Maverick Viñales will sit out the British Grand Prix as tests revealed an undiagnosed infraspinatus shoulder tear following his ongoing rehab. Amid mounting rumors surrounding his future with Red Bull KTM Tech3, test rider Pol Espargaró will step in to ride the RC16 at Silverstone while Viñales focuses on recovery.
BMW Motorrad is finalizing a contract extension for Miguel Oliveira while closing in on signing Brad Binder for the 2027 WorldSBK season. The move would reunite the only two race winners in KTM’s MotoGP history, creating an all-star factory lineup as BMW looks to maintain championship contention amidst a major paddock reshuffle.
Dorna Sports has announced that the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, will officially host the opening round of the 2027 MotoGP World Championship. The event will mark the historic debut of the new 850cc engine regulations and Pirelli tyres for the championship’s 79th official season.
Liberty Media is reportedly planning demonstration runs featuring MotoGP and Formula 1 machinery during the Austin race weekend later this year. The event aims to strengthen the relationship between the two championships following Liberty’s acquisition of MotoGP. While details are still being finalised, the showcase could bring fans of both series together for a unique motorsport spectacle.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner has revealed he underwent spinal surgery three months ago to treat an injury that dated back to 2003. Stoner said the problem had affected him for years before finally deciding to have the operation. The Australian is now recovering and shared the update while reflecting on the long-term physical impact of his racing career.
Aruba Racing Ducati has officially confirmed that Iker Lecuona will remain with the team for the 2027 and 2028 WorldSBK seasons. The new two-year agreement rewards the Spaniard’s strong performances and gives Ducati continuity as it looks to challenge for future championships. Lecuona recently claimed his maiden WorldSBK victory at Donington Park and will continue leading the factory team’s efforts.
Honda Racing Corporation has officially confirmed the signing of Fabio Quartararo for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons. The 2021 MotoGP World Champion will join the factory Honda HRC team as the championship enters its new 850cc era in 2027. Quartararo leaves Yamaha after eight seasons, bringing an impressive record of 11 wins, 32 podiums and 21 pole positions to Honda.
Tech3 KTM team boss Guenther Steiner has officially ruled out signing Brad Binder for the 2027 850cc regulations era. Despite Binder’s long-standing ten-year loyalty to the KTM group, Steiner insisted that Tech3 wants a completely "fresh start" without carrying over any "old baggage" or historical habits from the factory team's past structures.
Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi believes the machinery between Ducati and Aprilia is now equal and that the riders will decide the 2026 MotoGP championship in the second half of the season. He pointed to Marquez’s 119 points from the last four rounds compared to just 57 in his opening four before surgery, saying the reigning champion is operating at a different level right now. Dall’Igna added Marquez never stops refining his mastery, calling his style optimised, sublime and elegant.
Reigning BSB champion Kyle Ryde claimed his ninth victory of the 2026 season in a dramatic, red-flagged opening race at Brands Hatch. Starting from pole with a record-breaking lap, Ryde trailed Ducati rival Scott Redding before striking on lap 15. A late crash for Eugene McManus cut the grandstand finish short with two laps remaining.