MotoGP News
We’re first for the latest MotoGP news. Motorcycle racing’s elite competition is a fast paced, ever-evolving beast and here you’ll find all of the MotoGP news you could wish for. We cover everything from interviews with the major players, updates on machine reveals, team news and more. See brand new content from MotoE and insightful ‘first look’ features showing the forthcoming MotoGP season’s riders in their new colours.
Japan: Rossi explains exhaust, swingarm change
Valentino Rossi has explained his decision to revert back to the standard Yamaha exhaust and swingarm at this weekend's Japanese MotoGP. The Italian was the only M1 rider to race with the factory's new double exhaust and carbon fibre swingarm for the past two rounds.
Japan: Rossi 'not so bad' after recovering from FP2 brake issue
Valentino Rossi overcame a late brake issue with one of his Monster Yamaha bikes during the closing minutes of FP2 to start his final soft tyre run and secure a provisional Q2 spot ahead of the Japanese MotoGP.
Japan: Lorenzo improves 'feeling and speed' with older chassis
Jorge Lorenzo found an improvement with his Repsol Honda after re-testing some older parts during Friday practice at the Japanese MotoGP.
New strategy paying off for “very pleased” Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro declared himself “very pleased” with his day of work on Friday at Motegi, where he posted the tenth fastest time in FP2, guaranteeing a place in Saturday’s Q2, if the day’s rain arrives as expected.
Espargaro: KTM suffering in colder conditions
Pol Espargaro fears Red Bull KTM’s charge at the Japanese MotoGP is restrained by the cooler conditions compared to its rivals as poor weather takes hold at Motegi.
Dovizioso: We’re in the first group
Andrea Dovizioso believes his speed in MotoGP FP1 demonstrated he has the pace to be fighting for the major honours at this season’s Japanese Grand Prix, but was left to bemoan track conditions in the afternoon.
Vinales: We tried many things on the bike
Maverick Vinales has been buoyed by a productive Friday practice with his Monster Yamaha at Motegi in preparation for the Japanese MotoGP and feels confident regardless of what weather conditions he faces tomorrow.
Japan: Marquez: Not the best day for us
Marc Marquez's first day on track as an eight-time champion ended with the Spaniard in third position, behind a pair of Yamahas, after Friday practice for the Japanese MotoGP.
Quartararo enjoys ‘really impressive day’
Fabio Quartararo shrugged off Yamaha’s recent record at the Japanese Grand Prix to post the fastest MotoGP time on Friday, calling it “a really impressive day for us” and all of the Iwata factory.
Japan: Miller: I did the same thing last year!
Jack Miller secured a provisional place in Qualifying 2 for the Japanese MotoGP, despite falling on an even better lap at the end of Friday afternoon practice.
Quartararo fights back against Vinales as Yamaha impress at Motegi
Full Japanese MotoGP FP2 results
2019 Japanese MotoGP, Motegi - Friday LIVE!
Live updates from Friday's Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP practice sessions at Motegi!
Vinales sees off Quartararo to lead Japanese MotoGP FP1 at Motegi
Full Japanese MotoGP FP1 results
Japan: Rossi: Zarco would have been good for us
Johann Zarco's three-race MotoGP deal with LCR Honda signals that the Frenchman won't be joining Yamaha as a test rider next season. That's the opinion of factory star Valentino Rossi, who admitted it was a shame that the six-time Tech3 podium finisher has slipped away.
Dovizioso: Our bike will work well here
Andrea Dovizioso believes the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix should be positive for both him and Ducati due to the Motegi circuit’s layout, which could prove timely considering the improvements of his rivals for second in the 2019 MotoGP championship.
Japan: Espargaro ‘surprised, curious’ at Zarco’s Honda fill in role
Pol Esparagaro says he’s eager to see how Johann Zarco performs while standing in at LCR Honda for the final three rounds compared to his Red Bull KTM exploits but accepts he will be “another rider on the grid that is competitive”.
Nakagami: I’ve had pain since Assen
Takaaki Nakagami has confirmed his race crash at Assen, where he was taken out by Valentino Rossi, was the moment that ultimately led to him deciding to skip the final three MotoGP races of 2019.
Vinales: Crew chief change created honesty, good feeling at Yamaha
Maverick Vinales says open and honest trust with new crew chief Esteban Garcia has been the biggest change to his Yamaha team setup having made the switch last winter.
Japan: Lorenzo: Objective to stay at Honda
Jorge Lorenzo insists he has no plans to seek an early exit from his two-year Repsol Honda MotoGP contract.
Quartararo: I don’t think about Yamaha or Honda tracks
Fabio Quartararo feels the assumption certain circuits play to the strengths of manufacturers in MotoGP isn’t a belief he holds having seen trends broken throughout the 2019 MotoGP campaign.
Marquez: Nakagami must listen to doctors
Marc Marquez has given advice to Takaaki Nakagami ahead of his shoulder surgery which will rule him out of the final three races of the 2019 MotoGP campaign having undergone a similar recovery process last winter.
Japan: Nakagami 'curious' to see how Zarco handles Honda
Following Sunday's Japanese MotoGP, Takaaki Nakagami's name and number will be peeled from his LCR Honda and replaced by those of Johann Zarco.
Japan: Rossi: Obviously, we are not happy
Valentino Rossi and his Monster Yamaha crew will continue their quest for a MotoGP podium return by trying 'other solutions, something different' at Motegi this weekend.
Official: Johann Zarco steps in at LCR Honda
Johann Zarco has been confirmed as returning to MotoGP action as a replacement for Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda. The Frenchman, who split from the factory KTM team after Misano, will take over at Phillip Island, Sepang and Valencia while Nakagami undergoes shoulder surgery.