In a few days, MotoGP will return with the smell of petrol and the roar of engines, after a winter break conducive to rumours and speculation. The 2026 season promises to be particularly captivating, as it will mark a major turning point in the history of the championship with a profoundly revised regulation. In the meantime, the teams, numbering 11, are preparing to battle on the track, armed with brand new machines.
The teams and the distribution of bikes
The hierarchy on the grid remains stable, with Ducati in pole position. The Italian manufacturer lines up six bikes, four of which will be 2026 models, reserved for the famous Márquez brothers, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Franco Morbidelli and Fermín Aldeguer, on the other hand, will ride 2025 models, a choice that could cost them dearly against the sharpened competition.
The other brands, Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, and Honda, each retain four machines. This status quo suggests a fierce battle on the circuits, where each manufacturer will try to carve out their niche in a context where performance is more crucial than ever.
The newcomers: Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira
This season marks the arrival of two rookie riders who bring with them a touch of exoticism. Toprak Razgatlioglu, the undeniably talented Turk, has opted for number 7, which he wore early in his career, his emblematic 54 already being assigned. Diogo Moreira, the promising Brazilian, has chosen number 11, thus aligning himself behind another talented rider whose 10 was already taken. These two rookies are not here to make up the numbers; they are eager to shake up the established order.
The absence of the number 1 symbol
The 2026 season is also marked by the absence of number 1 on the fairings. Marc Márquez remains loyal to his iconic 93, a choice that reflects his attachment to his identity. Jorge Martín, for his part, sports the 89, a number with which he has had much more success than when he wore the world champion number. These personal choices reveal the importance of symbolism in the world of MotoGP, where each number tells a story.
15 world champions, an unprecedented feat!
With the arrival of Razgatlioglu and Moreira, the 2026 season stands out with an exceptionally prestigious line-up: no fewer than 15 of the 22 registered riders boast at least one world title to their name. This is a true record! To give an idea, the last seasons had seen a maximum presence of 14 champions in 2022. Never before has MotoGP welcomed so many titleholders on the grid.
These 15 champions, collectively holding 32 world titles, send shivers of anticipation. Among them, five have already been crowned in MotoGP: Marc Márquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo, and Joan Mir. The rivalry promises to be thrilling, and each race could well be a memorable chapter in the history of this sport.
The MotoGP grid at a glance
To better understand what awaits us, here is an overview of the teams and riders that will make up the grid in 2026:
- Ducati: Marc Márquez (93), Pecco Bagnaia (63), Fabio Di Giannantonio (49), Franco Morbidelli (21), Fermín Aldeguer (48)
- Aprilia: Aleix Espargaró (41), Maverick Viñales (12), Lorenzo Savadori (32)
- KTM: Brad Binder (33), Jack Miller (43), Miguel Oliveira (88)
- Yamaha: Fabio Quartararo (20), Jorge Martín (89), Franco Morbidelli (21)
- Honda: Joan Mir (36), Marc Márquez (93), Álex Rins (42)
- New riders: Toprak Razgatlioglu (7), Diogo Moreira (11)
This impressive line-up is not just a simple list of names; it is a true festival of talent that will clash on the most beautiful tracks in the world. Every turn, every overtaking will be closely scrutinised by millions of passionate fans.
