Five time world champion Jorge Lorenzo believes Honda and Yamaha will return to MotoGP’s front row despite years of pain. The Japanese giants have not won a premier class title since 2021. Both sit at the bottom of the constructors standings. Lorenzo, now coaching Maverick Vinales at Tech3 KTM, pointed to Honda’s improved 2025 form as proof. “They always come back,” he said. “Because they have the power, the history, the budget.”
Southern 100 Racing is hosting its 2026 Media Launch on Saturday April 25 at the Civic Centre in Castletown, with major announcements, rider interviews and key updates for the Billown Course season ahead. The evening will include sponsorship announcements and official schedule confirmations for the Blackford Financial Services Pre-TT Classic races as well as the main Southern 100 event. Manx Radio will provide live coverage online and on AM 1368 for those unable to attend in person.
Banbridge rider Shaun Anderson has signed with Rico Penzkofer’s Penz13 team for TT 2026, switching from Suzuki to BMW machinery aboard the M1000RR. Anderson is a 130mph Club member with five top ten finishes and 28 top 20s on the Mountain Course. Penz13 are twice IRRC Superbike Champions and Superstock TT podium finishers. Anderson described it as the start of a new project with a new team and manufacturer.
The RAF Red Arrows will return to the Isle of Man TT on Thursday June 4, performing over Douglas Bay at 7:30pm. The display is a TT tradition that turns Douglas Bay into a spectacle as the daredevil pilots perform over the Manx capital. This year’s TT runs from May 25 to June 6. The top 20 seeded riders for 2026 will be revealed in the final week of April, with race week building fast across the island.
Ducati hit Misano this week for the first public shakedown of its new 850cc prototype. Veteran test rider Michele Pirro debuted the Desmosedici GP27 during a private event. The machine features simplified aerodynamics and zero ride height devices to meet 2027 regulations. Pirelli tyres also made an appearance. This move confirms the Italian factory remains ahead of the technical curve.
Alex Marquez remains a core part of Ducati development despite his confirmed 2027 move to KTM. The Gresini rider currently works on the GP26 machine to help the Italian brand catch a dominant Aprilia. Marquez believes his future switch will not limit his technical influence. Ducati continues to trust the 2025 runner up as they fight to regain the MotoGP crown.
Nicolo Bulega may find it difficult to secure a Ducati MotoGP seat for 2027 despite testing the brand’s future 850cc prototype and showing strong form in World Superbike. Most Desmosedici seats are expected to remain occupied under current contracts, leaving limited opportunities for the Italian rider to move into MotoGP in the next rider market cycle.
KTM boss Pit Beirer has launched a furious attack on MotoGP’s tyre pressure rules, calling them “simply absurd” after Pedro Acosta was dropped from third to eighth in the COTA Sprint with an eight second post race penalty. Beirer told Speedweek the rule “needs to be changed or abolished.” Even the FIM president admitted on the grid the rule needs immediate reform.
The Supertwin class at TT 2026 has been replaced by the new Sportbike TT, with BSB Sportbike machines eligible for the first time including the Triumph Daytona 660, CFMoto 675SR-R, Suzuki GSX-8R and Honda Hornet 750, opening the class to a wider range of machinery than ever before at the Mountain Course.
Amazon MGM is producing a TT feature film and documentary series about the Isle of Man TT in 2026, adding a Hollywood dimension to what is already one of motorcycle racing’s most dramatic events. Keanu Reeves’ Arch Racing team is also eyeing a TT entry, increasing the global profile of the event significantly ahead of the May 25 start.

