California is among the few states in the United States yet to legalize gambling. However, if you are a motorsports enthusiast in California looking for a better way to engage with MotoGP, we recommend Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). It is often classified as a game of skill rather than chance, hence allowed even in regions prohibiting sports betting. Platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks operate legally in California, allowing players to enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests.
At NXTbets, we take great pride in being a trusted source for MotoGP data, insights, and picks. We also provide safe gaming resources for DFS participants so they can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Join us as we discuss how to play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks in California and a few strategies to guarantee success.
How to Register for Underdog Fantasy in California
To enjoy MotoGP DFS, create an account with Underdog Fantasy, known for its user-friendly interface and various DFS contests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create such an account:
Step 1: Visit the Underdog Fantasy Website
The first step to an exciting MotoGP DFS experience is to visit the Underdog Fantasy website or download its mobile application. Both are well-designed and easy to navigate, saving you time and effort. The home page showcases the featured contests, current promotions, and other exciting features.
Step 2: Create a New Account
This is where you open a new Underdog Fantasy account using the following steps:
Enter a promo code, if any. Check NXTbets for amazing promos and signup bonuses.
Agree to the terms and conditions: The legal age requirement for California DFS participants is 18 years or older.
Note: Underdog Fantasy offerssignup bonuses or promotionsfor new DFS participants. Check the platform’s home page or NXTbets’ website before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
The next step is to fund your account. While Underdog Fantasy does not offer several deposit options, you can make your first deposit through bank transfers, PayPal, or credit/bank cards. Remember, the platform mostly offers a deposit match-up bonus for first-time users, i.e., the more you deposit, the higher your deposit bonus will be. Once you understand the relevant signup bonus, deposit an amount that can help you maximize your rewards.
Step 4: Complete Account Verification
The fourth and last step is to verify your account. Underdog Fantasy requires new members to verify their accounts for security purposes and ensure they comply with legal regulations. The platform may require that you submit proof of identity and residency, such as your proof of address, passport, or government-issued ID. Always provide the required information quickly to secure your deposits and withdrawals.
How to Play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy
Now that you have an active Underdog Fantasy account, it’s time to enter your first contest. While the process may be simple, you must plan strategically. Here are the applicable steps:
Step 1: Choose a MotoGP Contest
Underdog Fantasy offers three main contests. However, only pick’em contests are available in MotoGP DFS gaming. In this contest, participants predict whether a rider will meet or fail to meet certain limits or achievements during the match or race. It can be easily adapted for MotoGP by targeting metrics such as finishing positions. You predict whether a rider will finish higher or lower than a certain position.
Step 2: Build Your DFS Playslip
A strong DFS lineup will increase your chances of winning DFS contests. For a great lineup:
Study Rider Performance: Analyze rider statistics, including historical success on specific tracks, recent race performance, and team dynamics.
Consider Race Conditions: Weather and track conditions often affect rider performance.
Step 3: Monitor Your Contest Performance
Once you have prepared a lineup and entered into a contest, it’s time to monitor your performance. Fortunately, Underdog Fantasy offers real-time updates on contest standings and rider performance, allowing you to track their progress throughout the event. Monitor factors likely to affect your MotoGP DFS score, such as the laps led, finishing position, and fastest laps.
Note: Underdog Fantasy does not allow you to alter your lineup once the race begins. Therefore, always counter check your picks before submitting them or entering a contest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks in California
Like NXTbets, PrizePicks also has competitive MotoGP DFS contests. Follow the steps below to play:
1. Create an Account Using a Valid Email
The first step is to register for PrizePicks as follows:
Click on sign-up and enter relevant details: Tap the sign-up button on the official website or mobile application: it will reveal various fields. Enter a valid email address, username, date of birth, and password.
Enter a Promo Code: Besides the above details, provide a valid promo code when signing up with PrizePicks. Enter “NXT” to qualify for $50 on your first $5 entry.
Confirm if your details are correct and submit them. Providing the right information is crucial for the next step.
2. Complete Identity Verification
Next, confirm you meet PrizePicks’ user requirements and eligibility by verifying your identity. The process below applies:
Provide accurate personal information: Correctly enter the required information in the right fields.
Submit valid legal identification: Upload a qualifying government-issued ID document to confirm the information above.
Contact customer support if you encounter any issues during the ID verification process.
3. Deposit at Least $10 Using Your Preferred Method
Fund your account to activate it and play. Use the steps below:
Tap the deposit button: It is the green ‘+’ symbol next to the account balance (in the top right corner). Alternatively, you can visit the platform’s deposit page.
Select the preferred payment method: Which method suits you? PrizePicks accepts credit/debit cards (American Express, VISA, Discover, and MasterCard), online banking, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Enter relevant details: Input accurate payment details depending on your chosen method (card number, official mobile number, or online wallet details). Submit them to complete the transaction.
Some payment methods, like debit/credit cards, have instant deposits.
4. Choose MotoGP Contests
You can now officially begin playing MotoGP DFS. For the relevant contest:
Find and select upcoming MotoGP games: Review PrizePicks’ sports offerings and select MotoGP. Next, identify an upcoming game or event that interests you.
Use the search button to save time: If you have a specific player whose performance you would like to predict, use the search bar to find them quickly.
5. Pick 2–6 Rider Stats and Predict Performance
Unlike Underdig Fantasy, a PrizePick contest needs 2-6 picks. The process below applies:
Review and choose applicable stats: Check the available MotoGP rider statistics and select 2-6 options.
Predict performance: Based on updated information, choose whether the riders will exceed or fall below the set thresholds. Click on the three dots next to their projections or visit our MotoGP page for the latest updates, data, and insights.
Like NXTbets, PrizePicks allows you to insure your DFS predictions using its Flex Play mode. It is a safer alternative as the platform pays you even if one or two picks are incorrect. Alternatively, you can choose the Power Play option if you are confident enough. All your picks must be correct to enjoy a Power Play payout.
6. Submit Your Entry and Track Results
Observe DFS deadlines to avoid being locked out. To submit your entry:
Choose the entry fees: PrizePicks has a $1 minimum fee. While keeping within your budget or a predetermined spending limit, select the entry fees, review your potential payout, and make necessary fee adjustments, if any.
Review your selections: Review your selections once more and adjust them based on changing occurrences or relevant updates.
Submit your picks: If you are sure of your picks, enter the MotoGP DFS contest before you run out of time.
Track Results: You can watch the race or chat with other players on the platform’s Discord channel. You can also check your account occasionally for live score updates.
Effective Strategies for MotoGP DFS in California
DFS success requires strategic gameplay. You should analyze rider and track data, examine track conditions, and effectively manage your bankroll, as explained below:
Analyze Rider and Track Data
When building a lineup or entering a contest, you need accurate, in-depth data (for informed decision-making). Therefore:
Research and consider a rider’s performance history when creating a lineup: Your picks should feature consistent performers.
Research the rider’s performance at specific tracks: Some riders perform better in certain circuits or excel in particular weather conditions.
Using data-driven insights can help you make smart decisions.
Focus on Track Conditions
Weather and track conditions significantly influence MotoGP race outcomes, as explained below:
Rainy weather conditions affect grip, favoring riders experienced in competing in wet conditions.
Tracks differ in features and structures: Riders may perform differently in straight or technical tracks as both require varying abilities.
To be safe, check the race-day weather forecasts and adjust your lineup accordingly. Tracking drivers’ past performance records in similar weather conditions may help.
Manage Your Bankroll
Bankroll management is the cornerstone for safe gaming. Therefore:
Set a budget for DFS contests: Your budget should be based on your financial ability and risk tolerance.
Avoid overspending on a single contest or tournament: Set a fixed amount for every competition or tournament (based on your budget) for sustainable gaming.
Effective bankroll management allows you to participate in several contests without risking your entire bankroll on a single contest.
Conclusion
MotoGP DFS offers a legally-acceptable way for California MotoGP fans to enjoy races and events. All you need to do is register with a safe, regulated platform like Underdog DFS or PrizePicks and enter relevant contests based on your preferences. We urge you to research extensively and observe safe gaming practices when engaging in DFS contests. At NXTbets, we promise to furnish you with all the necessary data and insights. Subscribe to our newsletter for expert sports gaming insights, exclusive offers, and legal updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is MotoGP DFS Legal in California?
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in California, but not gambling or traditional sports betting. DFS operates under a different legal framework, allowing California residents to participate in enjoyable contests.
How Do I Sign Up For Underdog Fantasy in California?
Signing up for Underdog Fantasy is a relaxed process that shouldn’t take much of your time. Just visit the Underdog Fantasy website, register, make your first deposit, and verify your account. Then, you will be ready to go. The signup process won’t take much of your time as the platform has a user-friendly design.
What Deposit Methods Are Available for California Users?
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks offer secure and easy-to-use deposit methods, i.e., PayPal, bank transfers, and credit/ debit cards.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning MotoGP DFS?
You can improve your chances of winning MotoGP DFS by combining your MotoGP knowledge with analyzing rider and track data, managing your bankroll effectively, and monitoring weather conditions.
Does Underdog Fantasy Offer Promotions for New Users in California?
Yes. Underdog Fantasy offers signup promotions, such as deposit matches, for new users. Ensure you enter relevant promotional codes during registration to qualify for the platform’s generous offers. Additionally, stay put for ongoing promotions and bonuses.
Is There a Mobile App for Underdog Fantasy in California?
Yes. Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks have mobile applications applications for both Android and iOS users. Download the relevant application to register, create lineups, enter contests, and track your DFS performance.
How Do I Withdraw Winnings from Underdog Fantasy?
To withdraw winnings from Underdog Fantasy contests, locate the platform’s Withdrawal section and choose your preferred method. The withdrawal duration differs from one method to the next, so choose PayPal for timely withdrawals.
What Should I Do If I Have Issues with My Account?
You can contact Underdog Fantasy’s customer support team through email or live chat for withdrawal, deposit, and account verification issues. You can also check the FAQ section for common concerns.
Pecco Bagnaia finally got another win over his teammate this season, but it was too little, too late, as Marc Marquez wrapped up the World Championship. Although the silverware is in the trophy cabinet, the show must go on, and this weekend riders set up shop in Lombok, and there are no surprises to see …
Trackhouse Aprilia revealed its 2026 MotoGP livery today in Milan, unveiling a revised blue-and-black color scheme with yellow accents and American flags on both sides of the satellite Aprilia RS-GP26. Riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura attended the 3 pm CET (2 pm UK) launch. The team also confirmed a special Gulf livery that will be used at several Grands Prix, including Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Trackhouse, which took over from CryptoDATA/RNF at the end of 2023, is based in North Carolina and had already run Gulf colors in 2025 without an official title sponsor.
The team retained Fernández and Ogura for 2026. Fernández was the team’s breakthrough rider in 2025, delivering Trackhouse’s first premier-class victory at Phillip Island, a Sprint podium at Mandalika, and a near-miss second in Valencia, and he finished the year 10th in the championship. Ogura debuted with a fifth place at Buriram, saw a rookie campaign curtailed by injuries, and ended 2025 16th. The team finished seventh in the teams’ championship, ahead of factory Honda and Tech3 KTM.
Trackhouse confirmed the RS-GP26 is set to make its first on-track appearance at the Sepang test, Feb 3–5, and that it will continue to receive factory-spec RS-GP machinery. The launch followed Aprilia’s disclosure of targeted 2026 updates to chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, plus power-unit improvements carried out within engine-freeze limits. Coverage highlighted clear RS-GP development through 2025 and positioned established rivals — including Marc Marquez and factory Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin as key comparators for Trackhouse’s prospects. The Sepang test will give the team its first real chance to assess those updates as it heads into the final 1000cc/Michelin season with continuity in riders and equipment and a visible new livery.
Dunlop has been named the official tire supplier and technical partner for the inaugural 2026 Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup, a new MotoGP support series. The appointment marks Dunlop’s return to the MotoGP paddock after supplying Moto2 and Moto3 until 2024, and builds on the company’s bagger‑racing work with the Harley‑Davidson x Dynojet program in MotoAmerica, which secured the 2025 riders’ and teams’ titles. Dunlop will supply dedicated racing tires and provide full technical and trackside support across the series.
The World Cup will run six double‑header rounds (12 races) on selected MotoGP weekends: Circuit of the Americas (Mar 27–29), Mugello (May 29–31), Assen (Jun 26–28), Silverstone (Aug 7–9), MotorLand Aragón (Aug 28–30) and the Red Bull Ring (Sep 18–20). Dorna confirmed the championship in mid‑2025 following a strategic partnership between MotoGP and Harley‑Davidson in late 2024. The new series takes the calendar slot of the MotoE World Championship, which is shelved for 2026. No teams or riders have been named yet.
Competitors will race identical Harley‑Davidson Road Glide machines prepared by the Harley‑Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team, powered by Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee‑Eight 131 crate engines. The bikes are specified at roughly 280 kg, produce more than 200 hp, and can exceed 300 km/h. Dunlop will supply specific tire sizes (front 120/75 R17 and rear 200/65 R17), provide full on‑track tire service at each round, and administer a US$250,000 contingency prize fund with progressive payouts to the top ten finishers of each race plus a US$25,000 end‑of‑season champion bonus. Together, the factory‑prepared spec machines, integrated tire support, and substantial contingency program position the Bagger World Cup as a factory‑backed, high‑performance spec‑bike championship designed to showcase bagger racing on major international race weekends.
Monster Energy Yamaha officially unveiled its 2026 M1 and team livery at a factory presentation in Jakarta on Jan. 21, 2026, streaming the launch live. The new livery keeps Yamaha’s blue-and-black identity but shifts to a predominantly black design with Yamaha blue and added white accents, including more blue around the front fairing. Most notably, the factory revealed a modern-era V4-powered M1, ending Yamaha’s inline-four era that began with MotoGP’s four-stroke regulations in 2002; the V4 project began roughly two years ago, and the motor and chassis took more than a year of development. A V4 prototype ran late in 2025 in wildcard outings for test rider Augusto Fernández, who scored a point at Misano and appeared at Sepang and Valencia.
Yamaha and team officials presented the V4 as a technical reset intended to restore competitiveness, saying the new package should bring a return of “full” engine power and significant changes to handling and performance. They tempered immediate expectations, indicating the V4 represents a longer-term development direction whose full payoff may arrive over the coming seasons rather than instantly in 2026. Under the 2026 regulations, Yamaha sits in the most generous concession rank (D), giving it greater testing and development opportunities during the season. The factory plans to use the advantage with scheduled on-track checks at Sepang involving Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins alongside Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.
The launch was framed around both technical ambition and urgent sporting needs. Yamaha has not won a premier-class race since mid-2022 and slipped toward the bottom of the manufacturers’ standings, prompting the change. Fabio Quartararo, retained for 2026, ended 2025 ninth with 201 points, including five poles, and Yamaha’s first podium in two years at Jerez. The Frenchman has stressed the need for a faster, more consistent package able to deliver regular top-3 and top-5 results after a string of setbacks, including a ride-height failure at Silverstone. Alex Rins, also kept by the factory, arrives after a difficult run through 2024–25. He finished 19th last year with a season-best seventh at Phillip Island, a far cry from his career best, which includes six MotoGP wins. Among them were the final inline-four premier-class victory (Valencia 2022) as well as a V4 win for Honda at COTA in 2023. With Quartararo’s contract situation and other rider options being discussed publicly, Yamaha positions 2026 as a development year for the V4 M1 aimed at rebuilding pace and reliability before a full return to consistent front-running results.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in California
Table of Contents
California is among the few states in the United States yet to legalize gambling. However, if you are a motorsports enthusiast in California looking for a better way to engage with MotoGP, we recommend Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). It is often classified as a game of skill rather than chance, hence allowed even in regions prohibiting sports betting. Platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks operate legally in California, allowing players to enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests.
At NXTbets, we take great pride in being a trusted source for MotoGP data, insights, and picks. We also provide safe gaming resources for DFS participants so they can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Join us as we discuss how to play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks in California and a few strategies to guarantee success.
How to Register for Underdog Fantasy in California
To enjoy MotoGP DFS, create an account with Underdog Fantasy, known for its user-friendly interface and various DFS contests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create such an account:
Step 1: Visit the Underdog Fantasy Website
The first step to an exciting MotoGP DFS experience is to visit the Underdog Fantasy website or download its mobile application. Both are well-designed and easy to navigate, saving you time and effort. The home page showcases the featured contests, current promotions, and other exciting features.
Step 2: Create a New Account
This is where you open a new Underdog Fantasy account using the following steps:
Note: Underdog Fantasy offers signup bonuses or promotions for new DFS participants. Check the platform’s home page or NXTbets’ website before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
The next step is to fund your account. While Underdog Fantasy does not offer several deposit options, you can make your first deposit through bank transfers, PayPal, or credit/bank cards. Remember, the platform mostly offers a deposit match-up bonus for first-time users, i.e., the more you deposit, the higher your deposit bonus will be. Once you understand the relevant signup bonus, deposit an amount that can help you maximize your rewards.
Step 4: Complete Account Verification
The fourth and last step is to verify your account. Underdog Fantasy requires new members to verify their accounts for security purposes and ensure they comply with legal regulations. The platform may require that you submit proof of identity and residency, such as your proof of address, passport, or government-issued ID. Always provide the required information quickly to secure your deposits and withdrawals.
How to Play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy
Now that you have an active Underdog Fantasy account, it’s time to enter your first contest. While the process may be simple, you must plan strategically. Here are the applicable steps:
Step 1: Choose a MotoGP Contest
Underdog Fantasy offers three main contests. However, only pick’em contests are available in MotoGP DFS gaming. In this contest, participants predict whether a rider will meet or fail to meet certain limits or achievements during the match or race. It can be easily adapted for MotoGP by targeting metrics such as finishing positions. You predict whether a rider will finish higher or lower than a certain position.
Step 2: Build Your DFS Playslip
A strong DFS lineup will increase your chances of winning DFS contests. For a great lineup:
Step 3: Monitor Your Contest Performance
Once you have prepared a lineup and entered into a contest, it’s time to monitor your performance. Fortunately, Underdog Fantasy offers real-time updates on contest standings and rider performance, allowing you to track their progress throughout the event. Monitor factors likely to affect your MotoGP DFS score, such as the laps led, finishing position, and fastest laps.
Note: Underdog Fantasy does not allow you to alter your lineup once the race begins. Therefore, always counter check your picks before submitting them or entering a contest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks in California
Like NXTbets, PrizePicks also has competitive MotoGP DFS contests. Follow the steps below to play:
1. Create an Account Using a Valid Email
The first step is to register for PrizePicks as follows:
Confirm if your details are correct and submit them. Providing the right information is crucial for the next step.
2. Complete Identity Verification
Next, confirm you meet PrizePicks’ user requirements and eligibility by verifying your identity. The process below applies:
Contact customer support if you encounter any issues during the ID verification process.
3. Deposit at Least $10 Using Your Preferred Method
Fund your account to activate it and play. Use the steps below:
Some payment methods, like debit/credit cards, have instant deposits.
4. Choose MotoGP Contests
You can now officially begin playing MotoGP DFS. For the relevant contest:
5. Pick 2–6 Rider Stats and Predict Performance
Unlike Underdig Fantasy, a PrizePick contest needs 2-6 picks. The process below applies:
Like NXTbets, PrizePicks allows you to insure your DFS predictions using its Flex Play mode. It is a safer alternative as the platform pays you even if one or two picks are incorrect. Alternatively, you can choose the Power Play option if you are confident enough. All your picks must be correct to enjoy a Power Play payout.
6. Submit Your Entry and Track Results
Observe DFS deadlines to avoid being locked out. To submit your entry:
Effective Strategies for MotoGP DFS in California
DFS success requires strategic gameplay. You should analyze rider and track data, examine track conditions, and effectively manage your bankroll, as explained below:
Analyze Rider and Track Data
When building a lineup or entering a contest, you need accurate, in-depth data (for informed decision-making). Therefore:
Using data-driven insights can help you make smart decisions.
Focus on Track Conditions
Weather and track conditions significantly influence MotoGP race outcomes, as explained below:
To be safe, check the race-day weather forecasts and adjust your lineup accordingly. Tracking drivers’ past performance records in similar weather conditions may help.
Manage Your Bankroll
Bankroll management is the cornerstone for safe gaming. Therefore:
Effective bankroll management allows you to participate in several contests without risking your entire bankroll on a single contest.
Conclusion
MotoGP DFS offers a legally-acceptable way for California MotoGP fans to enjoy races and events. All you need to do is register with a safe, regulated platform like Underdog DFS or PrizePicks and enter relevant contests based on your preferences. We urge you to research extensively and observe safe gaming practices when engaging in DFS contests. At NXTbets, we promise to furnish you with all the necessary data and insights. Subscribe to our newsletter for expert sports gaming insights, exclusive offers, and legal updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in California, but not gambling or traditional sports betting. DFS operates under a different legal framework, allowing California residents to participate in enjoyable contests.
Signing up for Underdog Fantasy is a relaxed process that shouldn’t take much of your time. Just visit the Underdog Fantasy website, register, make your first deposit, and verify your account. Then, you will be ready to go. The signup process won’t take much of your time as the platform has a user-friendly design.
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks offer secure and easy-to-use deposit methods, i.e., PayPal, bank transfers, and credit/ debit cards.
You can improve your chances of winning MotoGP DFS by combining your MotoGP knowledge with analyzing rider and track data, managing your bankroll effectively, and monitoring weather conditions.
Yes. Underdog Fantasy offers signup promotions, such as deposit matches, for new users. Ensure you enter relevant promotional codes during registration to qualify for the platform’s generous offers. Additionally, stay put for ongoing promotions and bonuses.
Yes. Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks have mobile applications applications for both Android and iOS users. Download the relevant application to register, create lineups, enter contests, and track your DFS performance.
To withdraw winnings from Underdog Fantasy contests, locate the platform’s Withdrawal section and choose your preferred method. The withdrawal duration differs from one method to the next, so choose PayPal for timely withdrawals.
You can contact Underdog Fantasy’s customer support team through email or live chat for withdrawal, deposit, and account verification issues. You can also check the FAQ section for common concerns.
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Best Bets: 2025 MotoGP Indonesia Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Pecco Bagnaia finally got another win over his teammate this season, but it was too little, too late, as Marc Marquez wrapped up the World Championship. Although the silverware is in the trophy cabinet, the show must go on, and this weekend riders set up shop in Lombok, and there are no surprises to see …
Trackhouse Keeps Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura for 2026
Trackhouse Aprilia revealed its 2026 MotoGP livery today in Milan, unveiling a revised blue-and-black color scheme with yellow accents and American flags on both sides of the satellite Aprilia RS-GP26. Riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura attended the 3 pm CET (2 pm UK) launch. The team also confirmed a special Gulf livery that will be used at several Grands Prix, including Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Trackhouse, which took over from CryptoDATA/RNF at the end of 2023, is based in North Carolina and had already run Gulf colors in 2025 without an official title sponsor.
The team retained Fernández and Ogura for 2026. Fernández was the team’s breakthrough rider in 2025, delivering Trackhouse’s first premier-class victory at Phillip Island, a Sprint podium at Mandalika, and a near-miss second in Valencia, and he finished the year 10th in the championship. Ogura debuted with a fifth place at Buriram, saw a rookie campaign curtailed by injuries, and ended 2025 16th. The team finished seventh in the teams’ championship, ahead of factory Honda and Tech3 KTM.
Trackhouse confirmed the RS-GP26 is set to make its first on-track appearance at the Sepang test, Feb 3–5, and that it will continue to receive factory-spec RS-GP machinery. The launch followed Aprilia’s disclosure of targeted 2026 updates to chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, plus power-unit improvements carried out within engine-freeze limits. Coverage highlighted clear RS-GP development through 2025 and positioned established rivals — including Marc Marquez and factory Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin as key comparators for Trackhouse’s prospects. The Sepang test will give the team its first real chance to assess those updates as it heads into the final 1000cc/Michelin season with continuity in riders and equipment and a visible new livery.
Dunlop Named Official Tire Partner for 2026 Bagger World Cup
Dunlop has been named the official tire supplier and technical partner for the inaugural 2026 Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup, a new MotoGP support series. The appointment marks Dunlop’s return to the MotoGP paddock after supplying Moto2 and Moto3 until 2024, and builds on the company’s bagger‑racing work with the Harley‑Davidson x Dynojet program in MotoAmerica, which secured the 2025 riders’ and teams’ titles. Dunlop will supply dedicated racing tires and provide full technical and trackside support across the series.
The World Cup will run six double‑header rounds (12 races) on selected MotoGP weekends: Circuit of the Americas (Mar 27–29), Mugello (May 29–31), Assen (Jun 26–28), Silverstone (Aug 7–9), MotorLand Aragón (Aug 28–30) and the Red Bull Ring (Sep 18–20). Dorna confirmed the championship in mid‑2025 following a strategic partnership between MotoGP and Harley‑Davidson in late 2024. The new series takes the calendar slot of the MotoE World Championship, which is shelved for 2026. No teams or riders have been named yet.
Competitors will race identical Harley‑Davidson Road Glide machines prepared by the Harley‑Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team, powered by Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee‑Eight 131 crate engines. The bikes are specified at roughly 280 kg, produce more than 200 hp, and can exceed 300 km/h. Dunlop will supply specific tire sizes (front 120/75 R17 and rear 200/65 R17), provide full on‑track tire service at each round, and administer a US$250,000 contingency prize fund with progressive payouts to the top ten finishers of each race plus a US$25,000 end‑of‑season champion bonus. Together, the factory‑prepared spec machines, integrated tire support, and substantial contingency program position the Bagger World Cup as a factory‑backed, high‑performance spec‑bike championship designed to showcase bagger racing on major international race weekends.
Yamaha Unveils V4 M1 in Jakarta, Starts Technical Reset
Monster Energy Yamaha officially unveiled its 2026 M1 and team livery at a factory presentation in Jakarta on Jan. 21, 2026, streaming the launch live. The new livery keeps Yamaha’s blue-and-black identity but shifts to a predominantly black design with Yamaha blue and added white accents, including more blue around the front fairing. Most notably, the factory revealed a modern-era V4-powered M1, ending Yamaha’s inline-four era that began with MotoGP’s four-stroke regulations in 2002; the V4 project began roughly two years ago, and the motor and chassis took more than a year of development. A V4 prototype ran late in 2025 in wildcard outings for test rider Augusto Fernández, who scored a point at Misano and appeared at Sepang and Valencia.
Yamaha and team officials presented the V4 as a technical reset intended to restore competitiveness, saying the new package should bring a return of “full” engine power and significant changes to handling and performance. They tempered immediate expectations, indicating the V4 represents a longer-term development direction whose full payoff may arrive over the coming seasons rather than instantly in 2026. Under the 2026 regulations, Yamaha sits in the most generous concession rank (D), giving it greater testing and development opportunities during the season. The factory plans to use the advantage with scheduled on-track checks at Sepang involving Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins alongside Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.
The launch was framed around both technical ambition and urgent sporting needs. Yamaha has not won a premier-class race since mid-2022 and slipped toward the bottom of the manufacturers’ standings, prompting the change. Fabio Quartararo, retained for 2026, ended 2025 ninth with 201 points, including five poles, and Yamaha’s first podium in two years at Jerez. The Frenchman has stressed the need for a faster, more consistent package able to deliver regular top-3 and top-5 results after a string of setbacks, including a ride-height failure at Silverstone. Alex Rins, also kept by the factory, arrives after a difficult run through 2024–25. He finished 19th last year with a season-best seventh at Phillip Island, a far cry from his career best, which includes six MotoGP wins. Among them were the final inline-four premier-class victory (Valencia 2022) as well as a V4 win for Honda at COTA in 2023. With Quartararo’s contract situation and other rider options being discussed publicly, Yamaha positions 2026 as a development year for the V4 M1 aimed at rebuilding pace and reliability before a full return to consistent front-running results.