Binder: KTM Upgrades Feel Better But Career Still on the Line Heading to Le Mans

Brad Binder said new KTM upgrades at the Jerez test have improved the bike’s cornering behaviour in the middle and second half of corners, where they have been losing time all season. He also tested a new WP Suspension rear shock that was a step forward in every way, helping both corner exit and rear wheel stability on entry. Binder acknowledged the changes do not make him faster yet but said the bike feels better.

Three Seconds Off Current Pole: Bulega’s Mugello 850cc Lap Time Puts 2027 Era in Perspective

Nicolo Bulega completed 20 laps at Mugello on Monday on his 850cc Ducati MotoGP debut, setting a best time of 1:47.2 in the afternoon session. He ended the day quickest, 0.4 seconds clear of factory test rider Michele Pirro and 1.3 seconds ahead of KTM’s Dani Pedrosa. The lap sits three seconds slower than Marc Marquez’s Mugello pole time on the current 1000cc machine, broadly in line with FIM predictions for the new 850cc era.

MotoGP manufacturers boycott Jerez gala in aggressive push for F1-style profits

Tensions between Carmelo Ezpeleta and MotoGP manufacturers have reached a breaking point ahead of Le Mans. Teams, led by Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola and negotiator Lin Jarvis, are demanding an F1-style 50% profit-sharing model for the 2027–2031 cycle. Ezpeleta is reportedly "annoyed" by these aggressive tactics, including a recent high-profile dinner boycott in Jerez that snubbed Liberty Media executives. 

Quartararo Teases Special Le Mans Livery as French GP Home Race Builds

Fabio Quartararo teased “something special” for his home French Grand Prix at Le Mans this weekend in an official Yamaha preview, saying he is curious to see how the Jerez test improvements translate to the French circuit. The something special refers to a special one-off livery for his M1, a tradition Quartararo has kept at Le Mans in recent years. A new Yamaha engine is not expected until after the French Grand Prix.

Joan Mir searches for Honda breakthrough at French Grand Prix

Joan Mir heads to France hoping to build on small electronic and acceleration gains made during the Jerez test. The 2020 champion has endured a difficult start to 2026, sitting 18th in the standings. Mir remains the lead development rider for HRC, focusing on setup parameters that could provide short-term gains at the physically demanding Le Mans circuit.

Marc Marquez armed with new Ducati upgrades for Le Mans redemption

Marc Marquez looks to bounce back at Le Mans after a frustrating DNF in the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite winning two Sprints this year, the nine-time champion sits fifth in the standings. Following a Jerez test where he was the fastest Ducati, Marquez is optimistic that new fairing and chassis upgrades have fixed his front-end feeling issues. 

Brad Binder eyes top five return at Le Mans with technical upgrades

Brad Binder heads to Le Mans armed with a new aero package and rear shock designed to improve turning. The KTM star showed flashes of speed with a P4 in the Jerez Sprint but is looking for Sunday consistency. Currently 12th in the standings, Binder aims to use the RC16’s improved stability to hunt for his first 2026 podium.

Fabio Quartararo targets home glory at Le Mans after Jerez test breakthrough

Home hero Fabio Quartararo arrives at Le Mans seeking a breakthrough for the Yamaha V4 project. After finding gains in front-end feeling during the Jerez test, the Frenchman is managing expectations for a podium. With his 2027 Honda move already confirmed, Quartararo is focused on delivering a result for his massive home crowd despite Yamaha’s current development hurdles. 

Oliveira Out of Most With Fractured Scapula as Van der Mark Steps In for BMW

Miguel Oliveira will miss the WorldSBK round at Most after suffering a fractured scapula, broken ribs, shoulder tendon damage and concussion in the Superpole Race crash at Balaton Park. Michael van der Mark steps in on the BMW M1000RR at Most on May 15 to 17. Oliveira said he knows his bike is in good hands, while van der Mark confirmed he will be ready and give everything to support BMW and collect as many points as possible.

Dunlop Chases Ninth Straight Supersport TT Win as 2026 Top 20 Confirmed

Michael Dunlop has gone unbeaten in the TT Supersport class since racing resumed in 2022 and seeds sixth for 2026. Mike Browne leads the class from number one on Yamaha R9 machinery making its Mountain Course debut, with Paul Jordan second on a Ducati after switching from Honda. Dean Harrison is third for Honda with Jamie Coward fourth, while Dunlop’s MD Racing Ducati gives him a shot at a record ninth consecutive Supersport win.