Here we go again. Seven grands prix in nine weeks, and the magnificent chaos of the flyaway tour is officially underway as MotoGP lands in the world’s largest capital. Before the weekend goes green tomorrow, Thursday's media day in the paddock brought an absolute flood of storylines, tension, and a glimpse into the future.
Tokyo served up a Tuesday to remember with Ai Ogura, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Quartararo headlining the city's welcome. Meanwhile, a special visit saw MotoGP’s Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta and home-hero Ai Ogura make a pitstop at Japan’s Sports Agency en-route to Motegi as the country gears up for its annual MotoGP festival.
The championship math is getting wild. With seven rounds remaining and anything capable of happening, Bezzecchi sits 42 back in the title race, forcing everyone to ask how the once long-time championship leader is feeling ahead of this final stint and whether he remains a true contender.
Up at the sharp end, the reigning champion Marc Marquez rules out nobody in a tense title fight where Aprilia and KTM sandwich Ducati. With three riders keeping him honest, the #93 touches back down at the scene of title celebrations in 2025 having 12 points to make up. Jorge Martin is relishing this battle for the Tower of Champions against Marc Marquez, setting up a tasty clash between the 2024 World Champion and the reigning World Champion as we hurtle toward the final chequered flag of the season. Martin, Acosta, and Ogura all weighed in during the Thursday press conference, tackling title fight talk, first victory emotions, and home crowd hopes.
There is relief further down the pitlane too, because Mav’s back. Viñales returns at Motegi following his injury layoff, and the Spaniard will hope to get more points on the board in the final stint of 2026.
And if that wasn't enough to digest on a Thursday, the 2027 calendar dropped. MotoGP's world tour will feature 22 grands prix across 5 continents, including a return to iconic Buenos Aires and a first-time visit to Adelaide. Bring it on.
