Pedro Acosta says KTM has improved its 2026 MotoGP bike but doubts it can win early races. After pre-season testing, he described Ducati as even more dominant and also highlighted Aprilia’s strong pace. The Spaniard was encouraged by simulations yet admitted the RC16 still needs development before consistently challenging at the front.
Aprilia ended pre-season testing fastest at Buriram, with Marco Bezzecchi leading team-mate Ai Ogura in a 1-2 result. Marc Márquez placed third despite crashing during a long run. Pecco Bagnaia was fourth, while Yamaha remained off the pace. Testing concluded ahead of the Thailand season opener next weekend.
Francesco Bagnaia says Ducati’s 2026 MotoGP bike feels different but better suited to his riding style than last year’s machine. After pre-season testing he reported improved confidence and pace, although he still wants more consistency under braking. The Italian finished the Buriram test near the front and believes preparations have gone more smoothly than a year ago.
Fabio Quartararo believes Yamaha will need several months before its new V4 MotoGP bike becomes competitive. After pre-season testing, he said the team is still lacking pace, grip and turning performance, and currently sits well behind rivals. The French rider expects 2026 to be mainly a development year rather than one focused on victories or podium results.
Nicolo Bulega won Race 2 at Phillip Island to complete a clean sweep of the opening WorldSBK round. The Ducati rider mastered wet conditions to take his third victory of the weekend. Axel Bassani finished second and Alvaro Bautista secured third, giving Barni Ducati its first podium of the season.
Nicolo Bulega won Race 2 at Phillip Island to complete a clean sweep of the opening WorldSBK weekend. The Ducati rider secured victories in all three races of the round. Alvaro Bautista also reached the podium, giving the Barni Ducati team its first top-three finish of the season at the Australian circuit.
Marc Márquez says his physical condition has influenced negotiations over a new MotoGP contract with Ducati. The team prefers a two-year extension, but the Spaniard has been cautious after his shoulder injury and wants to be sure about his fitness first. He added that if recovery continues to improve, committing to a longer agreement would not be a problem.
Yamaha faced another difficult test with its new V4 MotoGP bike at Buriram. Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins reported problems with power, traction and consistency, leaving the team far from the front. Riders say a stable setup has not yet been found, though Jack Miller noted small improvements and believes development is moving in the right direction.
Pedro Acosta says KTM has improved but may not be ready to win races at the start of the 2026 MotoGP season. After pre-season testing, he described Ducati and Aprilia as the current reference manufacturers. Acosta was encouraged by sprint simulations but admitted the RC16 still needs development before consistently challenging at the front.
Nicolo Bulega claimed victory in the WorldSBK Superpole Race at Phillip Island after recovering from a slow start to retake the lead within four laps. Axel Bassani finished second, while Alex Lowes held off Yari Montella for third. The result marked Bulega’s second win of the opening weekend and his fifth consecutive victory at the Australian circuit.