Fabio Quartararo defended outgoing Yamaha MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins in comments published Aug. 22, 2026, following the announcement that both would leave the Monster Energy Yamaha team at the end of the season. Quartararo said the riders, who have won races in MotoGP, should not be judged as inexperienced and attributed Yamaha?s struggles to the bike rather than the riders, according to his statements.
Yamaha officially confirmed on June 30, 2026, that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season, ending their collaboration with the manufacturer, according to official statements and reports by Reuters. The announcement came as part of a broader restructuring within Yamaha, which is preparing a significant reshuffle of its rider lineup for 2027. Sources indicate that Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura are expected to join Yamaha?s MotoGP project next year.
?They are not rookies,? Quartararo said, highlighting that both riders have won races in MotoGP.
In comments published August 22, 2026, Quartararo defended outgoing Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, emphasizing that both should not be judged as inexperienced despite losing their seats for the 2027 season. He specifically noted Rins?s adaptability, pointing out that Rins has won with different manufacturers, which demonstrates his proven level of performance. Quartararo described Miller and Rins as ?really, really fast riders,? and attributed Yamaha?s current struggles primarily to the bike?s performance rather than the riders? abilities.
Quartararo, who joined Yamaha in MotoGP in 2019 and won one world championship along with 11 races with the brand, said he is the rider with the most experience on Yamaha?s machinery, lending particular weight to his assessment. He contrasted the 2025 Yamaha bike, which he said had known limits, with the new V4 machine introduced in 2026, describing the latter as ?a completely new bike? that requires a different approach to riding and development. Quartararo warned that Yamaha must ?make a step? to become competitive again and said the current package has ?no strong points compared to last year,? a critical evaluation of the manufacturer?s 2026 project.
The context of Quartararo?s remarks is notable as they come amid Yamaha?s ongoing performance challenges in MotoGP. Earlier in 2026, Quartararo publicly stated that Yamaha had ?no idea how to fix all the problems? with the bike, reflecting the depth of the issues facing the team. Yamaha?s decision to part ways with Quartararo and Rins signals a strategic shift, with the manufacturer aiming to rebuild around a new rider structure. Reports from June 2026 indicated that Yamaha was preparing for a new direction in 2027 by bringing in younger talents like Martin and Ogura.
Despite his professional disappointment with Yamaha?s recent performance, Quartararo expressed gratitude toward the team for his time there. After the official confirmation of his departure, he thanked Yamaha for the championship and victories they shared, describing the team as ?part of my story? and acknowledging its role in his growth as a rider and person. He said he would ?always be grateful? to the manufacturer for their achievements together and noted that the difficult last two seasons would not ruin their relationship.
Yamaha?s struggles have been under scrutiny for some time, with the manufacturer facing criticism over its inability to deliver a competitive bike in recent years. Quartararo?s defense of Miller and Rins shifts some of the responsibility for poor results away from the riders and toward the machine?s shortcomings. His comments suggest that the riders? performances should be evaluated in the context of Yamaha?s technical challenges rather than as a reflection of their individual talent.
As the 2026 season progresses toward its conclusion, Yamaha?s MotoGP team is entering a period of transition, with significant changes anticipated in the rider lineup and technical development. The arrival of Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura next year marks a new chapter for the manufacturer as it seeks to regain competitiveness in the premier class. Meanwhile, Quartararo?s public statements underscore the complexity of the current situation, balancing respect for his teammates? abilities with candid assessments of Yamaha?s ongoing difficulties.
Fabio Quartararo defended outgoing Yamaha MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins in comments published Aug. 22, 2026, following the announcement that both would leave the Monster Energy Yamaha team at the end of the season. Quartararo said the riders, who have won races in MotoGP, should not be judged as inexperienced and attributed Yamaha?s struggles to the bike rather than the riders, according to his statements.
Yamaha officially confirmed on June 30, 2026, that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season, ending their collaboration with the manufacturer, according to official statements and reports by Reuters. The announcement came as part of a broader restructuring within Yamaha, which is preparing a significant reshuffle of its rider lineup for 2027. Sources indicate that Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura are expected to join Yamaha?s MotoGP project next year.
?They are not rookies,? Quartararo said, highlighting that both riders have won races in MotoGP.
In comments published August 22, 2026, Quartararo defended outgoing Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, emphasizing that both should not be judged as inexperienced despite losing their seats for the 2027 season. He specifically noted Rins?s adaptability, pointing out that Rins has won with different manufacturers, which demonstrates his proven level of performance. Quartararo described Miller and Rins as ?really, really fast riders,? and attributed Yamaha?s current struggles primarily to the bike?s performance rather than the riders? abilities.
Quartararo, who joined Yamaha in MotoGP in 2019 and won one world championship along with 11 races with the brand, said he is the rider with the most experience on Yamaha?s machinery, lending particular weight to his assessment. He contrasted the 2025 Yamaha bike, which he said had known limits, with the new V4 machine introduced in 2026, describing the latter as ?a completely new bike? that requires a different approach to riding and development. Quartararo warned that Yamaha must ?make a step? to become competitive again and said the current package has ?no strong points compared to last year,? a critical evaluation of the manufacturer?s 2026 project.
The context of Quartararo?s remarks is notable as they come amid Yamaha?s ongoing performance challenges in MotoGP. Earlier in 2026, Quartararo publicly stated that Yamaha had ?no idea how to fix all the problems? with the bike, reflecting the depth of the issues facing the team. Yamaha?s decision to part ways with Quartararo and Rins signals a strategic shift, with the manufacturer aiming to rebuild around a new rider structure. Reports from June 2026 indicated that Yamaha was preparing for a new direction in 2027 by bringing in younger talents like Martin and Ogura.
Despite his professional disappointment with Yamaha?s recent performance, Quartararo expressed gratitude toward the team for his time there. After the official confirmation of his departure, he thanked Yamaha for the championship and victories they shared, describing the team as ?part of my story? and acknowledging its role in his growth as a rider and person. He said he would ?always be grateful? to the manufacturer for their achievements together and noted that the difficult last two seasons would not ruin their relationship.
Yamaha?s struggles have been under scrutiny for some time, with the manufacturer facing criticism over its inability to deliver a competitive bike in recent years. Quartararo?s defense of Miller and Rins shifts some of the responsibility for poor results away from the riders and toward the machine?s shortcomings. His comments suggest that the riders? performances should be evaluated in the context of Yamaha?s technical challenges rather than as a reflection of their individual talent.
As the 2026 season progresses toward its conclusion, Yamaha?s MotoGP team is entering a period of transition, with significant changes anticipated in the rider lineup and technical development. The arrival of Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura next year marks a new chapter for the manufacturer as it seeks to regain competitiveness in the premier class. Meanwhile, Quartararo?s public statements underscore the complexity of the current situation, balancing respect for his teammates? abilities with candid assessments of Yamaha?s ongoing difficulties.
Johann Zarco is set to return to MotoGP competition at the Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon on Aug. 28?30, 2026, officials said. The Castrol Honda LCR rider will attempt to race for the first time since his crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in May, pending clearance from the mandatory medical examination scheduled before the event.
Zarco?s return to competition hinges on passing the mandatory medical examination scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, at MotorLand Aragón, where MotoGP?s medical staff, led by Medical Director Dr. Ángel Charte, will evaluate his fitness to race, officials said. The Castrol Honda LCR team announced on Aug. 20 that Zarco will travel to the Aragon Grand Prix with the aim of competing, pending the medical clearance. The rider has already received the ?all-clear? from his personal medical team but must still satisfy MotoGP?s official requirements before taking part in the event set for Aug. 28?30.
Since the accident, Zarco has missed six consecutive Grands Prix, during which LCR Honda fielded Cal Crutchlow as his replacement.
Zarco has been sidelined since suffering left knee ligament injuries and burns in a multi-rider crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 17, 2026. Initially, doctors considered surgery but later opted for a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan focused on rehabilitation and strengthening the knee, sources confirmed. Over the more than 100 days since the crash, Zarco has undergone an intensive rehabilitation program in Lyon, supervised by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet and his team, according to team statements.
The rehabilitation has progressed faster than expected, prompting Zarco and LCR Honda to advance his targeted return from mid-September to late August at Aragon, pending successful medical evaluation at the circuit. The team emphasized that Zarco?s recovery ?has continued to improve in recent weeks,? enabling this earlier-than-planned comeback, according to the official Castrol Honda LCR statement. MotoGP?s official website similarly reported that Zarco aims to return to action at the Aragon GP, with a medical review scheduled for Thursday before the race weekend.
Zarco?s medical clearance will focus on assessing his functional knee stability, pain levels, and ability to withstand the physical demands of a full race distance, sources close to the medical team said. His recent training has included riding a supermoto bike and a Honda CBR1000RR to simulate braking forces, knee loading, and race-pace demands, with his doctors reportedly impressed by his steady progress. These sessions provided data used to inform the decision to avoid surgery and pursue a rehabilitation-focused approach, according to medical reports.
The Aragon GP marks Zarco?s first potential appearance since the mid-May crash. If cleared, he will resume riding the Honda RC213V for Castrol Honda LCR, rejoining team principal Lucio Cecchinello and the technical staff. The first free practice session is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, which would be Zarco?s first official track outing since the Catalan GP. Media outlets including Canal+ and Mundo Deportivo have reported that the team considers his presence on the grid ?certain? or ?planned,? though final approval remains with the MotoGP medical panel.
Race Direction has held Zarco responsible for the Catalunya crash, and he carries a pending double long-lap penalty to serve in the first Grand Prix he contests following his injury, expected to be Aragon on Aug. 30, according to official records. His absence has affected both LCR Honda?s results and his own championship standing, with several rounds missed during the peak of the 2026 season.
The Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon at MotorLand Aragón will run from Aug. 28 to 30, featuring Friday practice, Saturday qualifying, and Sunday race sessions. Zarco?s ability to participate fully will depend on the outcome of the mandatory medical examination conducted by MotoGP?s official medical team. His case is cited explicitly in MotoGP regulations as requiring clearance at the circuit before returning to competition after significant injury. The team and media reports confirm that Zarco?s return is contingent on passing this assessment, with the final decision resting with Dr. Charte and the medical panel.
Johann Zarco is set to return to MotoGP competition at the Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon on Aug. 28?30, 2026, officials said. The Castrol Honda LCR rider will attempt to race for the first time since his crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in May, pending clearance from the mandatory medical examination scheduled before the event.
Zarco?s return to competition hinges on passing the mandatory medical examination scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, at MotorLand Aragón, where MotoGP?s medical staff, led by Medical Director Dr. Ángel Charte, will evaluate his fitness to race, officials said. The Castrol Honda LCR team announced on Aug. 20 that Zarco will travel to the Aragon Grand Prix with the aim of competing, pending the medical clearance. The rider has already received the ?all-clear? from his personal medical team but must still satisfy MotoGP?s official requirements before taking part in the event set for Aug. 28?30.
Since the accident, Zarco has missed six consecutive Grands Prix, during which LCR Honda fielded Cal Crutchlow as his replacement.
Zarco has been sidelined since suffering left knee ligament injuries and burns in a multi-rider crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 17, 2026. Initially, doctors considered surgery but later opted for a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan focused on rehabilitation and strengthening the knee, sources confirmed. Over the more than 100 days since the crash, Zarco has undergone an intensive rehabilitation program in Lyon, supervised by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet and his team, according to team statements.
The rehabilitation has progressed faster than expected, prompting Zarco and LCR Honda to advance his targeted return from mid-September to late August at Aragon, pending successful medical evaluation at the circuit. The team emphasized that Zarco?s recovery ?has continued to improve in recent weeks,? enabling this earlier-than-planned comeback, according to the official Castrol Honda LCR statement. MotoGP?s official website similarly reported that Zarco aims to return to action at the Aragon GP, with a medical review scheduled for Thursday before the race weekend.
Zarco?s medical clearance will focus on assessing his functional knee stability, pain levels, and ability to withstand the physical demands of a full race distance, sources close to the medical team said. His recent training has included riding a supermoto bike and a Honda CBR1000RR to simulate braking forces, knee loading, and race-pace demands, with his doctors reportedly impressed by his steady progress. These sessions provided data used to inform the decision to avoid surgery and pursue a rehabilitation-focused approach, according to medical reports.
The Aragon GP marks Zarco?s first potential appearance since the mid-May crash. If cleared, he will resume riding the Honda RC213V for Castrol Honda LCR, rejoining team principal Lucio Cecchinello and the technical staff. The first free practice session is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, which would be Zarco?s first official track outing since the Catalan GP. Media outlets including Canal+ and Mundo Deportivo have reported that the team considers his presence on the grid ?certain? or ?planned,? though final approval remains with the MotoGP medical panel.
Race Direction has held Zarco responsible for the Catalunya crash, and he carries a pending double long-lap penalty to serve in the first Grand Prix he contests following his injury, expected to be Aragon on Aug. 30, according to official records. His absence has affected both LCR Honda?s results and his own championship standing, with several rounds missed during the peak of the 2026 season.
The Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon at MotorLand Aragón will run from Aug. 28 to 30, featuring Friday practice, Saturday qualifying, and Sunday race sessions. Zarco?s ability to participate fully will depend on the outcome of the mandatory medical examination conducted by MotoGP?s official medical team. His case is cited explicitly in MotoGP regulations as requiring clearance at the circuit before returning to competition after significant injury. The team and media reports confirm that Zarco?s return is contingent on passing this assessment, with the final decision resting with Dr. Charte and the medical panel.
Ducati changed its 2026 MotoGP test plans for Nicolo Bulega after primary test rider Michele Pirro suffered a back injury, sources confirmed Thursday. The Italian manufacturer had originally scheduled Bulega for five outings on the 850cc GP27 prototype but was forced to increase his role as Pirro?s injury sidelined him from test duties.
Ducati?s original plan for Nicolo Bulega?s involvement in the 2026 MotoGP 850cc prototype (GP27) testing program called for five scheduled outings, shared with primary test rider Michele Pirro, according to multiple sources. Pirro, who was expected to lead the development work on the GP27, suffered a persistent back injury that sidelined him from key test sessions, including the Misano tests scheduled for Aug. 25?26, 2026. This injury forced Ducati to revise its test roster, significantly expanding Bulega?s role beyond the initial limited program designed to accommodate his concurrent World Superbike (WorldSBK) title defense.
Bulega?s first 850cc test at Mugello was brought forward by one day due to weather forecasts, enabling him to log a lap time of 1:47.2 on the GP27 prototype.
Ducati officials and media reports confirmed that Bulega, who had already made his GP27 debut at Mugello in early May 2026, was assigned additional test dates to fill the gap left by Pirro?s absence. These additional sessions include Misano on Aug. 25?26, Barcelona on Sept. 9, Mugello on Sept. 15?16, and Jerez on Oct. 7?8. This extended schedule effectively increases Bulega?s workload as a development rider, positioning him as one of the primary contributors to the 850cc GP27 program for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Records show that This early outing was part of a carefully structured plan to gradually introduce him to MotoGP testing while balancing his WorldSBK commitments with Aruba.it Racing ? Ducati. Sources close to Ducati emphasized that the manufacturer?s intent was not to accelerate Bulega?s transition to a full-time MotoGP ride but rather to prepare him for the 2027 regulation changes, which mandate 850cc engines, the removal of ride-height devices, and a switch to Pirelli tires.
The expanded test program now places Bulega in a pivotal role within Ducati?s development strategy. With Pirro sidelined, Bulega?s feedback on the GP27?s handling, engine characteristics, and electronics will be critical for Ducati engineers as they refine the bike ahead of the 2027 season. Ducati?s testing campaign spans multiple circuits, including Mugello, Misano, Barcelona, and Jerez, allowing the team to collect comprehensive data on various track conditions and tire performance. Bulega?s experience in WorldSBK, which also uses Pirelli tires, is seen as advantageous in adapting to the new MotoGP tire supplier and regulations.
Sources confirmed that Pirro?s injury has caused a ?forced? reshuffle in Ducati?s test plans, with the manufacturer relying more heavily on Bulega to maintain the continuity of the GP27 development program. Italian and German media reports highlighted that Pirro?s absence created a development gap that Ducati needed to address promptly to keep the 2026 test schedule on track. The decision to increase Bulega?s testing duties was described as a necessity rather than a strategic shift, underscoring the impact of Pirro?s injury on Ducati?s MotoGP preparations.
Bulega?s dual role as a WorldSBK title defender and MotoGP test rider reflects a broader contractual and strategic context. In mid-2025, sources revealed that Bulega rejected an offer from BMW to remain with Ducati in WorldSBK, influenced by Ducati?s proposal that included MotoGP testing opportunities on the 850cc prototype. Ducati had made MotoGP testing a key component of their contract negotiations with Bulega, using it as leverage to secure his continued presence within the Ducati racing ecosystem. By late 2025, Bulega had already participated in MotoGP tests on the Desmosedici at Jerez, signaling the beginning of his involvement with the GP27 project.
Ducati?s 2026 test program aligns with the forthcoming 2027 MotoGP technical regulations, which will reduce engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and introduce significant changes in aerodynamics and tire suppliers. The GP27 prototype is being tested exclusively on Pirelli tires, replacing Michelin, to mirror the conditions riders will face next season. Ducati?s approach combines the expertise of veteran test rider Michele Pirro with the rising talent of Nicolo Bulega to develop a competitive machine for the new era.
With Pirro?s injury preventing him from participating in several key test sessions, Bulega?s increased involvement ensures that Ducati continues to gather essential data and maintain development momentum. The expanded schedule through October 2026 will provide Bulega with extensive experience on the GP27, further integrating him into Ducati?s future MotoGP plans while he continues to compete in WorldSBK.
Ducati changed its 2026 MotoGP test plans for Nicolo Bulega after primary test rider Michele Pirro suffered a back injury, sources confirmed Thursday. The Italian manufacturer had originally scheduled Bulega for five outings on the 850cc GP27 prototype but was forced to increase his role as Pirro?s injury sidelined him from test duties.
Ducati?s original plan for Nicolo Bulega?s involvement in the 2026 MotoGP 850cc prototype (GP27) testing program called for five scheduled outings, shared with primary test rider Michele Pirro, according to multiple sources. Pirro, who was expected to lead the development work on the GP27, suffered a persistent back injury that sidelined him from key test sessions, including the Misano tests scheduled for Aug. 25?26, 2026. This injury forced Ducati to revise its test roster, significantly expanding Bulega?s role beyond the initial limited program designed to accommodate his concurrent World Superbike (WorldSBK) title defense.
Bulega?s first 850cc test at Mugello was brought forward by one day due to weather forecasts, enabling him to log a lap time of 1:47.2 on the GP27 prototype.
Ducati officials and media reports confirmed that Bulega, who had already made his GP27 debut at Mugello in early May 2026, was assigned additional test dates to fill the gap left by Pirro?s absence. These additional sessions include Misano on Aug. 25?26, Barcelona on Sept. 9, Mugello on Sept. 15?16, and Jerez on Oct. 7?8. This extended schedule effectively increases Bulega?s workload as a development rider, positioning him as one of the primary contributors to the 850cc GP27 program for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Records show that This early outing was part of a carefully structured plan to gradually introduce him to MotoGP testing while balancing his WorldSBK commitments with Aruba.it Racing ? Ducati. Sources close to Ducati emphasized that the manufacturer?s intent was not to accelerate Bulega?s transition to a full-time MotoGP ride but rather to prepare him for the 2027 regulation changes, which mandate 850cc engines, the removal of ride-height devices, and a switch to Pirelli tires.
The expanded test program now places Bulega in a pivotal role within Ducati?s development strategy. With Pirro sidelined, Bulega?s feedback on the GP27?s handling, engine characteristics, and electronics will be critical for Ducati engineers as they refine the bike ahead of the 2027 season. Ducati?s testing campaign spans multiple circuits, including Mugello, Misano, Barcelona, and Jerez, allowing the team to collect comprehensive data on various track conditions and tire performance. Bulega?s experience in WorldSBK, which also uses Pirelli tires, is seen as advantageous in adapting to the new MotoGP tire supplier and regulations.
Sources confirmed that Pirro?s injury has caused a ?forced? reshuffle in Ducati?s test plans, with the manufacturer relying more heavily on Bulega to maintain the continuity of the GP27 development program. Italian and German media reports highlighted that Pirro?s absence created a development gap that Ducati needed to address promptly to keep the 2026 test schedule on track. The decision to increase Bulega?s testing duties was described as a necessity rather than a strategic shift, underscoring the impact of Pirro?s injury on Ducati?s MotoGP preparations.
Bulega?s dual role as a WorldSBK title defender and MotoGP test rider reflects a broader contractual and strategic context. In mid-2025, sources revealed that Bulega rejected an offer from BMW to remain with Ducati in WorldSBK, influenced by Ducati?s proposal that included MotoGP testing opportunities on the 850cc prototype. Ducati had made MotoGP testing a key component of their contract negotiations with Bulega, using it as leverage to secure his continued presence within the Ducati racing ecosystem. By late 2025, Bulega had already participated in MotoGP tests on the Desmosedici at Jerez, signaling the beginning of his involvement with the GP27 project.
Ducati?s 2026 test program aligns with the forthcoming 2027 MotoGP technical regulations, which will reduce engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and introduce significant changes in aerodynamics and tire suppliers. The GP27 prototype is being tested exclusively on Pirelli tires, replacing Michelin, to mirror the conditions riders will face next season. Ducati?s approach combines the expertise of veteran test rider Michele Pirro with the rising talent of Nicolo Bulega to develop a competitive machine for the new era.
With Pirro?s injury preventing him from participating in several key test sessions, Bulega?s increased involvement ensures that Ducati continues to gather essential data and maintain development momentum. The expanded schedule through October 2026 will provide Bulega with extensive experience on the GP27, further integrating him into Ducati?s future MotoGP plans while he continues to compete in WorldSBK.