Fabio Quartararo is at a crossroads. The 2021 MotoGP World Champion is entering what many consider the most important decision of his career and the clock is ticking.After another frustrating season watching rivals disappear into the distance on superior machinery, the question is no longer whether Yamaha’s bike is competitive. It clearly isn’t. The real question is: does Quartararo believe…
Yamaha reportedly worried Fabio Quartararo could speak angrily to the media after a frustrating Thailand Grand Prix. The French rider struggled for pace all weekend as the Yamaha bikes failed to compete near the front. Team staff were concerned his strong emotions after the race could lead to harsh comments about the bike and create controversy.
Honda HRC will field Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra at the upcoming WorldSBK Portimao test. Chantra returns after arm surgery forced him to miss the Australian round, while Jake Dixon continues recovering from a fractured wrist. Dixon’s rehabilitation is progressing well, but the Portuguese test comes too soon for his return.
MotoGP rookie Diogo Moreira finished 13th in both the Thai Sprint and Grand Prix, scoring his first premier-class points with LCR Honda. The Brazilian spent much of the race following team-mate Johann Zarco to learn race pace and tyre management. Moreira later battled Enea Bastianini late in the race and called his debut weekend a valuable learning experience.
Aprilia has introduced a Formula 1-inspired F-duct on its MotoGP bike to improve aerodynamics. The system channels air through ducts in the fairing and changes airflow when the rider tucks on the straight. This reduces drag to increase top speed, while normal airflow returns during braking and cornering for stability and grip.
Marc Marquez says he feels proud but also emotional when young riders say he inspired them to race in MotoGP. Speaking at an event in Spain, the Ducati rider praised the new generation but rejected comparisons with Pedro Acosta, noting he won the title in his first MotoGP season in 2013. Marquez also said he won’t discuss contract plans until fully fit.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta says it will be difficult to hold the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 12 April. Despite the uncertainty around the event, MotoGP has no plans to move the race to another circuit. Ezpeleta confirmed the championship would simply continue with the next scheduled round if Qatar cannot take place.
Marc Marquez has been nominated for the 2026 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award after his 2025 MotoGP title comeback. The Spaniard joins a shortlist including Carlos Alcaraz, Mondo Duplantis, Ousmane Dembele, Tadej Pogacar and Jannik Sinner. Marquez said the nomination still gives him the same “buzz” as his first recognition 12 years ago
Francesco Bagnaia said he is “not that worried” after a difficult start to the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand. The Ducati rider qualified 13th and finished ninth after struggling with rear tyre control and race pace. Despite the result, Bagnaia believes the weekend provides a starting point and says the team must improve performance in upcoming races.
Yamaha stopped its MotoGP riders from speaking to the press following a difficult Thailand Grand Prix. Instead, senior management addressed reporters after all four bikes finished outside the top positions. The team admitted it faces a major development gap with the new V4 project and warned progress will take time.