Sport & Superbike
Latest sport & superbike motorcycle news, aggregated from independent publishers.
Michelin makes major tyre change after Motegi MotoGP Sprint
Michelin has withdrawn the soft rear tyre from Sunday’s Japanese MotoGP allocation following problems during the Motegi Sprint. The medium remains available, alongside the reinforced hard rear that has yet to complete a lap this weekend. The hard is now Michelin’s "recommended option" for the GP.
Max Verstappen rates chances of first F1 2026 win after ending pole wait
Max Verstappen is confident he can convert his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season into victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Verstappen became the first non Mercedes-powered driver to take pole this season as he outpaced his great F1 rival Lewis Hamilton to the fastest time by 0.298 seconds with a dominant qualifying performance.
Enea Bastianini questions “unfair” Motegi penalty; Jorge Martin “angry with himself”
Enea Bastianini has labelled the last-lap penalty he received for a track limits infringement in the Japanese GP sprint as “unfair”, claiming he did not gain any time. Tech3 rider Bastianini was running in third place ahead of LCR Honda’s Diogo Moreira when Jorge Martin suddenly fell into his clutches due to heavy tyre degradation.
Toto Wolff admits to Mercedes confusion over lack of qualifying pace
Mercedes arrived at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia with high expectations. George Russell had put together an impressive showing last time out in Azerbaijan, and major upgrades had been delivered for this weekend. After topping the timesheets ahead of qualifying in Free Practice 3 with Kimi Antonelli, it looked like the signs were good for Mercedes.
Francesco Bagnaia reveals cause of unusual Japan MotoGP sprint retirement
12 months ago Francesco Bagnaia completed a stunning Motegi double, which turned out to be his only sprint and grand prix sweep of the year. However, this year’s Japanese MotorGP sprint looked a lot different for the struggling Ducati rider, who failed to secure a Q2 spot before retiring from the 12-lap sprint late on.
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Full starting grid after three penalties
The full starting grid for the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
MotoGP considering mandatory hard tyre as Miller warns of “lottery”
Jack Miller says blistering on both the soft and medium rears could force a mandatory hard tyre for the grand prix, turning the Motegi MotoGP into a “lottery”.
Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton for first non Mercedes-powered pole of F1 2026 at Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Max Verstappen takes pole at the Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: Full qualifying results
Full qualifying results from the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Tyre drama at Motegi: Jack Miller can “almost guarantee” untested hard will be mandatory
Pramac’s Jack Miller says he can “almost guarantee” that Michelin will mandate the untested hard tyre for the Japanese Grand Prix after several MotoGP riders faced severe tyre degradation in the sprint. The main talking point after Saturday’s…
Fabio di Giannantonio reacts to Japan MotoGP sprint clash with future KTM team-mate
Fabio di Giannantonio says he was caught off guard by Alex Marquez’s mistake in the Japanese MotoGP sprint, which ended their race and that of Pedro Acosta. Marquez has since been given a double long lap penalty for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, after the Gresini rider wiped out his future KTM team-mate and Acosta at turn three.
Why Marco Bezzecchi’s costly Japanese MotoGP tyre call was correct “on paper”
Marco Bezzecchi says his alternative rear tyre choice in the Japanese MotoGP Sprint was correct “on paper”. Bezzecchi chose the medium-compound rear tyre for the Sprint, and started well, improving from fourth to third by the third corner having passed Pedro Acosta, who would go on to be taken out by Alex Marquez before the end of the first sector.
Marc Marquez strikes back in Motegi MotoGP Sprint: “Instinct is my strong point”
Beaten to pole position by title rival Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez struck back with a dominant victory in the Japanese MotoGP Sprint at Motegi. “Even on the ideal lap Martin is in front of me, so he was faster,” Marquez said of their qualifying battle.
Pedro Acosta rues 'losing everything' thanks to Alex Marquez sprint error
KTM rider Pedro Acosta has criticised Alex Marquez after the Gresini Ducati rider took out both Acosta and Fabio Di Giannantonio on the first lap of the Motegi sprint on Saturday. The incident brought a swift end to another promising day for Acosta, who had started the sprint on the front row after scoring his first grand prix win in Austria last month.
MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Motegi
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on Michelin control tires, the seven-time MotoGP […] The post MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Motegi appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Alpinestars Unveils The 2027 Racing Sport Collection
Race-developed protection from the track to performance riding on the road. LOS ANGELES, CA, and ASOLO, Italy — Alpinestars advances the 2027 Racing Sport Collection with a new generation of protective […] The post Alpinestars Unveils The 2027 Racing Sport Collection appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Mercedes drivers without cooling vests in Malaysia due to F1 cost cap
Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will race without cooling vests at the hottest Formula 1 race of the year due to cost cap restraints. This weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been declared F1’s third heat-hazard race of the 2026 season, with temperatures forecast to be more than 31C at some point during the race.
Japan MotoGP: Jorge Martin reveals major concern ahead of Marc Marquez battle
Jorge Martin admits he’s “concerned” ahead of Sunday’s Japanese MotoGP after suffering unforeseen tyre issues in the sprint
ASRA: Mr. Douglas DC-3 to Headline Daytona Opening Ceremony
Opening ceremonies at this year’s ASRA Race of Champions at Daytona International Speedway will feature a demonstration unlike any previously staged at the World Center of Racing. Jumpers will exit […] The post ASRA: Mr. Douglas DC-3 to Headline Daytona Opening Ceremony appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Pedro Acosta loses important MotoGP chance with Alex Marquez Motegi clash
Pedro Acosta feels he lost an important opportunity to make up points in the Japanese MotoGP Sprint having crashed on the first lap. Acosta started quite poorly in the Motegi MotoGP Sprint, slipping to fourth behind Marco Bezzecchi at the first turn, and then coming under attack from Enea Bastianini at turn three.
Red Bull Honda MotoGP Partnership Returns for 2027
Red Bull is rejoining forces with Honda’s factory MotoGP team. From the 2027 season, Red Bull colors will be applied to the Honda HRC bikes and riders, reviving a partnership that ended after 2023. The deal coincides with two other changes. MotoGP’s new technical rules take effect in 2027, and Honda has signed 2021 MotoGP […] The post Red Bull Honda MotoGP Partnership Returns for 2027 appeared first on Ultimate Motorcycling.
Alex Marquez penalised for Motegi MotoGP Sprint pile-up
Alex Marquez will need to serve a double long lap penalty in Sunday’s Japanese MotoGP for causing a multi-rider accident on the opening lap of the Motegi Sprint. The Gresini rider clipped the back of KTM's front-row qualifier Pedro Acosta into Turn 3.
Marc Marquez closes in on Jorge Martin in MotoGP title fight at Motegi
Marc Marquez picked up a statement win at the Japanese MotoGP, after leading every lap of the sprint race on Saturday.
Moto2: Guevara Takes Pole Position At Motegi
Izan Guevara was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying 2 Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Pirelli-shod BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on the 2.98-mile […] The post Moto2: Guevara Takes Pole Position At Motegi appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Moto3: Almansa Claims Pole Position In Japan
David Almansa earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM on Pirelli control tires, Almansa […] The post Moto3: Almansa Claims Pole Position In Japan appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Motegi Sprint Race: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings
Jorge Martin's MotoGP world championship lead over Marc Marquez has been cut to seven points after Saturday's Motegi Sprint race. Marquez overturned Martin's pole advantage for victory, while the Aprilia rider lost late pace with tyre issues, then received a drop-one-place penalty for exceeding track limits on the final lap.
MotoGP Japanese GP: Marc Marquez defeats Diogo Moreira in sprint
Marc Marquez closed the gap to world championship leader Jorge Martin by claiming victory in the sprint race at Motegi on Saturday. Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini crossed the line second and third but were both demoted a place after the finish for exceeding track limits, giving Moreira his best MotoGP finish.
Lewis Hamilton reacts to Fernando Alonso F1 contract extension with 'pure talent' claim
Lewis Hamilton has backed fellow multiple Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso’s natural talent after his contract extension with Aston Martin. Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Alonso signed a fresh contract with Aston Martin that will see him continue to race in F1 for a minimum one more year, with his new deal running until at least the end of 2027.
Marc Marquez dominates Japanese MotoGP sprint, Alex causes three-rider pile-up
As the lights went out, MotoGP series leader Jorge Martin made a good launch from pole, although title rival Marc Marquez quickly took the lead after a late-braking effort at turn one. Marquez held Martin at bay through turns two and three, but behind the leading pair, Alex Marquez got his braking all wrong as he collided into the rear of Pedro Acosta at turn three.
2026 Japanese Moto2 - Qualifying Results
Qualifying for the Moto2 Japanese Grand Prix saw Izan Guevara put in a dominant solo run to end Q2 on top for his fourth pole of the season at Motegi. The earlier FP2 session saw Guevara up the pace, with what was then a new lap record, the first sub 1m 47 lap of Motegi, to back up his win in Austria in the title hunt.
2026 MotoGP Japan, Motegi - Sprint Race Results
Marc Marquez wins the 2026 Motegi Sprint race, with rookie Diogo Moreira promoted to a surprise second place after post-race penalties. Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, just ahead of Moreira in second and third at the chequered flag, were given drop-one-place penalties for exceeding track limits on the final lap - handing Moreira a first-ever MotoGP podium.
F1 fans blast Bahrain GP in Malaysia organisers after transport chaos
Formula 1 fans have hit out at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia organisers after experiencing transport chaos following Friday practice. Spectators attending F1’s return to Malaysia on Friday were faced with severe traffic congestion, poor crowd management and huge waits for shuttle buses.
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: Full final practice results
Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap time ahead of Qualifying in Free Practice 3 on Saturday at the Sepang International Circuit. On Friday, it was Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc who topped the Practice sessions, but after a night of hard work, Mercedes and Antonelli set the pace after the qualifying practice runs.
2026 Japanese Moto3 - Qualifying Results
Qualifying for the Moto3 Japanese Grand Prix saw David Almansa pick up the pace to claim his seventh pole with a record lap at the first of the flyaway rounds in Motegi. Earlier in the day, FP2 saw Almansa on top and faster than the old lap record. With his three Friday crashes well and truly behind him, the Liqui Moly Intact GP rider was running solo and fast - lowering the lap record further to 1’54.572s.
Honda calls Aleix Espargaro back for Indonesia MotoGP race
Joan Mir’s injury and Takaaki Nakagami’s fractured collarbone, which required surgery after Friday’s crash at Motegi, have forced Honda to call up Aleix Espargaro, who will return to MotoGP action next weekend in Indonesia, Motorsport.com has learned.
Jorge Martin springs Motegi MotoGP pole surprise after Marc Marquez "mistakes"
Jorge Martin was counting on a big step from Friday to Saturday at Motegi, but even he didn’t expect to fight for, let alone claim, Japanese MotoGP pole. Just eighth on Friday, the title leader came out swinging on Saturday morning, finishing second to team-mate Marco Bezzecchi in final practice.
Starting grid for the 2026 Motegi MotoGP Sprint race
MotoGP title leaders Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez will start from first and second on the grid in this afternoon’s Motegi Sprint race. Ducati have won the last seven races at the Japanese circuit, while Aprilia is yet to claim a podium. However, Martin and his RS-GP fought back from eighth fastest on Friday to snatch pole position from Marquez, smashing the lap record on the new Japanese asphalt.
F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia LIVE: FP3 and qualifying updates
There are five minutes to go until Free Practice 3 gets underway... We are now 15 minutes away from the final Free Practice session of the weekend ahead of Qualifying. It is currently dry at the Sepang International Circuit, so after the threat of rain in FP2, it appears all three Practice sessions will be dry.
Jorge Martin snatches Japanese MotoGP pole from Marc Marquez
MotoGP title leader Jorge Martin emerged on top of a record-breaking pole position shootout for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. The factory Aprilia rider, only eighth on Friday, had hit back on Saturday morning by finishing second to team-mate Marco Bezzecchi in final practice.
MotoGP: Martin On Pole Position At Motegi
Jorge Martin earned pole position during MotoGP qualifying 2 Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on the 2.98-mile (4.8 km) track, Martin turned a […] The post MotoGP: Martin On Pole Position At Motegi appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice In Japan
Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian rider […] The post MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice In Japan appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
MotoGP Japanese GP: Jorge Martin edges out Marc Marquez to claim back-to-back pole positions
MotoGP’s championship leader Jorge Martin claimed pole position in a thrilling qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix, beating Marc Marquez to the top spot by a tenth of a second. Martin had been the slower of the two factory Aprilia riders for much…
Moto2: Guevara Tops Final Practice At Motegi
Izan Guevara was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Pirelli-shod BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on the […] The post Moto2: Guevara Tops Final Practice At Motegi appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
2026 MotoGP Japan, Motegi - Full Qualifying Results
Jorge Martin turns the tables on title rival Marc Marquez with pole position for the 2026 Japanese MotoGP. Title leader Jorge Martin looked a step behind reigning champion Marc Marquez heading into qualifying, but snatched pole from the Ducati rider in the final run.
Moto3: Almansa Sets New Lap Record At Motegi
David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap […] The post Moto3: Almansa Sets New Lap Record At Motegi appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
MotoGP Japan LIVE: Martin beats Marquez to pole at Motegi
Live updates from all of Saturday's MotoGP action at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
MotoAmerica: Scholtz Gives Yamaha 218th Superbike Win
Scholtz Makes History! Season-Concluding MotoAmerica Superbike Win Puts Yamaha On Top With 218 All-Time AMA Superbike Race Victories. Millville, NJ – October 2, 2026 – Strack Racing Yamaha congratulates its rider Mathew Scholtz on […] The post MotoAmerica: Scholtz Gives Yamaha 218th Superbike Win appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
BSB: Ryde Fastest in Pre-Qualifying at Donington Park
Ryde holds off Redding to take top spot in Pre-Qualifying at Donington Park. Kyle Ryde held off Scott Redding in the British Superbike Championship Pre-Qualifying session at Donington Park this […] The post BSB: Ryde Fastest in Pre-Qualifying at Donington Park appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
British Superbikes: Ryde holds off Redding to take top spot in Pre-Qualifying at Donington Park
British Superbikes: Kyle Ryde held off Scott Redding in the ZYN British Superbike Championship Pre-Qualifying session at Donington Park this afternoon, as the defending champion held a 0.169s advantage over his main title rival ahead of tomorrow’s opening race.
BSB Donington Park: Kyle Ryde tops pre-qualifying session ahead of Scott Redding
Championship leader Kyle Ryde is the man to beat once more heading into the British Superbike Championship weekend at Donington Park after topping the pre-qualifying session. The reigning two-time champion posted a best lap-time of 1:26.863 at his home circuit on Friday afternoon, which was enough to beat main title rival Scott Redding to top spot by 0.169s.
2026 British Superbikes: Donington Park - Practice Results
The first day of action as the British Superbikes Showdown moved onto Donington Park saw Kyle Ryde fastest on Friday, topping Pre-Qualifying to lead the way to Q2. The championship leader jumped into the top spot in the PQ session with ten minutes remaining, ahead of his rivals on the Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions bike with a lap of 1’ 26.863s, already closing in on lap record pace on day one.
FIM Endurance World Championship Reveals Its 2027 Calendar
In the true spirit and legacy of motorcycle endurance racing, the 2027 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) calendar features four key races that the teams, manufacturers, and fans around […] The post FIM Endurance World Championship Reveals Its 2027 Calendar appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
How one “stupid mistake” could have conditioned one rider’s entire Japanese MotoGP
MotoGP’s current weekend format leaves little room for error, and Luca Marini could’ve ran out of margin already at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Honda HRC rider ended Friday 17th-fastest in Practice at Motegi while both LCR Honda riders made it through directly to Q2.
Marco Bezzecchi “super lucky” to avoid another huge MotoGP crash in Japan
Marco Bezzecchi was “super-lucky”, he says, to avoid a high-side during first practice at the Japanese MotoGP. Bezzecchi’s 2026 MotoGP season has been one of contrast through 15 rounds. On the one hand there have been the dominant victories in the first three races of the season, plus Mugello.
The biggest challenge facing F1 teams at Bahrain GP in Malaysia
High tyre degradation is set to add further jeopardy into the mix for Formula 1 teams already heading into the unknown at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. F1 has returned to the iconic Sepang track for the first time in nine years as Malaysia hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend on behalf of the Gulf kingdom as a result of the war in the Middle East meaning it could not be held in its usual location at Sakhir.
Oh No, MotoGP's Next Generation 850s Are Already Faster Than The 1000s
The idea was simple for MotoGP's 2027 regulations overhaul: Simpler, slower racers that were aimed at making the sport cheaper, safer, and with better wheel-to-wheel racing. And that concept was anchored in downsizing the engines from 1000cc to 850cc.
Valtteri Bottas clarifies stance as Italian tax police target F1 drivers
Valtteri Bottas insists Formula 1 drivers have “no problem” paying taxes in countries where they race as he clarified earlier comments he made at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Speaking on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s race at Sepang, Bottas claimed that he and other F1 drivers would prefer not to end the 2026 season at Imola due to fears they will have to pay extra tax.
Lewis Hamilton warned over Bahrain GP incident as Ferrari hit with fine
Lewis Hamilton has received a warning and Ferrari has been fined €10,000 (£8,500) for impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during second practice at Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Seven-time world champion Hamilton was found to have “unnecessarily impeded” Bortoleto under braking at Turn 9 at Sepang in the second hour of practice running on Friday, forcing the Audi driver to take evasive action.
Jacques Villeneuve on under-fire Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur: “That’s the price to pay”
1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes criticism and media scrutiny is the “price to pay” for being Ferrari’s team principal. Speculation has been rampant surrounding Fred Vasseur’s tole as Ferrari team principal, with the situation fuelled further by rumours linking former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to a management role at the Italian outfit.
MotoGP: Alex Marquez leads intense Practice at Motegi, Ogura faces Q1
MotoGP: 18 riders covered by less than a second, favourites in the Q1 jungle and surprises straight to Q2, Friday has quite a bit to debrief.