Max Biaggi has backed Marc Marquez to win the 2026 MotoGP title despite the Spaniard failing to reach the Grand Prix podium in either of the opening two rounds. The Aprilia ambassador told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Ducati and Marquez remain the favourites, adding that beating Marquez is difficult and becomes even harder if he has the best bike. Bezzecchi leads by 11. COTA starts Friday.

MotoGP Race Direction has completed its investigation into the Brazil track chaos at Goiania, confirming all issues will be rectified before the 2027 return. Saturday’s sinkhole was caused by an undocumented old sewage system collapsing beneath the surface, while Sunday’s asphalt degradation at Turns 11 and 12 resulted from significant heat and track activity after the Moto2 race. The circuit had not even wanted to host MotoGP until 2027.

MotoGP introduces the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup at COTA this weekend, a brand new support series featuring heavily modified Road Glide touring machines producing over 200 horsepower. Nine riders across four teams take part, with two races running on Saturday alongside the MotoGP Sprint. All nine riders completed the first ever official test at COTA last weekend, covering 578 timed laps. Bagger racing going global.

Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi has issued a stark warning after two rounds of Aprilia dominance. “We can’t always rely on Marc’s talent to make up for our shortcomings,” he said after Brazil. “Our rivals have improved significantly and now we must prove Ducati can close the gap.” Bagnaia has zero race points from two rounds. Marquez is still recovering from shoulder surgery. The pressure is on.

Pertamina Enduro VR46 unveiled their special USGP livery from the top of the Edge observation deck in New York on Tuesday, ahead of this weekend’s Americas Grand Prix at COTA. Designed by Aldo Drudi and Drudi Performance, the one-off scheme pays tribute to American culture and will appear on both Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli’s Ducatis on Sunday only. Valentino Rossi’s team know how to arrive in style.

MotoGP heads to Austin this weekend for Round 3 at COTA, March 27 to 29. Marco Bezzecchi leads the championship but finished just sixth at COTA last year. Marc Marquez has won there eight times, including Sprints, and arrives 22 points off the lead. Pedro Acosta has already flagged the two long straights as a concern for KTM. Aprilia versus Ducati. The gloves are off.