Author Archives: PressBox

Alex Marquez beat pole-sitter Pedro Acosta to win the Catalan MotoGP sprint at Barcelona. Marquez took the lead on lap four and used the extra power of his Gresini Ducati GP26 to open a gap of roughly six tenths of a second at one stage.

Acosta mounted a late charge and steadily reduced the deficit in the closing laps, finishing extremely close to Marquez. Secondary reports give conflicting final margins: some outlets list 0.041 seconds, with one describing that as the closest sprint finish on record, while others list 0.118 seconds. One account appears to contain a likely typo calling the gap “four-thousandths.”

Because the secondary figures disagree, verify the final margin against the official MotoGP timing sheet for the authoritative result.

Tech3 confirmed at the Catalan MotoGP that it will remain partnered with KTM into MotoGP’s new 850cc/Pirelli era beginning in 2027, ending speculation the French-based squad would switch to Honda. The team announced a new multi-year agreement, the length of which was not disclosed, that commits Tech3 to KTM for the foreseeable future. Guenther Steiner, Tech3’s CEO and the leader of the consortium that acquired the team earlier in 2026, announced the deal in Barcelona after qualifying for the Catalan Grand Prix. Steiner and team principal Richard Coleman said the decision followed months of discussions under the new management. Steiner said, “in motorsport the strongest links are often those you already know inside out.”

Tech3 credited Hervé Poncharal and existing staff for building the foundation that made the extension possible, and noted continuity with KTM, a partner since 2019, will help the squad adapt quickly to the regulatory and technical reset in 2027.

KTM framed the deal as a continuation of an established factory relationship, describing Tech3 as a key extension of its factory effort with technical and operational support aligned to the works team. KTM motorsports director Pit Beirer said the factory was pleased to extend the relationship and that both parties will focus on competing “at the very highest level” from 2027 and beyond. Beirer also told reporters in Catalunya that KTM “will also definitely fight for them” and that KTM and Tech3 are “stronger together.” The announcement did not name Tech3’s riders or a title sponsor for 2027. Sources noted that Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales are contracted directly to KTM with options for 2027 and that KTM is waiting to finalize the team’s machinery deal before confirming those riders’ futures. There is ongoing speculation over Red Bull’s future backing of all four KTM RC16 machines, and the five MotoGP manufacturers are still negotiating a next five-year commercial contract with MotoGP SEG, a matter that could influence sponsorship and factory commitments going into the 850cc era.

Multiple reports say Pramac and Yamaha are preparing to promote Moto2 rider Izan Guevara to MotoGP for 2027. The move is described as provisional but close to being signed and is expected to be finalized before the summer break. Federico Zamagni reported Guevara’s Blu Cru contract contains a clause that could allow or compel a move to Pramac if he delivers “the right result” at the Catalan Grand Prix, a threshold Zamagni describes as securing the points needed to take the Moto2 championship lead. If activated, that scenario would likely displace Jack Miller at Pramac and leave Miller’s immediate future uncertain.

Reports give Guevara’s age as either 21, turning 22 next month, or 22. He extended his Yamaha contract through the end of 2027 and has built momentum on track: he won the 2025 Valencia Moto2 Grand Prix, and this season he has taken three podiums in the opening five rounds including a victory at Le Mans, leaving him second in the Moto2 riders’ standings. An impressive private test on a Yamaha M1, earlier Yamaha YZR-M1 testing and his involvement in Yamaha’s Moto2 project, backed by Pramac manager Gino Borsoi, are cited as factors behind the planned promotion.

Coverage of Yamaha’s intended 2027 reshuffle, reportedly overseen by managing director Paolo Pavesio, says Guevara would join Pramac alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, with Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura in factory Yamaha seats. Some reports add that Alex Rins could leave and former factory rider Fabio Quartararo might move to Honda. That coverage also notes Jack Miller’s dip in competitiveness, no wins since 2022, currently last among full-time riders and outscored 5-0 by rookie teammate Toprak, though Miller posted one of his strongest Friday practice sessions at Catalonia and said, “I’m sick and f**king tired of being at the back.”