Repairs have begun at the Ayrton Senna International Circuit in Goiania following the chaos that plagued MotoGP’s Brazilian Grand Prix in March. The Goias government confirmed asphalt work started Monday, with targeted repairs estimated to take three days. The track must then remain closed for 30 days to allow the new surface to cure properly, keeping Goiania shut until around 10 May.

Maverick Vinales underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to remove a loose screw from his left shoulder, after being forced to withdraw from the US Grand Prix following Friday practice due to severe pain. The Tech3 KTM rider is targeting a return at the Spanish Grand Prix on 25 to 26 April, taking advantage of the extended gap created by the Qatar postponement.

Aprilia’s rise in MotoGP is now backed by strong 2026 results. Marco Bezzecchi has already won multiple races this season, including the United States Grand Prix. Jorge Martin also secured a Sprint victory and finished second in the main race, giving Aprilia a 1-2 finish. In that race Marc Marquez finished fifth after a penalty, while Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia failed to score strongly.  

Giacomo Agostini has revealed what Marc Marquez told him in private about his retirement threshold. Agostini shared that Marquez told him if he had to fight for fifth or sixth place he would retire, because for Marquez the minimum acceptable goal is the podium. After finishing fifth at COTA and sitting 36 points behind Bezzecchi, that conversation is landing differently in 2026.

Marc Marquez told Spanish radio show Onda Cero he would sign to retire right now without any more injuries, adding that when you are injured you are in a cage. The seven time world champion admitted his shoulder surgery affected his pectoral and deltoid muscles, leaving him unable to brake and corner the way he needs to compete at the front.

Yamaha are also targeting Jerez as their moment to fight back. The Japanese manufacturer will not have an upgraded V4 engine ready until the Spanish Grand Prix at the earliest, leaving their riders at a significant top speed disadvantage for the first four rounds of 2026. Jack Miller says Yamaha engineers are heading back to Japan now to push development as hard as possible before Spain.

Fermin Aldeguer is leaving Gresini and joining VR46 for the 2027 MotoGP season. The young Spaniard has agreed a new deal with Ducati that includes a significant increase in salary and bonuses. He stays within the Ducati family but moves up to Valentino Rossi’s team for the start of MotoGP’s 850cc era. His departure leaves Gresini without a rider and, for now, without a bike deal for 2027.

Ducati are planning to bring new upgrades to the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez after a nightmare start to 2026. Test rider Michele Pirro has already been spotted testing new parts at the Spanish circuit. Ducati are allowed one aero upgrade for the season and Jerez is also an official test day, giving them the best chance to close the gap on Aprilia.