The lights are about to go out on a season that promises speed, storylines and seismic change, as the 2026 FIM MotoGP World Championship fires into life on SuperSport, available on DStv.
This is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, the premier class of the sport’s 78th world championship season – and the final time fans will see the ferocious 1000cc machines and Michelin control tyres before MotoGP enters a bold new era in 2027.
The opening round at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit sets the tone perfectly. Buriram’s mix of long straights and heavy braking zones is a brutal early test for riders and engineers alike, demanding outright power, racecraft and composure under pressure.
From there, the calendar reflects a championship both global and evolving. MotoGP makes a long-awaited return to Brazil after 21 years, reconnecting with a passionate fanbase that last witnessed the sport in Rio back in 2004. Argentina, meanwhile, steps aside for the season, with plans already in place for a comeback.
On track, all eyes are firmly on Marc Márquez. After claiming the 2025 Riders’ Championship and ending the longest title drought ever endured by a premier-class champion, the Spaniard arrives as the man to beat.
Backed by the might of the Ducati Lenovo factory team, Márquez will start as favourite as he chases yet more history. But the grid behind him is stacked with motivation and unfinished business.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia will be desperate to respond after a frustrating 2025, while Alex Márquez continues his rise on the BK8 Gresini Ducati.
Jorge Martin, the 2024 champion, returns renewed and refocused on the Aprilia after an injury-hit campaign, and Fabio Quartararo carries Yamaha’s hopes with his trademark aggression and finesse.
Adding fresh intrigue is the arrival of three-time World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who makes his highly anticipated MotoGP debut with Prima Pramac Yamaha. Known for his fearless braking and flair, Toprak’s transition from production racing to prototypes is one of the season’s great unknowns.
He’s joined by reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira, stepping up to the premier class with LCR Honda, bringing youthful confidence and raw speed to the grid.
With legendary riders, new stars, historic returns and the end of a technical era, the 2026 MotoGP season feels like a turning point. Every race, every overtake and every championship twist unfolds live on SuperSport – where the world’s fastest riders push limits, chase glory and write the next chapter of MotoGP history.
MotoGP: Thailand Grand Prix
Saturday 28 February
03:30AM: MotoGP Qualifying 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
03:15 AM: MotoGP Qualifying 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
From 07:45AM: Moto 3 and Moto 2 Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
08:00AM: MotoGP Sprint – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
Sunday 1 March
05:00 AM Moto3 Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
06:15 AM: Moto 2 Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
08:00 AM: MotoGP Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.