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[the_ad id=”39101″] Guest post-race interviews courtesy of Jani Hovi from the Tampere Supercross featuring Tristan Lane, Max Miller, Scott Meshey, Adrien Malaval, Harri Kullas, Guillame St-Cyr and Joan Cros. Listen individually below or subscribe to The Steve Matthes Show on your…
The head of Ducati Corse praises the Spaniard’s maturity after Lusail, but doesn’t forget Bagnaia: “We don’t know when he’ll be back on track.”
Valentino Rossi has revisited his bitter 2015 MotoGP rivalry with Marc Marquez, admitting the loss of the world title still bothers him more than a decade later.
CFMOTO reported more than 330,000 ZEEHO electric-mobility sales in the first half of 2026, yet continues developing new petrol engines. Drawing on our Hangzhou interviews and drivetrain workshop, we examine its electric utility vehicles, the CF-X motocross concept and why technic…
Jorge Martin admits he nearly skipped the Qatar Grand Prix due to his injury
“The Ducati V2 Future Champ is the only championship in Italy that allows a young rider to advance to the World Championship in exactly the same way as the Red Bull Rookies Cup. This confirms the credibility of our project.”
Marc Marquez says he was “exhausted” after the Qatar MotoGP, but “better than ever” mentally.
Max Anstie chats with Eric Johnson about his bid for a title in 2027, life at ClubMX, becoming a three-time World Supercross champion, and more.
Look for some close racing when the gate drops in Chilliwack in thre weeks. MXP: Hey Newf! It sounds as though the Pro Class lineup is now set for the opening weekend of the 2026 West Coast AX Championships. We’re going to put you on the spot now: who do you think is the favourit…
“I’m in more and more pain, so something is definitely wrong. I have no reason to continue: if I’m feeling like this, it makes no sense to get on the bike and ride at 50% capacity. It just hurts me mentally.”
MotoGP world championship leader Marc Marquez has admitted he would rather be somewhere other than Doha on the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix. While the riders now appear fully resigned to racing in the unpopular event this weekend, and some chose to take a positive stance on Thursd…
Also covered by Crash.net
The secrets behind Royal Enfield’s 125-year run Of all the motorcycle manufacturers that have existed since the turn of the 20th century, only one can say it has seen 125 years of continuous production. Royal Enfield’s story is unique, not just because the brand has seen its fair…
Justin Barcia reflects on life after choosing to self-manage contract negotiations, leading to unexpected lifestyle changes. While embracing these new adjustments, Justin Barcia explores the daily realities of professional motocross preparation and rigorous bike testing at a new …
Marco Bezzecchi has kept his title hopes alive with a Qatar GP win
TVS Motor Chairman and Managing Director, Sudarshan Venu insists Norton’s new 450 is about bringing the British brand to a wider audience without compromising its premium identity. Revealed this...
MotoGP Deputy CEO defends the decision to race in Lusail but admits to communication errors, distances himself regarding the Yamaha case: “Our relationship is commercial; sporting matters are the responsibility of the FIM.”
Why do MotoGP riders sometimes give up the lead to manage front tyre pressure? Michelin’s Piero Taramasso explains why he backs the rule and why the lighter front Michelin built to reduce pressure swings never raced. The post MotoGP’s front tyre pressure row and the Michelin tyre…
From 20-rider main events to the lower 109db sound limit, Jason Weigandt gets the hows and the whys from the AMA's Jeremy Albrecht.
Our Hangzhou visit takes in CFMOTO’s noise laboratory and running engine dynos, with the V4SR-RR and new 550MT twins showing how different rider priorities shape development. The post Inside CFMOTO R&D, from engine dynos to moving winglets appeared first on MCNews .
Taking a drive with Supercross & Motocross Champion Chase Sexton.
Jorge Martin’s last-minute tyre gamble proved inspired in the Qatar GP sprint
Carlo Pernat praises Bezzecchi, criticizes the lack of a penalty for Marquez in the Sprint race, and reflects on Dall’Igna’s role: “Marc used to be pure instinct. Today, he knows how to handle a bike and a Grand Prix.” Here's his commentary on the Qatar Grand Prix, as always, ove…
Marc Marquez insists he lacks the MotoGP pace to win Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix, a victory he needs to have any chance of clinching the title.
“We’ve left a lot of points on the table, but I’d rather be in this situation than have a slow bike and slow riders. The crash in the Sprint race is a different story: Bezzecchi isn’t at fault at all.”
Also covered by Crash.net
Justin is back on the bike after his Hangtown crash and prepping for 2027: “I’m back on supercross now… There’s no rush back from what I was dealing with, so just taking the necessary steps to be back at 100 percent.”
“Ogura also put pressure on me. I was hoping to catch up with Marquez, but the moment he picked up the pace, there was nothing I could do.”
A lighter caliper, new tyres and a different braking challenge. Brembo’s Andrea Pellegrini explains the engineering behind MotoGP’s 850 cc brake package, from reduced thermal demand to preserving the hydraulic relationship riders rely on at the limit. The post Less heat, harder b…
Jake Dixon endured an eventful Qatar MotoGP return before making major progress with help from Cal Crutchlow.
“Marc was just trying to make me lose, and in the end, he succeeded. Even now, when I think about it, I feel exactly the same way I did after the last race in Valencia.”
Jorge Martin says adrenaline is masking his wrist pain as the injured MotoGP title contender sets a competitive pace in Qatar.
“I wasn’t able to get the best out of the bike because I’m still physically limited. I was really in doubt about coming here. At Portimão, I’ll be at 100%, or almost 100%.”
Marc Marquez reveals when he first knew a 2026 MotoGP title comeback was possible.
“I made it back within the limits by the skin of my teeth. I don’t know how it’s possible to ride with the front tyre that cold—we didn’t get the strategy wrong. I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with Marquez, but I could have finished 4th.”
Also covered by Crash.net
"Bezzecchi? I came here with no expectations; he came with a strong mindset, and that made all the difference, too. The pain in my hand? When I'm on the track, I don't think about it."
Izan Guevara says “every point matters” in his battle for the Moto2 title with Manuel Gonzalez as it reaches the Qatar MotoGP.
“It doesn’t matter where I win the title; this isn’t the time to take risks. Alex has been helping me from home—it’s great to have a brother who speaks the same language as you.”
"In any case, it's great to still be in the mix with Marquez and Martín; they're two incredibly fast riders, and I'm learning a lot. These are all things I want to take with me into the future."
Marco Bezzecchi admits his MotoGP title chances are fading after losing further ground to Marc Marquez at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Pecco has already returned to Italy and will undergo surgery on the foot he fractured during the Sprint race. “Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things just don’t go the way you’d like them to.”
Marc Marquez explains how adapting his riding style after shoulder surgery transformed his MotoGP season.
“The pass was a bit aggressive, but anyone can make a mistake: Fermin has been out for a lot of races, and it’s not easy to get used to the aerodynamics again. I’m happy that my weekend turned around, but not with the result.”
Also covered by Crash.net
“The Ducatis are performing very well on the soft tyres. We’ve closed the gap on the Aprilias and have even managed to beat them. On the medium tyres, however, they have the edge.”
“I didn’t brake late; in fact, on that lap, Acosta and I actually braked even earlier. But Pecco took a wide line, and unfortunately, I touched him.”
Also covered by Crash.net
“There’s no point in getting angry—it’s a waste of energy. It wasn’t an unusual racing line, but I can’t get inside his head. An incident like the one in Indonesia? Those are completely different situations.”
“If you look at my line through Turn 1, it was the same as always. Bezzecchi is incredibly fast coming into the corner; maybe he doesn’t realize just how much faster he is than me and the others.”
“It’s going to be all or nothing for Bezzecchi. It’s tough because you can’t make a mistake, but it’s also a relief because you have nothing to lose. Martin has shown the determination of someone fighting for a world championship. It’s going to be a hard-fought qualifying session…
“Crutchlow told me that the performance was impressive. The thing is, I don’t have much time to learn and get to know the bike.”
"It only took a few changes to get a good feeling back." The engine problems are not solved: 6 km/h slower than Lecuona in top speed
"I have a bit of pain but the bone is almost healed; what limits me most is the ligaments. The Aprilia is working really well, but we don't have autopilot: it's the combination with the riders that works."
"With these bikes, it was love at first sight for me, but I know there will be good things with the next ones too. Am I strong on race pace? Yes, but I need to take a step forward in qualifying, because starting further back can become a problem."
"The bike stopped because of an electrical problem. It's not normal for us to be slower on a new soft tyre than on a used medium."
"Crutchlow told me the performance was impressive. The fact is that I have little time to learn and get familiar with things."
"Today I had fun, and I was kind of expecting it because of the circuit and the asphalt. I could have a good chance in the Sprint, I want to give something back to my team"
Also covered by Crash.net
“For Bezzecchi, it’s all or nothing—it’s a tough situation because you can’t afford to make a mistake, but it’s also a relief because you have nothing to lose. Martin has shown the determination of someone fighting for a world championship. It’s going to be a hard-fought qualifyi…
INTERVIEW – “No trickery: Martin had a forearm issue in Australia that caused him to crash like that. Marquez is the Ayrton of motorcycle racing. The Aprilia will suit Bagnaia well.”
“Riders switching manufacturers will have very few laps to get familiar with the new bikes, while others will complete extensive testing. We need to level the playing field.”
“I’m not here to let Marquez have his celebration just yet, but to try to keep the fight going until the very last race. I feel better than I did in Malaysia, and I want to seize any opportunity that comes my way.”
Also covered by Crash.net
“Martin says that only I can win or lose the title? They’re the ones who lost it. I’d like to be somewhere else, but we understand that we have to honour our contracts.”
“I’m 10–12 km/h slower than the other Ducatis on the straight; you’ll have to ask someone else why there’s a difference. Qatar? I hope for a normal weekend.” Morbidelli: “Let’s focus on the sport.”
Marco humorously recounts the evolution of his relationship with the RS-GP, but when the topic turns to the World Championship, he becomes serious: “I’d like to keep the championship race open against Marc, but I know it’ll be tough. I’ll give it my all to make it happen.”
“I can’t do it for the results, so I’ve chosen a different path. However it turns out, no one can take away what I’ve accomplished over the years. I was worried about coming to Qatar, but I decided to trust everyone.”
"KTM has been fast at Losail in the past; the question mark is Aprilia. My goal is to make up ground on Bezzecchi for third place in the championship."
"Marc's lead is now significant, but our work isn't done yet. We wish Martin a speedy recovery. We prefer beating our rivals on the track."
VIDEO - At EICMA 2026, amid the celebrations for Ducati’s centennial, we spoke with Claudio Domenicali about the brand’s history and its current racing scene, with Marc Marquez having reached his first match point for the title in Qatar.
“This is not one of my favorite tracks, but we were competitive here last year. We aim to give our best at the GP.” Bagnaia: “Lusail will be tough, but it’s always brought out the best in the Desmosedici GP.”
The Aprilia rider has no intention of leaving any stone unturned: “We’ll see how my body responds and how far I can push myself.”
Also covered by Crash.net
“This CBR is a huge step forward; it’s completely different from before: I know we can fight for the win.”
Also covered by Crash.net
“I expected more from the Asian rounds—it’s unbelievable how many problems we had. Qatar: a chance to turn the page? An incredible place, but at the wrong time.” Morbidelli: “The team worked twice as hard to make the top ten.”
VIDEO - After Marc’s show of strength at Sepang, Carlo Pernat looks ahead to the Ducati champion’s future: “One or two more years, then he could walk away.” Also in his sights: Aprilia, the handling of Qatar and the silence of the International Federation. “MotoGP is a life in co…
“If we don’t go, we’ll face a penalty. I’m afraid to go: it’ll feel completely different from last year. I won’t be in the same condition or have the same confidence.”
“I gave it my all in the first few laps. I’m exhausted, but I’m so happy that it’s all good.” Mir: “I stopped because I was starting to feel dizzy. If we go to Qatar, it won’t be because we want to.”
“I didn’t expect to struggle so much after the Sprint, but the Aprilia has improved a lot compared to last year. I’m still lacking explosiveness—that can happen after an injury.”
“I didn’t expect him to go for the apex. I misread the situation. Two fourth-place finishes are a good result, but the race could've gone better. I have mixed feelings.”
"I'm the best KTM rider? I try to get everything perfect—I just want to stay out front. Until the very last day, I’ll give it my all on this bike; it’s the best way to wrap up my time with KTM."
“There were no orders at Aprilia today, but someone’s going to get a talking-to. If they’d told me I’d be fighting for the title, I would’ve asked how much beer they’d had!”
“I completed the final lap without even touching the ground with my knee in the right-hand turns. We’ll be going to Qatar with a big smile,” he remarks with a hint of irony.
“It’s still foolish to think about the title. These are motorcycle races—anything can happen. Bagnaia is counting down the days until the end? I understand that from a human perspective.”
Enea Bastianini explains a “disaster” MotoGP Sprint in Malaysia.
"It's something that's easy to see, and I hope we'll sort it out for tomorrow so we can play our cards." Morbidelli: "Betting on rain didn't pay off: I didn't get the result I wanted"
VIDEO - Petrucci returns to the MotoGP Paddock as a spectator and shares his thoughts on Bagnaia, Márquez and Bezzecchi. He then talks about the future: no more Superbike, but MotoAmerica, BSB and even the Dakar are on the table.
“Unfortunately, I can’t perform as I'd like, especially on tracks where the tire wears out quickly. Acosta? We’ll analyze it.”
“I apologize for my reaction in the pits. When I saw that the bike wasn’t ready, I realized it was game over. But I wouldn’t have made that decision if I hadn’t thought it was the right one.”
Marco Bezzecchi still believes he can win the 2026 MotoGP world title
Sixth place in the Sprint offers no consolation to Pecco: "I can do better than this, I did it at this track eight months ago. The broken screen in Q2 was frustration, I keep trying and still find myself down the order"
Pedro Acosta explains how he picked his moment to attack Ai Ogura and claim a "totally unexpected" Malaysian MotoGP Sprint victory.
“He came really close to me at the start, but luckily everything turned out fine. We were the only ones not fighting for anything, so we took the necessary risks. It’s a victory that feels like our first.”
“I think Alex and Marc still have a little something extra, but in a long race, you have to pace yourself. Today I wasn’t able to create an opportunity to really battle it out; we’ll try again tomorrow.”
“I didn’t enjoy it at all, but my approach won’t change without Martin: because that’s what got me to the top of the championship.”
“I made a small mistake. Pole position is useless if you don’t bring home points. My shoulder is still bothering me, but that’s not why I crashed; I was just too confident after qualifying.”
Also covered by Crash.net
From an aspiring Australian racer to a 500cc world championship runner-up, Jack Findlay became one of motorcycle racing’s enduring characters. This archive feature revisits his extraordinary career, the story behind his Jakeman Matchless and the years he spent competing across Eu…
The Aprilia rider is gritting his teeth in Sepang, trying to keep the title fight alive despite the injury he sustained in the Phillip Island Sprint race: “Never stop believing.”
Matthes talks with the former factory rider about his move back to France, Ferrandis hanging it up, bike set-up stuff he's mad about, SMX silly season, Tomac's Mt Rushmore placing, and more.
Where will Chase Sexton end up? MXP: Hey Newf! It should be announced soon, but where do you think Chase Sexton will land? RL: I would suspect we will hear where he’s going pretty quick. From what I hear, it’s looking like Quad Lock Honda at the top of the list as well as HEP Suz…
"I don't know why people just come out of an interview and say, 'This is amazing!' because I know that there's going to be things that we need to work on. It's no different than with me. Can I be better? Always."
Maverick Vinales says he could “save himself” in tomorrow’s Sepang MotoGP Sprint to save strength for Sunday’s race.
“Liquid keeps forming. They scraped the asphalt here for F1, but only on the straight—it hasn’t gotten that much worse. Martin? I didn’t see him today.”
“This makes it hard to understand how the bike is doing. Sepang? I expected worse. Turn 14 is the worst corner. I’m worried about my bursitis. I was hoping to feel better. I’ll talk to the doctors on Sunday to decide what to do.”
"A perfect Friday—at this point in the season, it’s time to give it our all. Ducati is competitive here; I’ll be aiming for 37 points. Martin is a strong rider; he struggled today, but I trust the medical protocol"
"I'm disappointed, I don't have the performance. Perhaps I was too optimistic coming to Sepang given the problems we have; it's really tough."
“Álex was very fast, Marc has the best race pace, but the Aprilias are there too.” Morbidelli: “By making Q2, we achieved the dream of every Friday. The track? Lap times are tricky, partly because of the asphalt”
