Reigning BSB champion Kyle Ryde and teammate Glenn Irwin made their debut on the new Ducati machinery at Donington Park after the Nitrous Competitions team switched from Yamaha to Ducati for 2026. Irwin is much more experienced on Ducati machinery, having finished second in the BSB championship on one in 2023, losing the title by half a point.
Yamaha Motor UK have confirmed they will resurrect a legendary livery at Brands Hatch for the 2026 BSB season, with the announcement coming as Danny Kent led the Yamaha charge on the Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha team’s official debut at the Donington Park pre season test. BSB’s season opener runs at Oulton Park on May 2 to 4.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has hinted that change could be beneficial for Francesco Bagnaia as the two time world champion prepares to leave Ducati and join Aprilia for 2027. Bagnaia’s place at Aprilia is widely understood to be set, with the Bologna factory moving on as Acosta arrives. After crashing out of Brazil and struggling at Austin, 2026 has been one of Bagnaia’s most difficult seasons.
Jorge Martin has warned that Ducati will return to normal at the Spanish GP, saying at Jerez everything will return to normal as the European season begins. Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna branded the US GP a wake up call for the Italian manufacturer, which has just one Sunday Grand Prix podium from the opening three rounds.
Marc Marquez has been training on a Ducati Panigale V2 during the break between Austin and Jerez as he focuses on his shoulder recovery. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed the Bologna factory copied Aprilia’s rear wing concept at COTA, introducing new leg wings to the GP26. The Spanish GP at Jerez runs April 24 to 26., Marquez’s first home race of 2026.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro has shaken down the Bologna factory’s 850cc MotoGP prototype at Misano, with Pirelli sending personnel and 2027 tyre development compounds to support the test. Ducati join KTM and Honda in having run their 850cc prototype on track, leaving Aprilia as the only manufacturer yet to do so. Aprilia’s RS-GP27 debut is expected at a private Jerez test after the Spanish Grand Prix.
The deals are done. Everyone knows it. Pedro Acosta to Ducati. Jorge Martin to Yamaha. Ai Ogura alongside him. David Alonso to Honda. Dani Holgado to Gresini. The paddock has…
Official rider announcements for 2027 remain on hold because the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association and MotoGP Sports Entertainment have yet to sign a new commercial agreement covering the next five years. Despite widespread reports of done deals involving Marquez, Acosta, Martin, Ogura and Alonso, managers confirm there are no written offers in place for several riders still waiting on the market to move.
2026 MotoGP season has produced one of its most unexpected storylines. Fabio Di Giannantonio leads the Ducati contingent after three rounds with 50 points, sitting fourth in the championship ahead of Marc Marquez on 45. The reigning world champion is fifth overall, being outscored by his own satellite rider as the shoulder injury from Indonesia continues to define his season.
Aprilia have completed the most stunning manufacturer takeover in recent MotoGP history. Three rounds into 2026 and the Noale factory have won every single Grand Prix, with Bezzecchi and Martin first and second in the championship. Aprilia have tripled their points tally compared to the same stage last year, leaping from 33 to 101, while Ducati have dropped 42 points year on year. The order has changed.