2026 MOTOGP: All you need to know

MotoGP arrives at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Austria at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on 18-20 September with one of the closest championship battles in recent memory.

After the dramatic San Marino Grand Prix, defending champion Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin are level at the top of the standings on 274 points, setting up a crucial weekend in Austria.

WHY AUSTRIA MATTERS

The Red Bull Ring is renowned for heavy braking zones, long straights and close finishes. Ducati traditionally performs strongly here, making the circuit a potentially ideal battleground for Marquez, while Martin and Bezzecchi will look to continue Aprilia's title challenge.

The Austrian round is Round 15 of a 22-round campaign, meaning every point gained or lost could have a decisive impact on the championship run-in.

CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

With Sprint and Grand Prix points available, a rider can score a maximum of 37 points during the weekend.

Marc Marquez

Arrives tied for the championship lead. If he outscores Martin by even one point across the weekend, he leaves Austria as sole championship leader.

A perfect 37-point haul would move him to 311 points.

Jorge Martin

Also enters tied on 274 points. Any points advantage over Marquez would return him to outright championship leadership.

Martin has consistently been one of the strongest Sprint performers this season, which could prove critical.

Marco Bezzecchi

Trails the joint leaders by 33 points. He can leave Austria leading the championship, but would require a near-perfect weekend combined with significant losses for both Marquez and Martin.

A maximum 37 points would take him to 278, meaning he needs the leaders to score four points or fewer across the weekend for him to emerge on top.

Fabio Di Giannantonio

Sits 51 points behind the lead. Mathematically remains in contention but cannot leave Austria leading the standings.

RIDERS TO WATCH

Marc Marquez (Ducati)

Fresh from victory at Misano, Marquez has transformed the title race and now carries significant momentum to a circuit that traditionally suits Ducati machinery.

Jorge Martin (Aprilia)

The Aprilia rider continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency and knows that matching or beating Marquez in Austria could shift the psychological advantage back in his favour.

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)

After remaining firmly in the title hunt for most of the season, Bezzecchi must minimise the gap to the two leaders before the championship enters its final stretch.

Pedro Acosta (KTM)

Racing at KTM's home circuit, Acosta will be eager to deliver a standout result in front of the Austrian manufacturer and its fans.

CALENDAR 2026 (all times CAT, GMT+2)

UP NEXT

Austrian GP (Spielberg), 20 Sept

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UPCOMING RACES

Japanese GP (Motegi), 4 Oct
Indonesian GP (Mandalika), 11 Oct
Australian GP (Phillip Island), 25 Oct
Malaysian GP (Sepang), 1 Nov
Portuguese GP (Portimão), 15 Nov
Valencia GP (Circuit Ricardo Tormo), 22 Nov

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COMPLETED RACES

1. THAILAND - 1 March