition with a genuine passion for enjoying life outside of it.
From returning to road racing at the MotoAmerica Twins Cup finale to continuing to challenge himself across disciplines, Daniels offers insight into both his present and future ambitions.
🎧 Episode 37 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episodeis out now.
Maria Herrera (6) earned pole position at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.85-mile (4.49 km) course in 1:52.572 to top the field of 25 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.988 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 , and her teammate Roberta Ponziani earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.710.
American Mallory Dobbs got 20th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.093.
FIGHTING FOR P1: Herrera resists Ramos challenge to secure Portimao pole. The two Spaniards were duelling it out for pole position at Portimao, with Herrera coming out on top against Ramos.
The fight for the first pole position of the 2026 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship went in favour of Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) as she beat Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) by four tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The Pirelli Portuguese Round marks the start of the third WorldWCR campaign and Herrera started her title defence exactly how she would have imagined by claiming P1 for Saturday’s Race 1 grid.
HERRERA VS RAMOS FOR POLE: A step ahead of the field in Superpole
Herrera wasted no time in throwing down a gauntlet as she set a 1’52.923s on her first flying lap, despite seemingly having traffic heading through the final corner. That lap alone was over a second quicker than her rivals, with Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) slotting into P2. That margin would have been the biggest gap between first and second in WorldWCR history, although Ramos was able to reduce it to just 0.187s as the final runs started, before closing it further again. However, Herrera set a 1’52.572s to cement her place on pole at Portimao and take her seventh pole in the category as she smashed the lap record. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) fended off a host of riders to take a front row start for the season-opener, posting a 1’53.170s.
NEILA CLIMBS THE ORDER: The #36 rescues a second-row start
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) salvaged a second row start with her last lap in the 25-minute session. The #36 set a 1’54.141s to secure P4 ahead of rookie Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), who impressed as she claimed P5 in her first WorldWCR weekend. Talya Relph (Full Throttle Racing) did provisionally post a front-row time but found herself demoted as the session progressed, eventually settling for P6.
COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: Boudesseul heads the third row
Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) will go from the third row in Race 1 after securing a P7 start ahead of Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) in eighth. The #64 posted a 1’54.324s to move onto the third row and she’s joined by Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) in ninth. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) completed the top ten with a 1’54.727s.
The top six from WorldWCR Superpole, full results here:
1. María Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.572s
2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.416s
3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.138s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.569s
5. Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) +1.577s
6. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) +1.681s
Don’t miss the first race of the 2026 season at 12:00 Local Time (UTC+0) on Saturday –
Archie Mcdonald (69) during Bagger World Cup FP1 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.705, topping the field of 8 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:14.263 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Cody Wyman was third with a lap time of 2:15.584.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:16.297), Travis Wyman (2:16.715), and Cory West (2:16.775) finished 5th, 7th, and 8th respectively.
Valentin Debise (53) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
Valentin Debise was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) road course in 1:43.758, topping the field of 32 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:44.218 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:44.244 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Sam Lowes (14) quickest in FP1 at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Sam Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Brit recorded a 1:40.287 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:40.291 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:40.442 on his Bimoto by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:40.951 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Sam Lowes pips Bulega to FP1 honours at Portimao by 0.004s, Alex Lowes completes top three. The #14 had a delayed start to Free Practice 1 in WorldSBK but wasted no time in getting up to speed once he hit the track.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) left it late to claim top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the action at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve kicked off. After missing the first 15 minutes or so through a technical problem, the #14 slowly built his speed up throughout the 45-minute session as he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 0.004s and twin brother Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) by 0.155s.
Sam Lowes missed out on running at the start of the session due to electronics issues on his Panigale V4R machine, setting his first time around 17 minutes into FP1. Building his speed throughout the session, the British star eventually went fastest on his final lap as he posted a 1’40.287s; although he was shaking out his left hand after crossing the line. This demoted Bulega into P2 although there was little to separate the pair, with just 0.004s between them. Alex Lowes had been quick all session, and let a Bimota 1-2 at points, although found himself demoted to third as riders improved at the end of the session.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a strong session as he finished in P4, although he lost some valuable running time with a tech problem that he suffered around 10 minutes into the session. He re-joined the action once it was repaired and set his best time, a 1’40.663s, to claim P4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his excellent Australian Round pace with P5, 0.493s down on Sam Lowes, while Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top six.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into Portimao fresh off the back of his wedding, and he also had a good start to the weekend. The Texan took P7 with a 1’40.951s, finishing ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in P8. The Spaniard was the lead Yamaha rider as he finished ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team), who completed the top ten.
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 11th, although he was just a tenth away from finishing in the top eight. Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was 17th on his Honda return, with Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) in 19th.
The top six from WorldSBK Free Practice 1, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’40.287s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.004s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.155s
4. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.376s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.493s
6. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.502s
Catch all the action from WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Kensei Matsudaira was the fastest Talent Cup rider at the Dunlop Tire Test at COTA with his 2:28.341 lap time. Photo by Brian J Nelson.
Elite Young Racers Begin Their “Road to MotoGP™” Journey, Top Season Finishers Eyeing Coveted Invitation To Red Bull Rookies Cup Selection Event.
IRVINE, CA (March 26, 2026) –The future of American road racing takes center stage this weekend as the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship kicks off the 2026 season at the 3.462-mile, 20-turn Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
Running in conjunction with the MotoGP™ World Championship, 14 of the fastest young racers will begin their championship hunt, participating in the prestigious Road to MotoGP™ program during the weekend’s Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas.
The 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup entry list features competitors from 14 to 21 years old ready to wrangle the 3.426-mile Texas circuit. The field is anchored by five returning, full-time riders with a complete season of racecraft under their belts, flanked by three racers who were wild card entries last year. They are joined by six rookies set to make their MotoAmerica debuts on the world stage. This diverse mix of “graduates” and fresh faces creates a high-stakes stampede as they look to grab the Texas track by its longhorns – a circuit they will compete on twice during the 2026 championship.
Sam Drane led Talent Cup Race 2 at the COTA last year. Drane reached the podium in both races on the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The point rider coming into Austin, Texas, is Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane. The 15-year-old Australian enters the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup following a third-place overall finish in 2025. Drane is the highest-placing series returnee from 2025 and was a consistent force in his inaugural campaign, capturing nine podiums and missing the runner-up spot by a single point at the final round.
Leading the rookie class is multi-time Mission Mini Cup National Champion Kensei Matsudaira. While the 15-year-old from Los Angeles has just one prior Talent Cup start to his name, he made it count, stepping onto the podium at this very circuit. He returns to COTA this weekend to begin his first complete championship campaign. Representing Team Roberts, Matsudaira begins the season with international momentum following a podium performance at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia in Brazil, where he finished third in the FIM Moto4 Latin Cup race and was just .075 of a second behind the race winner.
Nathan Gouker proved he is ready to run up front during the two-day COTA test last week, trailing the top time of Matsudaira by just .020 of a second. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Also returning from a successful international trip, 14-year-old Nathan Gouker joins Quarterley Racing for the 2026 championship. The North Carolina native notched three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Championships (GP 110 and GP 160 in 2022, and GP 160 in 2023) along with serious international credentials, competing in the FIM MiniGP World Finals and the Spanish (ESBK) Talent Cup hampionship. The team is led by its namesake, Dale Quarterley, widely considered the most successful privateer in AMA Road Racing history. A former Superbike race winner, Quarterley brings over a decade of experience from running his own programs in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His career is headlined by a legendary 1993 victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where he piloted a privateer Kawasaki to the top step against a field of full-factory efforts.
Caruthers, California, native Colton “Colt 45” Shafer joins the DCR/Motion Pro squad as one of flat track’s most decorated young prospects. A multi-time AMA Flat Track National Champion and 2026 Team Dunlop Elite athlete, Shafer is now set to bring his championship pedigree to the pavement. The team is spearheaded by AMA legend Doug Chandler, a Hall of Famer and one of only four riders in history to achieve the AMA Grand Slam by winning Nationals in mile, half-mile, short track, TT, and road racing disciplines. Under the mentorship of the three-time AMA Superbike Champion, “Colt 45” looks to leverage Chandler’s world-class expertise to cement his status as the next breakout star in the professional ranks.
Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt finished a career-high third in Talent Cup race two this past September at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Building on the momentum of a breakout rookie year, 15-year-old Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt enters the 2026 season looking to transform his maiden MotoAmerica Talent Cup podium into a championship charge. The New Englander, who finished sixth overall in 2025, returns after a steady season climb that culminated in a third-place finish at the New Jersey Motorsports Park season finale, signaling that a breakout 2026 campaign could be within reach.
Real Steel Honda’s Derek Sanchez King carries his 2025 momentum into the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup season. The 15-year-old from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and recipient of the 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award – an honor recognizing the sport’s most promising young talent – secured his first career podium in race one at New Jersey Motorsports Park this past September.
Derek Sanchez King did not let the rain dampen his spirits at New Jersey Motorsports Park last year as he reached the podium in Talent Cup race one. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Rossi Garcia carries the support of the Texas fans as he brings his Castroville-based Rossi Motorsports team to the opening grid. Garcia looks to leverage his home-circuit knowledge against his competition. Following a productive off-season, the local standout is poised to use his 2025 experience to fight for a career-best result in front of the MotoGP crowd.
Adding a fresh chapter to a prominent racing legacy, 14-year-old Farrah “Bandit” Landers joins the Jones Honda squad. Landers is the sole female competitor in the 2026 field, bringing a well-rounded racing background rooted in Southern California road racing and flat track. She is also the sister of three-time MotoAmerica champion Rocco Landers, giving her a paddock education few riders at any level can match.
Farrah Landers is shown here navigating the tricky succession of esses during the recent Dunlop Tire Test at COTA. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The MotoAmerica Talent Cup serves as the official North American pillar of the global Road to MotoGP™ program, a unified developmental system created by Dorna Sports to funnel elite young talent into the Grand Prix paddock.
Australian road racer and flat tracker Jake Paige, age 14, is competing in the FIM Asia Cup as well as in the entire MotoAmerica Talent Cup. He ran one MotoAmerica race last year, at New Jersey. Photo by Ben Paige.
This framework standardizes competition worldwide to ensure racing remains balanced. By competing on identically prepared motorcycles, the Road to MotoGP™ program ensures that results are dictated by pure racer skill, providing a level playing field for identifying the next generation of global road racing talent.
At the end of the Talent Cup season, up to five top finishers will earn a coveted invitation to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in Europe, offering them a real chance to climb the final rungs towards the Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP World Championships.
To watch the opening round of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, fans can subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+
2025 MotoGP race start at Austin, in Texas. Photo courtesy Dorna.
More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Wild West vibes for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Austin.
The Ducati Lenovo Team has landed in Texas for the second race of these American back-to-back races, taking place this weekend at COTA (Circuit of the Americas). A country atmosphere and a few hours of relax before returning at work. The Desmosedici GP triumphed at the Texan circuit last year with a P1 finish in the SPRINT (won by Marc) and a win in the long race (won by Pecco).
Marc, coming from the victory in the SPRINT in Brazil and a solid fourth place in the race, arrives in Austin knowing it’s one of the circuits that best suits his riding style. With seven previous wins, COTA is a circuit where Marc has often found a good feeling and has been able to consistently express himself.
Pecco, winner here last year after finishing third in Saturday’s race, is working to close the gap. The sweet memories of that Sunday, including the hot dog delivery at Parc Fermé, are an added incentive to tackle the weekend with determination.
Marc Marquez #93 Ducati Lenovo Team: “Austin is definitely one of my favorite tracks. Very technical and physically demanding, but it has given me so much satisfaction and unforgettable memories over the years. Last year, the race was incredibly emotional. From the grid to the crash, we were really competitive. This year, we arrive here after a good weekend in Brazil, with the victory in the SPRINT and an overall good race”.
Francesco Bagnaia #63 Ducati Lenovo Team: “I always enjoy arriving in Austin. I like the atmosphere, the track, the vibes of the United States. The track is beautiful, unique, technical in the riding sections, and very, very physically demanding. In 2025, we did very well here with the podium in the SPRINT and then the victory in Sunday’s race. A wonderful memory that motivates us to work even harder to get back to the top positions”.
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Aprilia Racing arrives in the USA for the third GP of the season. Anticipation high also for the new X, the limited edition bike that will be presented on Friday.
After a historic weekend in Brazil, highlighted by a one-two finish in the long race, Aprilia Racing heads straight back on track for the third GP of the season at the Circuit of The Americas. The weekend will also feature a special moment: on Friday, March 27, the new X will be unveiled — an exclusive bike produced in a limited run of just 30 units.
Marco Bezzecchi arrives in Austin following a successful weekend, that confirmed his excellent form, culminating in his fourth consecutive victory and his second of the season. Jorge Martín, after a solid weekend in Brazil with a return to the podium in both the sprint and the long race, will continue his development path with the aim of further strengthening his feeling with the RS-GP26.
The Circuit of The Americas is 5,51 km long with an anti-clockwise direction and it has a total of 20 turn, 9 right-handers and 11 left-handers. One of its features is a height difference of almost 41 metres at the end of the main straight, followed by a left-handed corner.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Marco Bezzecchi: “I’m happy to be back in Austin. It’s a great track, but also difficult and quite particular, where last year we had a decent weekend despite some challenges. We’ll try to maintain this positive momentum and our determination to keep performing well.”
Jorge Martin in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Jorge Martin: “We’re heading back to Austin, a track that could confirm the positive feelings from the first two races. I think we’re doing a great job, but we need to keep our feet on the ground, as this is always a particular track.”
More from a press release issued by The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing:
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team arrives to Austin after a visit in NYC.
The Circuit of the Americas will host the third MotoGP race weekend, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will race with a special livery dedicated to the story of the Tavullia squad and unveiled in New York in a historic event and an unforgettable day.
MotoGP is back in action this weekend for the United States GP, first back-to-back round if the 2026 campaign: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team arrives to Austin with positive feelings, also following the double podium – Sprint and race – secured by Fabio Di Giannantonio in Brazil. The American round will be even more special for the Tavullia-based team, that will race on Sunday with a special livery, dedicated to the history of the team and unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards, New York, yesterday.
In the evocative scenario of the “Big Apple”, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli lived the American style at its fullest: the day started at the Edge at Hudson Park, where they unveiled the livery for the US GP with Manhattan as background. This historic event was just the start of a real American day: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team riders strolled in New York City, stopping by at Joe’s Pizza and visiting the iconic NYSE. The day ended attending on front row to the NBA match between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Di Giannantonio arrives to the United States with high motivation thanks to the great results he got in Brazil, where he was very close to the victory and secured a podium in both races. The Austin track is one of Fabio’s favourites, and he was third last year – with the NFL special livery – after conquering the front row in qualifying. The rider from Rome, who was third in 2017 (moto3) and second in 2021 (Moto2), arrives to the third round of the season in fourth place of the World Standing with 37 points.
Morbidelli is eager to race at the United States GP, where he wants to maximize his potential after the struggling of the first two rounds. Franco is ready to hit the Austin track – where he won in 2017 (Moto2) – and his goal is to claim his first podium in the top class on this track. The Italian Brazilian rider arrives to the Circuit of the Americas in tenth place in the World Standing with 12 points.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will go on track on Friday for the first free practice sessions. Qualifying will take place on Saturday, starting at 10:50 (local time, -6 CET), followed by the Sprint at 15:00 (local time). The US GP will conclude with Sunday’s race, which will start at 15:00 (local time, -7 CET for the hour change).
Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Sprint race podium after finishing P2. Photo courtesy of MotoGP.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO: “Austin is one of my favourite tracks, the United States GP is one I love the most in the calendar. Both the track and the atmosphere are amazing. I can’t wait to be at Austin, where we expect to have another great weekend as we had in Brazil. After the double podium in Goiânia, we arrive to the United States with high motivation also for thi special livery, that is beautiful and full of colours. We lived a historic and amazing day in New York, with the livery launch at the Edge at Hudson Yards, visiting the NYSE and attending the NBA match. We are so ready.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) in Brazil. Photo courtesy VR46 Team.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “I am very happy to be back on track right away and to be at Austin, a great track. I still feel the energy of the Brazilian fans, they pushed me and gave me some extra motivation. Moreover, we will have a special livery for the United States GP, again designed by Aldo Drudi and launched in New York. It was a historic event that could be organized just from this team. The day was amazing, and it was my first time in the Big Apple. Now we are more than ready to live the race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Austin awaits Honda HRC Castrol.
From one of the shortest circuits on the calendar to one of the longest, Luca Marini and Joan Mir arrive at Round Three prepared for an intense weekend on and off the track.
From South America to North America, the global tour of the MotoGP World Championship continues at pace. A standout as one of the most demanding tracks of the year, the run from Turn 3 to Turn 9 can make or break a lap early on and finding your speed through this section is crucial for Qualifying. On the calendar since 2013, the Circuit of the Americas has seen Honda win eight times in the premier class.
Qualifying remains a major focus for Luca Marini, the Italian charging from 19th on the grid in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix in Brazil to challenge for the top ten. Earning a spot in Q2 will no doubt allow Marini to improve on his eighth-place finish from the 2025 Americas GP. He currently sits just a single point behind Johann Zarco in the battle for top Honda honours in the World Championship standings, plenty of road left to run in the 22-round season.
Joan Mir arrives in America with undeniable speed, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion again looking to back that up with consistent race finishes. COTA has been a complicated circuit for Mir during his time with the Honda HRC Factory Team, but the ever improving Honda RC213V has all of the potential to deliver the #36 a strong result.
The Americas GP will be the final race before a three-week break due to the delay of the Qatar GP.
Luca Marini (10) and Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“Back to work right away at a track which I enjoy a lot. To go from one of the shortest circuits on the calendar to one of the longest is certainly a big change! COTA is a track where the rider can really make the difference, in the past I have gone well there and so has the Honda RC213V. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together and seeing how the bike has progressed since we last visited. It will be important to get a good result before we have this three-week break, I want to give the team something to enjoy after these intense opening races.”
Joan Mir:“It’s always nice to go to America, especially to Austin – it’s a good place to be and I enjoy the whole weekend a lot. In Brazil we showed our speed, we showed our ability to be the top Honda rider and repeating that is the objective this weekend. It will be about staying focused and working well with the team to create the best situation possible to deliver on what we know we can do.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Prepare for Texas Throwdown.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team made their way from Brazil to the USA and are setting up for this weekend’s Round 3 on the 2026 MotoGP calendar: the Grand Prix of the United States held at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team have made their way from Brazil to Austin, Texas for the Grand Prix of The Americas. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins both like the COTA track and the atmosphere in Austin and are fully motivated to start the US GP race weekend.
Quartararo arrives in Austin ranking 16th in the championship. The track holds good memories for him: he took second place there in Moto3 in 2015, repeated the result in MotoGP in 2021, and returned to the podium with a third place in 2023. He aims to add another strong result this weekend.
Rins always looks forward to riding at COTA. He won the 2023 Americas GP there after finishing second in the Sprint and previously claimed MotoGP podiums in 2022 (P2) and 2019 (P1). His US GP success also includes rostrums in Moto2 in 2016 (P1) and 2015 (P3) and Moto3 in 2013 (P1). Sitting 18th in the 2026 standings, he targets another solid points haul.
After completion in 2012, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) was added to the Grand Prix schedule the following year. Its length of 5.513km and mixture of fast straights and tight hairpins make the track both challenging and exciting to master for teams and riders. They need to find exactly the right balance for their bike’s set-up that suits the 11 left and 9 right turns and the 1,200m straight in order to snatch a place on the podium. The especially sharp Turn 1 will be a place where the fans can expect a lot of overtaking action.
Alex Rins (42) and Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Yamaha
Massimo Meregalli – Team Director:“Brazil was a mixed weekend for us. Friday and Saturday were positive, especially Fabio’s strong qualifying and Sprint, but Sunday was tougher. We have now travelled to the US. On paper, COTA might be a tough circuit for us, especially the back part of the track, where the long straight could be critical. With the new bike, it‘s still hard to predict how the weekend will unfold. However, we are certain that this race weekend will help drive our learning process forward.”
Fabio Quartararo:“Brazil was up and down for us. Saturday felt good, both qualifying and the Sprint, but the rear grip issues on Sunday made it tough. Now we’re in the US, and I’ll approach this race weekend with an open mind again. I like COTA and Austin a lot. Let’s see what we can do, and hopefully we can take a step again.”
Alex Rins:“The Race in Brazil started positive, but once I got stuck behind riders, it was hard to keep the pace. I’m happy to be at COTA again now – I really like this track and the atmosphere, and I have some good memories here. I’m curious to see what we can do this weekend. COTA is demanding, but we are getting to know more about the new bike step by step.”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Heads to Austin for Round 3 of the Championship.
Straight from Brazil, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP arrives in Austin, Texas, for Round 3 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, ready to continue its development work at the demanding Circuit of the Americas.
With no break between rounds, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP heads directly from Brazil to Austin, Texas, for the third round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship. The back-to-back schedule keeps the team fully immersed in race mode, maintaining focus and continuity as work on the Yamaha YZR-M1 continues.
The Circuit of the Americas, widely known as COTA, is one of the most distinctive and technically demanding tracks on the calendar. Its combination of tight sequences, elevation changes and long straights presents a unique challenge for both riders and engineers, requiring a well-balanced package and precise set-up.
Jack Miller arrives in Austin with positive memories, having secured a strong fifth-place finish here last season in only his third race weekend with Yamaha. The Australian will look to build on that experience and apply it to the current project as the team continues its progression.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, it will be another important step in his MotoGP learning journey. Although he has previous experience at COTA from earlier in his career, including appearances in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, racing at the circuit on a MotoGP machine presents a completely different challenge, offering further opportunities to adapt and grow throughout the weekend.
Jack Miller on the left and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu on the right. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Gino Borsoi – Team Director:“We‘re all happy to be back at COTA — it‘s a beautiful but very demanding track. Of course, we hope to repeat last year‘s result. Jack enjoys racing here and, considering the commitment he‘s showing to this project, he truly deserves a strong performance like the one he achieved last season.
For Toprak, it will be another important step in his learning process, as he doesn‘t have much experience at this circuit. It will be our responsibility as a team to support him in finding the right set-up. In Brazil, we believe we identified a first positive direction that helped him be more aggressive on corner entry and more confident in moving the bike, and we‘re aiming to continue working along that line. Hopefully, we can start to see the first concrete results of this progress already this weekend.”
Jack Miller:“I really like this track, even though it‘s not traditionally the most favourable one for Yamaha. Still, I‘ve always felt good riding here. Looking back to last year, we had a very strong result — I felt competitive from the start and got a great launch in the race, which allowed me to run with the front group.
It was a tough battle all race long, especially on the straights where I was losing a bit, but I was able to make it back under braking and stay in the fight. It would be great to put ourselves in that position again this weekend, to battle until the end and create some more good memories here.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“It‘s another important weekend for me because everything is still new in MotoGP, and especially here at COTA. I have some experience from the Rookies Cup, but riding here with a MotoGP bike is a completely different challenge.
We are continuing to work step by step, trying to understand the bike better and improve my feeling, especially on tracks like this that are quite demanding. In Brazil we found some positive direction, particularly on corner entry, and I want to build on that and keep improving. My goal is to keep progressing, session by session, and do my best for the team.”
More from a press release issued by ELF Marc VDS:
Canet and Öncü aim for big turnaround in Texas. The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team has headed from South to North America as Aron Canet and Deniz Öncü get ready to test their skills at the spectacular Circuit of The Americas in Austin this weekend.
Widely known as the horsepower rodeo, the super-fast and undulating CoTA presents an immediate opportunity for Canet and Oncu to bounce back from a difficult Grand Prix of Brazil in Goiania last weekend.
The Moto2 field kick off round three at 950am local time on Friday morning, with Sunday’s race getting underway at 1pm over 16 laps.
Aron Canet (44) in Brazil. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS.
The Spaniard touches down in Texas targeting a big reversal in fortunes after he crossed the line outside of the points scoring places last Sunday at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna.
Canet is hoping recent history at CoTA is going to inject some momentum into his 2026 campaign with Boscoscuro claiming the last two Moto2 victories in Austin, including a stunning success for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team rider Jake Dixon last season.
The 26-year-old has fond memories of CoTA having claimed a Moto3 victory there back in 2019 and he started from pole position in Moto2 two years ago ahead of an excellent fourth place in Austin one year ago.
Aron Canet:“We’ve been able to reflect and analyse why it was such a complicated weekend in Brazil and I’m confident that myself and the team can be much more competitive in Austin. We have to keep working together to try and understand our package better and this weekend is going to be a good reference for us because it is clear in the past that Boscoscuro has been very competitive at this track. COTA is a very unique challenge because it is a long lap with a lot of different challenges, but I have been fast there before in both Moto3 and Moto2, so let’s hope that is the case again this weekend.”
Deniz Oncu (53) in Brazil. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS.
The Turkish star arrives in the United States in a positive frame of mind after his maiden visit to Brazil proved to be a tough affair when he battled to 20thposition.
Öncü is ready to reset and respond with a big weekend in CoTA, with the main focus on working to find the confidence he was lacking during the Goiania showdown.
His best results in Austin are a pair of fifth places in 2021 and 2022 when he was competing in the Moto3 category.
Deniz Oncu:“I love going to America and racing in Austin is always very cool because the city has a nice vibe and the track is special. It is a long layout with some very tricky parts, but I like the challenge it presents. The performance in Brazil clearly didn’t match our expectations, but I arrive in Texas with a positive mindset and like always I will be giving my maximum to try and improve our situation and deliver the results we want.”
Real Steel Honda is set to compete in Superbike aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, with Hayden Gillim (69) leading the charge.
Photo courtesy of Real Steel Honda.
Team to campaign the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in both Superbike and Superbike Cup, while expanding with a two-rider Talent Cup program.
For 2026 Hayden Gillim will return on his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike and will be joined by the 2025 Stock 1000 champion Andrew Lee competing in the Superbike Cup class on Honda machinery. In the Talent Cup, Ian Fraley will be joined by 2024 Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Derek Sanchez.
The Talent Cup season kicks off March 27-29 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Three weeks later, the Superbike and Superbike Cup seasons begin April 17–19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA, where Talent Cup competition will also take place.
Real Steel Honda Racing is proudly supported by American Honda, HRC, Progressive Insurance, Pro Honda Oils. Southern Honda Powersports, Idemitsu, Last Ark: Tactics Analogue, Vesrah, K-Tech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Sprint Filter, Armor Bodywork, Vortex and REB Graphics.
Brandon Wilson – American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing:“We are excited to return to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season with Real Steel Honda, fielding entries in both Superbike and Superbike Cup and expanding to a two-rider Talent Cup program. After a full year competing aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade in Superbike, we’re entering the season with a stronger baseline and a clearer direction than a year ago. Equally important, we’re proud to continue investing in the next generation with Ian and Derek, alongside the outstanding partners who make this program possible. We look forward to getting the season underway.”
Hayden Gillim – Rider #69 / Team Principal: “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and continuing to get better on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. After a full year of Superbike, we now have data to look at and can come out of the gate swinging every race weekend. We finished last season with a podium at New Jersey so I’m looking to pick up where we left off.
I want to thank the team, sponsors, and fans for supporting this program. Having Honda back in the paddock last year was incredible for everyone and I’m looking forward to making it another big year!”
Andrew Lee – Rider #14: “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Real Steel Honda Racing team. Although this came together late in the offseason, the whole crew has made a great effort to pull everything together. It’s an honor to be with a team that has such a rich history of success and proven ability to build great programs. Most importantly, the team is one large family, and we all share the same goal of improving each session and weekend. I look forward to putting the Honda on the grid in a few weeks!”
Ian Fraley – Rider #10:“I’m excited to be back with Real Steel Honda Racing this season. This team feels like family, and we’ve built a strong foundation together. I’ve grown a lot and I’m coming into the season more focused, more confident, and ready to compete every weekend. Let’s get to work.”
Derek Sanchez – Rider #23:“I’m incredibly grateful to the Real Steel Honda team for giving me this opportunity. It means a lot to be part of such a strong and professional team, and I’m excited to give it everything I have this season as we fight for the championship.
This offseason I’ve been working extremely hard, both physically and mentally, to come into the season stronger, more consistent, and smarter on the bike. We’ve already done some testing together, and from the beginning I felt very comfortable with the team and the bike. The environment within the team is great, and I already feel at home working with everyone.
I’m also extremely happy to have Darwin Rodriguez as my crew chief and my father, Jose Sanchez, working with me this season as my mechanic and trainer. Having such a strong group around me gives me a lot of confidence going into the year.
I’m really looking forward to the season starting and continuing to build together throughout the year.”
Mark Junge – Technical Director / Team Principal: “I am looking forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica season and continuing to develop and refine the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for both Hayden and Andrew. Expanding to a two-rider effort in the Talent Cup class will hopefully benefit both Ian and Derek as they look to progress in their road racing journey. I cannot thank American Honda and HRC enough for the support they have shown this program.”
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team makes history by unveiling the Austin livery in New York. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.
At the Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli unveiled the special livery they will use on Sunday of the United States GP. It was a special and historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike was unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’.
The United States GP has always been a unique weekend for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which today unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards – one of the most prestigious skyscrapers in New York City – the special livery it will race with at Austin Sunday’s race. This unique day for the Tavullia-based team also represents a historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike is unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’, right at the top of one of the highest points of the City. Moreover, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli will attend the NBA game between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli present the special COTA livery of the Ducati Desmosedici, which they will campaign in Sunday’s MotoGP race. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.
The special livery, conceived designed by Aldo Drudi – Drudi Performance, is the pictorial representation of the history of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, his founder Valentino Rossi and Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, his close friend and guide of this project. The livery recalls the Pop Art, and the main characters are part of an explosion of colors, with the fluo yellow as a dominant color. The riders take the central part of the scene and the symbols of the United States, such as the National Flag and the Austin Tower – as a tribute to the Circuit of the Americas – are in the scene too.
The riders will “wear” the livery, because the leathers will have these same special colors for the American weekend. Not only bikes and leathers: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will have the special colors on the jersey, a special edition “Pop Art” style that you can purchase on the Kappa Sport and VR46 Tribe websites.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
MotoGP thunders Stateside for Round 3. After four wins on the bounce for Bezzecchi we arrive into true Marquez territory. So can the #72 defeat the king of COTA?
Two down, 20 to go and we head north to the USA from Brazil to tackle the rollercoaster of COTA. From the shortest circuit on the calendar to the longest, from South America to North America, the contrasts bring new challenges and perhaps a new order. Last year’s dramatic Grand Prix in the history books and with another on the horizon, a showdown in Texas awaits the most exciting sport on Earth. MotoGP: wired different. Austin: keeping it weird. A combination that will bring us shocks, surprises and more throughout this year’s Grand Prix.
Marc Márquez (93) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Ducati
BEZZECCHI VS MARC MARQUEZ: the battle we’ve waited for set for COTA?
With Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) dominant start to the year seeing him take the Championship lead after the opening two Grands Prix, and after winning the last two of last year, he’s looking to lay down the law at COTA. Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) track record speaks for itself with seven wins but a blunder in last year’s rain means there’s revenge to be served. Those two stories combined, do we have another showdown this weekend between the Championship leader and the reigning World Champion, the latter fifth in the standings? Misano, Balaton Park, Brno and Red Bull Ring and Assen, they’ve gone toe-to-toe. Will it be a last lap battle this time?
Jorge Martin finished the MotoGP Sprint race P3. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
APRILIA ON TOP: historic start for the Noale factory
It’s an Aprilia Racing 1-2 in the standings after a Goiania double podium and first Grand Prix rostrum since his title-winning Solidarity GP weekend in 2024 for Jorge Martin, who moves into second overall. He’ll have to hit the ground running at COTA, given that he didn’t race there last year. From Championship leader pre-Brazil to P3 overall after, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is just 14 points behind ‘Bez’ and rode a smart Grand Prix at Goiania to bag valuable points – and he’s shown some good speed at COTA. Meanwhile, a first podium of 2026 after holding off Marc Marquez was secured last weekend by Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) sees him as the top Ducati and the Italian now heads to COTA where he was third 12 months ago – and he’ll be racing with that stunning new livery revealed in New York on Tuesday.
Ai Ogura (79) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Trackhouse.
EARLY REVELATIONS: Ogura sits sixth to lead established names
Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has finished every Grand Prix or Sprint in the top five and gears up for the team’s home round. Teammate Raul Fernandez and he’s had bigger highs and lower lows, with a P3 in Thailand but a P10 last week in Brazil. Then comes 2025’s COTA podium finisher and World Championship runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), still finding his feet with the GP26 whereas both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) aim to cast tricky Brazilian GPs aside stateside. Another revelation, particularly in qualifying at Goiania, was 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) when he started fourth – will he repeat it this weekend and fight for the V4-powered Yamaha’s first top ten in a Grand Prix having secured sixth in Goiania’s Sprint?
Johann Zarco (5) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
CHASING THE TOP 10: those aiming to strike in COTA
Top Honda honours at Goiania went to Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and he sits as top Honda in the standings too, one point ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) who is in 12th whilst his teammate Joan Mir is in 19th, with bad luck and crashes not reflecting the 2020 World Champion’s true pace. After Marini, double MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who hasn’t enjoyed the start to the season he hoped for after testing. Yet to finish a Grand Prix or Sprint in the top 7, last year’s COTA winner hopes that this weekend provides a turning point. Two points further back is Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who returned last weekend and was straight into the top ten.
Diogo Moreira (11) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
INDIVIDUAL ASPIRATIONS: points and progress on the agenda
Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) put on a show for his massive home audience in Goiania to bring home points for the second Grand Prix in a row but he now eyes a Sunday top ten, whilst Red Bull KTM Tech 3 pairing Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales seek improvements, the latter hoping for his first points of 2026 – and he’s a former COTA winner. There’s also the three V4 Yamahas of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and his rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu, all of which showed flashes in Brazil. Rins brought home points for the second time in 2026 whilst Razgatlioglu chases his first in MotoGP.
It’s time to ride rodeo in Texas and after 2025’s thriller, who will be the sole star in the Lone Star state in 2026? Bezzecchi vs Marquez might be about to light up…
Dallas Daniels (No. 1) dominates the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track for his first win of the season. Photo courtesy Daniels' social media
Pipe Dreams Podcast returns with Episode 37, featuring one of the most promising young talents in American Flat Track, Dallas Daniels. In this episode, Daniels shares the story of his rise from riding at just four years old to becoming a Grand National Champion, offering an in-depth look at the experiences that shaped his path to the top.
Raised in the paddock under the guidance of his father, Nick Daniels, Daniels developed a deep understanding of the sport from an early age. Their unique dynamic as both family and team laid the foundation for his work ethic, race craft, and professional mindset.
Throughout the conversation, Daniels reflects on the influence of key mentors who helped guide his development, including JD Beach, Johnny Lewis, Dale Quarterly, and the Hayden family. Their support played a significant role in shaping both his on-track performance and his personal growth within the sport.
Beyond racing, Daniels opens up about his efforts to share more of his personality off the bike. With a growing focus on social media and fan engagement, he is committed to giving audiences a more complete view of who he is, balancing the seriousness of competition with a genuine passion for enjoying life outside of it.
From returning to road racing at the MotoAmerica Twins Cup finale to continuing to challenge himself across disciplines, Daniels offers insight into both his present and future ambitions.
🎧 Episode 37 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episodeis out now.
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Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
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Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 3, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
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If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
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alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
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Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
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Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
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Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
