JAPAN GP 2026: MOTEGI WEEKEND SCHEDULE SET

Motegi hosts the Japanese Grand Prix from October 2–4, 2026, with Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP on the programme. The circuit has been part of the motorcycle world championship since 1999. Japan held two rounds between 2000 and 2003, when Motegi staged the Pacific Grand Prix and Suzuka hosted the Japanese GP. After Daijiro Kato’s fatal crash in 2003, Suzuka left the calendar and Motegi became the official venue for the Japanese round.

The 4.8-kilometre track can be configured in three layouts, but MotoGP uses the full circuit, featuring eight right-hand and six left-hand corners.

Jorge Martin arrives leading the championship for Aprilia, 12 points ahead of Marc Marquez. Marco Bezzecchi is third, 42 points behind his Spanish teammate. Last year, Marquez secured the title in Japan after finishing second in both races. His teammate Pecco Bagnaia won the sprint and the Grand Prix.

For viewers in Central Europe, sessions take place seven hours ahead of local time. The schedule below is in Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Friday, October 2: Moto3 practice begins at 2:00am, followed by Moto2 at 2:50am and MotoGP at 3:45am. Afternoon practice starts with Moto3 at 6:15am, Moto2 at 7:05am and MotoGP at 8:00am.

Saturday, October 3: The morning’s second practice sessions begin at 1:40am for Moto3, 2:25am for Moto2 and 3:10am for MotoGP. MotoGP qualifying follows at 3:50am, with Q2 at 4:15am. Moto3 qualifying starts at 5:45am and Moto2 qualifying at 6:40am. The 12-lap MotoGP sprint is scheduled for 8:00am.

Sunday, October 4: MotoGP warm-up is at 2:40am. The 17-lap Moto3 race starts at 4:00am, followed by the 19-lap Moto2 race at 5:15am. The 24-lap MotoGP Grand Prix begins at 7:00am.