MotoGP Japan 2026: Schedule, Motegi Circuit, and How to Watch

Marc Marquez returns to the circuit that has witnessed the majority of his world titles. Motegi, Japan, will host the next round of the 2026 MotoGP season, and for Marquez, this is no ordinary race. The circuit built by Honda in 1997 has been the stage where he cemented his legend, clinching four MotoGP crowns here (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2025). Now, he arrives with a mission to reclaim the championship lead that Jorge Martin snatched away.

The Japanese round kicks off the Asia-Oceania swing, which will continue to Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Qatar. The previous Austrian GP delivered a shock: Pedro Acosta took his first premier class victory, while Jorge Martin finished ahead of Marquez to take over the championship lead by 12 points. That result has intensified the title fight, making Motegi a crucial test of mental and technical readiness.

For Marc Marquez, Motegi holds a special place. More than half of his MotoGP titles were secured at this track. In 2025, he finished second behind Francesco Bagnaia, but that was enough to seal his seventh MotoGP world championship and ninth overall. Bagnaia himself was dominant, winning both the sprint and the main race, while Joan Mir completed the podium—his first since 2021 and Honda's first of the season, fittingly at their home grand prix.

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Motegi is not just Marquez's playground. It was also where Makoto Tamada took his maiden MotoGP win in 2004, becoming the first Japanese rider to win at home in the premier class. Valentino Rossi was crowned world champion here in 2008. This rich history adds emotional weight for the riders, especially for Honda, who consider Motegi their second home.

Technically, Motegi demands a perfect balance. The circuit combines slow corners and long straights, forcing riders to manage tires and engine power wisely. Heavy braking zones test the brakes and bike stability. Manufacturers often bring specific aero packages to suit this track's characteristics, which can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Here is the full schedule for the 2026 Japanese GP (local time):

Friday, October 2:
02:00-02:35 Moto3 FP1
02:50-03:30 Moto2 FP1
03:45-04:30 MotoGP FP1
06:15-06:50 Moto3 Practice
07:05-07:45 Moto2 Practice
08:00-09:00 MotoGP Practice

Saturday, October 3:
01:40-02:10 Moto3 FP2
02:25-02:55 Moto2 FP2
03:10-03:40 MotoGP FP2
03:50-04:05 MotoGP Q1
04:15-04:30 MotoGP Q2

Sunday, October 4:
02:40-02:50 MotoGP Warm Up
(Races start at 03:00 for Moto3, 04:15 for Moto2, and 06:00 for MotoGP local time)

For viewing, fans in Spain can access via DAZN, or through the motor package from Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. A free alternative is Servus TV, which broadcasts openly from Germany—just need a satellite dish pointed at Astra. Additionally, the MotoGP Videopass offers paid access directly from the official website.

With a tight championship and history favoring Marquez, the 2026 Japanese GP could be the moment that defines the title race. Don't miss the action.