Ducati recalled swingarms from some of its customer WorldSBK teams at Assen over what were described as critical issues. The recall affected satellite Panigale V4 R squads during the Dutch Round weekend. The factory Aruba.it machines of Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona were unaffected, with Bulega going on to win Race 1. The issue added significant behind the scenes drama to an already chaotic weekend.

Jorge Martin credits Aprilia’s updated aerodynamics and a completely different braking technique for his surge in 2026 MotoGP form. The 2024 world champion has stood on the podium in each of the last four races, including a Sprint win at COTA. Even Pecco Bagnaia acknowledged the progress, telling Martin at the COTA podium that Aprilia had become seriously strong under braking. Martin now sits second in the championship.

Scott Redding says being British is a disadvantage in MotoGP, pointing to the financial and geographical advantages Spanish and Italian riders enjoy. Speaking on the Full Chat podcast, the BSB star questioned why Alex Rins holds a factory Yamaha seat despite inconsistency and injuries, suggesting nationality plays a role. In 2026, Britain has no riders in MotoGP or Moto2. Redding calls the situation crazy.

Miguel Oliveira finished seventh in WorldSBK Race 1 at Assen, 18 seconds off the lead, and admitted his gap to the leaders is just too big. The BMW rookie had qualified 13th after a difficult practice weekend. Despite three podiums at his home round in Portimao, Oliveira drops to third in the standings after Saturday. Assen has exposed the limits of the BMW package on a dry technical circuit.

Jonathan Rea is standing in for Jake Dixon at HRC Honda this weekend at Assen, having also covered the Portimao round. The Northern Irish veteran has not cracked the top 15 all weekend, finishing 17th in FP3. His regular teammate Somkiat Chantra was also ruled out for Saturday after a painful FP3 crash left him with lower back and leg injuries. A tough weekend for the Honda garage.

Sam Lowes claimed his first podium of the 2026 WorldSBK season with third place in Race 1 at Assen, pulling level on championship points with twin brother Alex. Lowes had qualified on the front row, splitting the two factory Aruba Ducatis in Superpole. The Marc VDS rider has been knocking on the door all season. Assen finally delivered the result his pace deserved.

Nicolo Bulega extends his unbeaten WorldSBK start to seven consecutive wins after taking Race 1 at Assen. Teammate Iker Lecuona used a rain shower to catch and pass Bulega but eventually had to settle for a fourth successive runner up finish. Sam Lowes claimed his first podium of the season in third. Bulega now leads the championship by 61 points.

Marc Marquez says talks with Ducati have been positive and both sides already agree on most important points of a new deal. Marquez is pushing for a one year extension with an option for a second year, while Ducati prefer a straight two year commitment through 2028. His shoulder recovery has been a key factor in his reluctance to commit long term. A deal looks close. The details are the sticking point.