The MotoGP calendar is a complex beast, and the 2026 season promises to be no exception. With the Aragon Grand Prix in the rearview mirror, the next race on the horizon is the San Marino Grand Prix, but there's more to this event than meets the eye.
The San Marino Grand Prix, despite its name, takes place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy. This year's edition, scheduled for September 11-13, will be the 14th round of the season, marking a significant shift in the calendar. The race will not feature a post-race test on Monday, which is a notable change from previous years.
The Misano circuit is a familiar one for MotoGP, having hosted races in the past. However, the 2026 season brings a new challenge: the potential cancellation of the Qatar Grand Prix in November due to the ongoing war in Iran. This would leave the San Marino Grand Prix as the 14th race, followed by a 22-race season.
The schedule for the San Marino Grand Prix is a busy one, with practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, followed by the sprint race on Saturday afternoon. The main event, the race itself, will take place on Sunday at 1 pm BST. It's a packed schedule that will test the riders' endurance and skill.
Looking ahead, the 2026 MotoGP season has a few more races in store. The Austrian Grand Prix, Japanese Grand Prix, Indonesian Grand Prix, Australian Grand Prix, Malaysian Grand Prix, and Portuguese Grand Prix are all on the calendar, with the season concluding at the Valencia Grand Prix in November.
In my opinion, the 2026 MotoGP season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with a mix of familiar circuits and potential surprises. The cancellation of the Qatar Grand Prix could be a significant development, and the addition of new races like the Indonesian Grand Prix adds an element of excitement. It will be fascinating to see how the season unfolds and which riders and teams will rise to the top.
One thing is certain: the MotoGP world is in for a wild ride, and I, for one, can't wait to see what unfolds on the track.
