Ducati, Aprilia, and Honda were set for changes to their MotoGP concession rankings following the summer break, officials said Thursday. The adjustments, based on the manufacturers? points scored during the second half of the previous season and the first half of the current season, will affect their testing and development allowances under the sport?s concession system.
Ducati will drop from Rank A to Rank B in the MotoGP concession system for the remainder of the 2026 season, officials confirmed Thursday. This change follows the summer break recalculation, which evaluates manufacturers? points scored during the second half of the previous season and the first half of the current season. The demotion to Rank B increases Ducati?s allocation of private testing tires from 75 to 84 and reinstates its eligibility for up to three wildcard entries after about two and a half years without any under Rank A, according to MotoGP records.
Ducati, the reigning champions, had maintained Rank A by scoring approximately 96% of the maximum possible constructors? points.
Aprilia will move up from Rank C to Rank B following the same mid-season concession review, sources confirmed. Prior to the adjustment, Aprilia shared Rank C with KTM and Honda, which provided moderate concessions including 93 testing tires and six wildcard slots. The upgrade to Rank B reduces Aprilia?s testing tires from 93 to 84 and cuts its wildcard allowance from six to three for the rest of the season, aligning its concessions with other Rank B manufacturers like Ducati. Despite the change, Aprilia?s engine homologation rules and basic testing rights remain similar to Rank C, with the main differences being the reduction in testing tires and wildcards, according to official MotoGP concession documents.
Honda, which began the 2026 season having moved up from Rank D to Rank C, will revert to Rank D after the summer break, regaining full concession access for the remainder of the year. This downgrade increases Honda?s private testing tire allocation from 93 to 115, the highest in the field, and restores its ability to conduct private tests with contracted race riders at any Grand Prix circuit, subject only to a 14-day blackout period before events at those tracks. Rank D also grants Honda expanded freedoms for engine changes, in-season engine development, aerodynamic updates, and a larger wildcard quota than higher-ranked competitors, officials said.
The concession system, introduced in 2024, ranks manufacturers from A to D based on the percentage of maximum constructors? points scored within defined evaluation windows. The summer break recalculation uses data from the second half of the previous season combined with the first half of the current season?in this case, from the first race after the 2025 summer break in Spielberg through the last Grand Prix before the 2026 summer break at the Sachsenring in Germany. Points are calculated solely from the top-finishing bike per manufacturer in each Sprint and Grand Prix and converted into a percentage to determine the appropriate rank, according to MotoGP technical guidelines.
The rank assigned determines the manufacturer?s concessions package, which includes the number of test tires allowed, wildcard entries, permitted engine development, aerodynamic updates, and private testing rights. Rank A carries the fewest concessions, while Rank D offers the most extensive testing and development freedoms. Ducati?s shift from A to B narrows its disadvantage in testing compared to rivals, Aprilia?s move from C to B slightly reduces its mid-tier benefits, and Honda?s drop from C to D significantly expands its development tools, according to analysis by Motorsport.com and official MotoGP sources.
The concession system is designed to encourage manufacturers toward the mid-range Ranks B and C, with Rank A imposing heavy restrictions on dominant teams and Rank D providing maximum freedom to those with weaker results. The system has notably benefited Japanese manufacturers Honda and Yamaha when in Rank D, allowing them broad engine development and testing allowances to recover competitiveness, records show.
The current concession framework will conclude at the end of the 2026 season, with new technical regulations set to take effect in 2027. Under the new rules, all manufacturers will start from a common baseline in Rank B, effectively resetting the concessions landscape for the new technical era, according to official MotoGP announcements. The mid-season recalculations, such as the one completed this week, serve as the final adjustments before the system?s retirement.
Ducati, Aprilia, and Honda were set for changes to their MotoGP concession rankings following the summer break, officials said Thursday. The adjustments, based on the manufacturers? points scored during the second half of the previous season and the first half of the current season, will affect their testing and development allowances under the sport?s concession system.
Ducati will drop from Rank A to Rank B in the MotoGP concession system for the remainder of the 2026 season, officials confirmed Thursday. This change follows the summer break recalculation, which evaluates manufacturers? points scored during the second half of the previous season and the first half of the current season. The demotion to Rank B increases Ducati?s allocation of private testing tires from 75 to 84 and reinstates its eligibility for up to three wildcard entries after about two and a half years without any under Rank A, according to MotoGP records.
Ducati, the reigning champions, had maintained Rank A by scoring approximately 96% of the maximum possible constructors? points.
Aprilia will move up from Rank C to Rank B following the same mid-season concession review, sources confirmed. Prior to the adjustment, Aprilia shared Rank C with KTM and Honda, which provided moderate concessions including 93 testing tires and six wildcard slots. The upgrade to Rank B reduces Aprilia?s testing tires from 93 to 84 and cuts its wildcard allowance from six to three for the rest of the season, aligning its concessions with other Rank B manufacturers like Ducati. Despite the change, Aprilia?s engine homologation rules and basic testing rights remain similar to Rank C, with the main differences being the reduction in testing tires and wildcards, according to official MotoGP concession documents.
Honda, which began the 2026 season having moved up from Rank D to Rank C, will revert to Rank D after the summer break, regaining full concession access for the remainder of the year. This downgrade increases Honda?s private testing tire allocation from 93 to 115, the highest in the field, and restores its ability to conduct private tests with contracted race riders at any Grand Prix circuit, subject only to a 14-day blackout period before events at those tracks. Rank D also grants Honda expanded freedoms for engine changes, in-season engine development, aerodynamic updates, and a larger wildcard quota than higher-ranked competitors, officials said.
The concession system, introduced in 2024, ranks manufacturers from A to D based on the percentage of maximum constructors? points scored within defined evaluation windows. The summer break recalculation uses data from the second half of the previous season combined with the first half of the current season?in this case, from the first race after the 2025 summer break in Spielberg through the last Grand Prix before the 2026 summer break at the Sachsenring in Germany. Points are calculated solely from the top-finishing bike per manufacturer in each Sprint and Grand Prix and converted into a percentage to determine the appropriate rank, according to MotoGP technical guidelines.
The rank assigned determines the manufacturer?s concessions package, which includes the number of test tires allowed, wildcard entries, permitted engine development, aerodynamic updates, and private testing rights. Rank A carries the fewest concessions, while Rank D offers the most extensive testing and development freedoms. Ducati?s shift from A to B narrows its disadvantage in testing compared to rivals, Aprilia?s move from C to B slightly reduces its mid-tier benefits, and Honda?s drop from C to D significantly expands its development tools, according to analysis by Motorsport.com and official MotoGP sources.
The concession system is designed to encourage manufacturers toward the mid-range Ranks B and C, with Rank A imposing heavy restrictions on dominant teams and Rank D providing maximum freedom to those with weaker results. The system has notably benefited Japanese manufacturers Honda and Yamaha when in Rank D, allowing them broad engine development and testing allowances to recover competitiveness, records show.
The current concession framework will conclude at the end of the 2026 season, with new technical regulations set to take effect in 2027. Under the new rules, all manufacturers will start from a common baseline in Rank B, effectively resetting the concessions landscape for the new technical era, according to official MotoGP announcements. The mid-season recalculations, such as the one completed this week, serve as the final adjustments before the system?s retirement.
Francesco ?Pecco? Bagnaia underwent endoscopic fasciotomy surgery on his right forearm at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena in Italy during the MotoGP summer break, team officials said. The procedure was performed to treat compartment syndrome, a recurring condition affecting Bagnaia?s performance, and was completed successfully without complications, according to Ducati Lenovo Team.
The surgery was performed on Wednesday, July 15, immediately following the German Grand Prix and ahead of the three-week MotoGP summer break, Ducati Lenovo Team officials said. Ducati?s official statement confirmed the procedure was successful and completed without complications.
The operation took place at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena in Italy, under the supervision of Professor Luigi Tarallo, head of the medical team, with the clinic directed by Professor Fabio Catani.
Bagnaia?s endoscopic fasciotomy targeted a recurring case of forearm compartment syndrome, a condition commonly experienced by MotoGP riders due to the intense physical demands of braking and steering. The minimally invasive surgery aimed to relieve pressure within the muscle compartments of Bagnaia?s right forearm, which had been affecting his performance and endurance on the track, according to Ducati and reports from Motorsport.com. The team indicated that the procedure should reduce pain, arm fatigue, and improve Bagnaia?s consistency over race distances once fully recovered.
Following the operation, Bagnaia has begun a structured recovery and rehabilitation program overseen by specialist orthopedic staff at Modena, Ducati officials said. Rehabilitation commenced immediately during the summer break, with the goal of restoring Bagnaia to full fitness by early August. Ducati emphasized that his participation in the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, scheduled for August 7?9, will depend on the progress of his post-operative recovery and medical assessments. The team described Silverstone as the target event for Bagnaia?s return to competition, with plans to leverage the three-week pause to maximize his recovery.
The timing of the surgery was strategically chosen to minimize missed race events, as the summer break follows the German round and precedes the European portion of the MotoGP calendar. Ducati?s statement noted that Bagnaia will ?try to return to the track? at Silverstone, highlighting that his readiness will be evaluated through ongoing post-operative monitoring. Motorsport.com reported that his ability to race will be contingent on how well his arm responds to rehabilitation.
Forearm compartment syndrome, the condition treated in this surgery, occurs when increased pressure within the muscle compartments restricts blood flow and nerve function, leading to pain and impaired muscle performance. Italian media have described this syndrome as a frequent issue among MotoGP riders due to the extreme physical stresses of the sport. The endoscopic fasciotomy procedure is designed to decompress the affected compartments, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving physical endurance during races, according to medical sources and Ducati?s communication.
Bagnaia, a leading championship contender for the Ducati Lenovo Team, faces a critical period in the 2024 MotoGP season, with the Silverstone round marking the start of the second half of the World Championship. Ducati officials underlined that addressing Bagnaia?s forearm issue now is essential to preserving his competitiveness for the remainder of the season. The team has a history of managing rider injuries through coordinated medical and sporting strategies, and this surgery is part of that ongoing approach.
The recovery plan includes regular post-operative assessments to determine Bagnaia?s fitness to compete, with the objective of having him fully prepared for the remainder of the championship after Silverstone. Ducati?s official release stated that the rider is expected to use the full duration of the summer break to rehabilitate ?al 100%,? aiming for a return to peak performance as the season resumes.
Francesco ?Pecco? Bagnaia underwent endoscopic fasciotomy surgery on his right forearm at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena in Italy during the MotoGP summer break, team officials said. The procedure was performed to treat compartment syndrome, a recurring condition affecting Bagnaia?s performance, and was completed successfully without complications, according to Ducati Lenovo Team.
The surgery was performed on Wednesday, July 15, immediately following the German Grand Prix and ahead of the three-week MotoGP summer break, Ducati Lenovo Team officials said. Ducati?s official statement confirmed the procedure was successful and completed without complications.
The operation took place at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena in Italy, under the supervision of Professor Luigi Tarallo, head of the medical team, with the clinic directed by Professor Fabio Catani.
Bagnaia?s endoscopic fasciotomy targeted a recurring case of forearm compartment syndrome, a condition commonly experienced by MotoGP riders due to the intense physical demands of braking and steering. The minimally invasive surgery aimed to relieve pressure within the muscle compartments of Bagnaia?s right forearm, which had been affecting his performance and endurance on the track, according to Ducati and reports from Motorsport.com. The team indicated that the procedure should reduce pain, arm fatigue, and improve Bagnaia?s consistency over race distances once fully recovered.
Following the operation, Bagnaia has begun a structured recovery and rehabilitation program overseen by specialist orthopedic staff at Modena, Ducati officials said. Rehabilitation commenced immediately during the summer break, with the goal of restoring Bagnaia to full fitness by early August. Ducati emphasized that his participation in the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, scheduled for August 7?9, will depend on the progress of his post-operative recovery and medical assessments. The team described Silverstone as the target event for Bagnaia?s return to competition, with plans to leverage the three-week pause to maximize his recovery.
The timing of the surgery was strategically chosen to minimize missed race events, as the summer break follows the German round and precedes the European portion of the MotoGP calendar. Ducati?s statement noted that Bagnaia will ?try to return to the track? at Silverstone, highlighting that his readiness will be evaluated through ongoing post-operative monitoring. Motorsport.com reported that his ability to race will be contingent on how well his arm responds to rehabilitation.
Forearm compartment syndrome, the condition treated in this surgery, occurs when increased pressure within the muscle compartments restricts blood flow and nerve function, leading to pain and impaired muscle performance. Italian media have described this syndrome as a frequent issue among MotoGP riders due to the extreme physical stresses of the sport. The endoscopic fasciotomy procedure is designed to decompress the affected compartments, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving physical endurance during races, according to medical sources and Ducati?s communication.
Bagnaia, a leading championship contender for the Ducati Lenovo Team, faces a critical period in the 2024 MotoGP season, with the Silverstone round marking the start of the second half of the World Championship. Ducati officials underlined that addressing Bagnaia?s forearm issue now is essential to preserving his competitiveness for the remainder of the season. The team has a history of managing rider injuries through coordinated medical and sporting strategies, and this surgery is part of that ongoing approach.
The recovery plan includes regular post-operative assessments to determine Bagnaia?s fitness to compete, with the objective of having him fully prepared for the remainder of the championship after Silverstone. Ducati?s official release stated that the rider is expected to use the full duration of the summer break to rehabilitate ?al 100%,? aiming for a return to peak performance as the season resumes.
Hunter Lawrence dominated the 450SMX Class with a 1-1 sweep at the UFO Plast High Point National held Sunday at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, while Cole Davies earned his first outdoor Pro Motocross victory by winning the 250SMX Class. According to race officials, Lawrence led both motos from start to finish for his second overall win of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season, and Davies became the 95th different rider to claim a 250SMX overall victory.
Lawrence?s 1-1 sweep at High Point Raceway marked his second overall victory of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season in the 450SMX Class, according to race officials. He led both motos from start to finish, earning the holeshot in Moto 1 and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the day. Reports from Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine described Lawrence as ?untouchable across both motos,? while Motocross.com confirmed his perfect moto scores gave him maximum points for the round. The result extended the Lawrence brothers? streak of winning every moto through the first four rounds of the season, with Jett Lawrence finishing second overall with consistent 2-2 moto results, and Haiden Deegan securing third place with 4-3 finishes.
With this victory, Davies became the 95th different rider in Pro Motocross history to win a 250SMX overall, according to official records.
The High Point event tightened the 450SMX championship battle between the Lawrence brothers, with official standings showing Jett Lawrence leading by just two points, 182 to 180, after the race. According to Motocross.com and Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine, Hunter?s sweep narrowed the gap and ?threw the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship title fight wide open.? Hunter Lawrence commented on the intra-family rivalry, noting his goal to ?tie that up and stop the momentum? Jett had built earlier in the season, particularly after Jett?s 1-1 performance at Thunder Valley, the previous round.
In the 250SMX Class, Cole Davies of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing delivered a dominant performance, also sweeping both motos with 1-1 finishes to claim his first outdoor Pro Motocross victory. Racer X described Davies? High Point win as a ?breakthrough afternoon? and a ?dominant effort,? confirming it as his first 250SMX overall triumph. He also became the first New Zealander to win a 250SMX Class race since Ben Townley?s final race victory in 2007, marking a notable milestone for New Zealand riders in the sport.
Race conditions at High Point Raceway on Sunday were described as ?picture perfect? by Racer X, contributing to ideal racing conditions at the iconic Pennsylvania venue. The track, known for its challenging layout and history within the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, provided a backdrop for both Lawrence?s and Davies? commanding performances. The event?s results reinforced the dominance of the Lawrence brothers in the 450 class, while highlighting Davies? emergence as a new contender in the 250 class.
Following the High Point National, the 450SMX championship remains closely contested, with Jett Lawrence holding a slim lead over Hunter Lawrence. The 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season continues to unfold with the Lawrence brothers maintaining their presence at the front of the pack. Meanwhile, Davies? breakthrough win positions him as a rider to watch in the 250 class, joining a select group of international competitors who have achieved overall victories in the series.
Hunter Lawrence dominated the 450SMX Class with a 1-1 sweep at the UFO Plast High Point National held Sunday at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, while Cole Davies earned his first outdoor Pro Motocross victory by winning the 250SMX Class. According to race officials, Lawrence led both motos from start to finish for his second overall win of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season, and Davies became the 95th different rider to claim a 250SMX overall victory.
Lawrence?s 1-1 sweep at High Point Raceway marked his second overall victory of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season in the 450SMX Class, according to race officials. He led both motos from start to finish, earning the holeshot in Moto 1 and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the day. Reports from Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine described Lawrence as ?untouchable across both motos,? while Motocross.com confirmed his perfect moto scores gave him maximum points for the round. The result extended the Lawrence brothers? streak of winning every moto through the first four rounds of the season, with Jett Lawrence finishing second overall with consistent 2-2 moto results, and Haiden Deegan securing third place with 4-3 finishes.
With this victory, Davies became the 95th different rider in Pro Motocross history to win a 250SMX overall, according to official records.
The High Point event tightened the 450SMX championship battle between the Lawrence brothers, with official standings showing Jett Lawrence leading by just two points, 182 to 180, after the race. According to Motocross.com and Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine, Hunter?s sweep narrowed the gap and ?threw the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship title fight wide open.? Hunter Lawrence commented on the intra-family rivalry, noting his goal to ?tie that up and stop the momentum? Jett had built earlier in the season, particularly after Jett?s 1-1 performance at Thunder Valley, the previous round.
In the 250SMX Class, Cole Davies of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing delivered a dominant performance, also sweeping both motos with 1-1 finishes to claim his first outdoor Pro Motocross victory. Racer X described Davies? High Point win as a ?breakthrough afternoon? and a ?dominant effort,? confirming it as his first 250SMX overall triumph. He also became the first New Zealander to win a 250SMX Class race since Ben Townley?s final race victory in 2007, marking a notable milestone for New Zealand riders in the sport.
Race conditions at High Point Raceway on Sunday were described as ?picture perfect? by Racer X, contributing to ideal racing conditions at the iconic Pennsylvania venue. The track, known for its challenging layout and history within the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, provided a backdrop for both Lawrence?s and Davies? commanding performances. The event?s results reinforced the dominance of the Lawrence brothers in the 450 class, while highlighting Davies? emergence as a new contender in the 250 class.
Following the High Point National, the 450SMX championship remains closely contested, with Jett Lawrence holding a slim lead over Hunter Lawrence. The 2026 AMA Pro Motocross season continues to unfold with the Lawrence brothers maintaining their presence at the front of the pack. Meanwhile, Davies? breakthrough win positions him as a rider to watch in the 250 class, joining a select group of international competitors who have achieved overall victories in the series.