Everybody's talking about 2027 but 2026 is not over yet
As next years MotoGP grid is as good as confirmed, there's a lot of talk, excitement and speculation about the prospects for 2027. New bikes, new tyres, no ride height devices, 17 rider changes including 5 rookies, there's probably never been a less predicable season than this to look forward to.
But if its excitement you're looking for, how about the top two riders on the same points after 14 rounds, with a third contender only 33 points behind. 2026 is set to serve one of the most exciting finales for many years.
The actual leader, Marc Marquez, has the advantage due to a greater number of wins than Jorge Martin, who he shares the same points total with. Behind them, Marco Bezzechi's recent form has been completely opposite to the start of the season, where he won the opening 3 rounds.
Jorge Martin should, in theory, should have a better end of the season as, after missing the first half of last year through injury, he now races at circuits where has previous experience racing his Aprilia.
As the curtain closes on the European summer season here in Austria this weekend, before the teams head off for the 'fly aways' in two weeks, a win here in the mountains will give them the momentum needed on the final push.
Can the Aprilias break the form of Marquez and his Ducati?
For some time during the all important second session of the opening day, all 5 manufacturers occupied the top five places, with Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco heroically putting in times on their Japanese uncompetitive machines.
By the end of the session, none of the top three occupied the top positions, with Pedro Acosta's KTM once again topping the times, followed by Fermin Aldeguer and his Gresini Ducati. Rider of the day, Ai Ogura, returning from injuring his wrist was top Aprilia in third place.
Marquez and Martin finished the day in fourth and fifth respectively, with Bezzechi in ninth, but only .43sec behind Acosta.
Qualifying tomorrow might show who has the best chance of a win in Austria, but it looks like a non contender may well be in with a shout.
