The latest MotoGP news focuses heavily on the ongoing race weekend and confirmed rider movements for the coming seasons.
Here are the key “insider” type developments and latest headlines:
Current Race Weekend (Motul Grand Prix of Japan at Motegi)
- Practice/Qualifying: The paddock is in Japan for the first of the flyaway races. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) topped the critical Friday practice session which sets the riders straight into Q2, ahead of Pedro Acosta (KTM).
- Title Decider: Marc Márquez (Ducati) has his first mathematical chance to clinch the 2025 World Championship at Motegi, following his win at the previous round in Misano. He needs a significant points swing in his favor to secure the title this weekend.
Paddock & Technical News
- Alex Márquez to Factory Spec: Gresini Racing confirmed that Alex Márquez will receive a factory-spec Ducati for the 2026 season (referred to as a ‘GP26’ in one source, likely meaning the latest evolution of the bike), aligning his machinery with his brother Marc Márquez and the factory Ducati team’s Pecco Bagnaia.
- Yamaha V4 Engine: At the Misano test (post-San Marino GP), Yamaha tested a new V4-powered YZR-M1 prototype, which has been a major talking point in the paddock as they work on a new engine concept. Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) and other Yamaha riders are focused on getting the new machine developed.
- VR46 Decision: The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team made a surprise revelation that they turned down the opportunity to run two factory-spec Ducatis for the 2026 season.
Rider Market for 2026
While the 2025 grid is nearly finalized (most riders have contracts extending into 2026), the “silly season” is already focused on 2026 and beyond:
- Honda Line-up Confirmed: Luca Marini will remain with the factory Honda HRC Castrol team for 2026, ending months of speculation. Johann Zarco is also confirmed to stay with LCR Honda for 2026 and 2027.
- Pramac Yamaha: Jack Miller is confirmed to stay with Prima Pramac Yamaha for 2026, where he will be partnered with two-time WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.
- Jorge Martin: After earlier speculation, Jorge Martin is confirmed to be staying with Aprilia for the 2026 season.
- Final 2026 Seat: The last remaining unconfirmed seat for 2026 is believed to be at IDEMITSU Honda LCR, currently held by Somkiat Chantra.
Official and General News Sources
- Latest MotoGP News & Race Updates (Motegi GP, Yamaha V4, Alex Marquez Factory Bike):
- Rider Market and Team Line-up News (Jorge Martin, Jack Miller, Final Seat):
Specific Team and Contract News
- Honda’s 2026 Factory Line-up (Luca Marini Confirmation):
- Paddock Rumors and Quick Headlines (VR46 Revelation, Practice Results):
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