MotoGP races attract over 400 million viewers worldwide every year. The sport’s high speeds, world-class riders, and strategic overtakes make it one of the most exciting motorsports to follow. But MotoGP is not just about watching the races; you can now participate directly through MotoGP DFS. This lets you predict whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than their projections. It focuses on single-event races, making it different from traditional fantasy sports involving season-long commitment and team drafting. It is also not about luck; your strategies and knowledge of the sport shape your predictions.
In this article, we will discuss how you can start playing MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma. We will guide you through registering an account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks, funding it, and participating in contests. We will also look at the legality of DFS in Oklahoma and special offers for Oklahoma players. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Is MotoGP DFS Legal in Oklahoma?
When it comes to playing MotoGP DFS, most people ask if it is even legal. This question is common because DFS is often mistaken for traditional sports betting, which is restricted in most states. But the good news is that DFS is fully legal in Oklahoma. To better understand the legal framework, check out MotoGP betting laws.
Oklahoma’s Real Money Gaming Laws
Oklahoma recognizes that DFS is a game of skills, thus distinguishing it from traditional sports gambling. Unlike sports gambling, DFS involves analyzing individual riders’ performances, statistics, and other race conditions to make informed predictions. This makes DFS fully legal and accessible to Oklahoma players. Oklahoma has robust real money gaming laws that ensure DFS platforms operate legally to provide a secure and safe environment for Oklahoma residents.
Do Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks Comply?
If you are in Oklahoma, you can confidently play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks. These platforms are fully compliant and protect all their users to ensure fair play. They typically verify your age and location to ensure legal compliance. They also use advanced security systems to ensure transparent transactions and personal data protection. So, whether you are just starting or are a seasoned DFS player, Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks guarantees you regulated and secure gameplay for a fruitful experience.
Before making your picks, understand the tracks! Check out this guide to see how MotoGP race tracks influence betting strategies.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma on Underdog Fantasy
Getting started with MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma is simple and exciting. Follow the guide below to make your debut.
Step 1: Claim Bonus & Register for an Account on Underdog Fantasy
First, you need an account with Underdog Fantasy. Head to the platform’s website or download the mobile app for convenience. This app is available for Android and iOS users. It allows you to access contests and make transactions anywhere, anytime.
Another crucial step at this stage is identity verification. Underdog Fantasy will verify that you are at least 18 and reside in Oklahoma. This is part of the legal requirement and confirms your eligibility to play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
After creating an account, log in. Click “Account,” then click the drop-down menu to find “Deposit.” Choose your preferred payment method. The platform allows debit and credit cards and online payment services like PayPal. Deposit the amount you would like, ensuring you meet the minimum deposit, typically $10.
Check for promotions like welcome bonuses or free entries available for new and eligible users. Underdog Fantasy offers up to $1000 cash bonuses for new and eligible players. These offers are crucial and can give you stronger confidence. You will be able to participate in contests without risking your money. As a result, you can gain more experience and confidence for more contests.
Step 3: Browse MotoGP Contests
Once you fund your account, browse the platform to find MotGP. Underdog Fantasy offers pick’em contests based on different sports. The contests are classified into higher/lower and rivals. In higher/lower, you predict whether a rider will perform better or worse than a benchmark. On the other hand, in rivals, you pit two riders against each other, and predict who will outperform the other.
Once you locate MotoGP, click on it to see the available contests. Contests vary in formats, entry fees, and payout structures. Take your time to review these details, focusing on higher/lower pick’em contests. Ensure you pick one that suits your skill level and interests.
Step 4: Make Your "Better/Worse" Picks
This is the climax, where you bring your strategy and knowledge of the sport into play. In MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy, you pick whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than the preset stats. For example, you may pick that Francesco Bagnaia will perform better than a 2.5 projection. This means your pick will be correct if he finishes first or second.
Underdog Fantasy allows you to make at least two picks with a Standard option. But if you choose the Flex option, you can make at least three picks and still win, even if one is incorrect. You can make a maximum of eight picks for an entry in both options. The more correct picks you make, the higher the chances of winning larger payouts.
Study riders’ recent performances, race conditions, and track history to make more informed decisions.
Step 5: Submit Your Picks and Monitor Results
Analyze your picks to ensure they conform to your budget, skill level, and preference. After that, submit your entries before the deadline. Ideally, you should submit your entries before the race begins. Underdog Fantasy allows in-play picks sometimes, but these require advanced strategies and quick decision-making.
As the race continues, follow how your picks fare through Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. Also, look out for news updates on the news update feature on the platform. At the end of the race, you should know whether your picks were correct.
Step 6: Withdraw Winnings
Underdog Fantasy will credit the winnings into your account if your predictions are successful. You can withdraw them or retain them for future contests. Should you decide to withdraw them, go to “Account” and then scroll down to Withdrawals. Select your preferred payment methods and follow the next prompts to finalize the transaction. Processing is often instant or takes a few business days.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma on PrizePicks
In addition to Underdog Fantasy, you can also play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks. Just follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Register For PrizePicks
The first step is to create an account on PrizePicks. Visit their official website on your computer or smartphone. This platform also has a mobile phone for Android and iOS devices with an intuitive interface and convenience of play.
On the home page, click the “Sign Up” button, fill in your name, date of birth, and email address, and create a secure password. For a promo code, use our code “NXT” to enjoy exclusive bonuses and other promotions.
You must verify your identity for legal compliance before going to the next step. The verification process requires your name, date of birth, and address to confirm your age and location. To complete this process, ensure you click the verification link sent via email.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
After setting up your account, you must fund it to enter contests. Simply click the “+” at the top right corner of your device or navigate to the “Deposit” page. Next, select a payment method and enter the amount you wish to deposit. PrizePicks allows Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Debit/Credit cards, and online banking via Aeropay. Ensure you meet the minimum $10 deposit requirement and follow the next prompts to complete the transaction.
Step 3: Make Your Picks
With a funded account, you can enter a contest and make your picks. Browse the lobby to find MotoGP and view the upcoming events. You will also see the available riders and their projections. Choose a minimum of two and a maximum of eight riders for a single entry. If you are a beginner, start with three or five picks and gradually increase as you familiarize yourself with the platform. For every rider, select “More” or “Less” if you think the rider will perform better or worse than their projections.
After making your picks, select a contest format between Flex and Powerplay. Flex allows you to win even if one or two of your selections are wrong. However, all your selections must be accurate for you to win.
Step 4: Submit Your Lineup
Next, provide an entry fee, ensuring you meet the minimum of $1 for a single entry. Double-check your selections to ensure accuracy and alignment with your strategy. If you are satisfied, click “Submit Lineup” to lock in your entries.
Monitor the event to see how your selections perform. If you win, PrizePicks will credit your account, and you can withdraw your winnings or use them for other contests.
Offers for Oklahoma DFS Players
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks often offer incredible promotions for Oklahoma players to enhance their experience in MotoGP DFS. The common offers include welcome bonuses, free entries, and referral bonuses. For instance, as a new user, you can qualify for a match on your first deposit of up to $1000 in cash welcome bonus on Underdog Fantasy while PrizePicks offers a $50 instant cash bonus for your first $5 lineup. These offers allow you to try MotoGP contests at different events. They also increase your chances of success by enhancing your bankroll.
These promotions are often exclusive to Oklahoma players and are time-limited. As a result, keep checking these platforms’ promotions page and utilize the offers before they expire.
Terms and Conditions of Oklahoma Offers
It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of these promotions to make the most of them. For instance, welcome bonuses have a minimum deposit requirement that you must meet. They are also available to new and eligible users only. Referral bonuses require you to refer a friend to sign up and fund their account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks so that both of you can earn rewards. Other promotions restrict the number of times you have to play before withdrawing any associated winnings. Free entries are also specific to certain MotoGP events.
Reading and understanding the fine print can help you maximize these offers and enjoy a more rewarding MotoGP DFS experience in Oklahoma.
Draftkings DFS
Get 3 Tickets to Play Free for Your Shot at a Share of Millions in Prizes!
Stay updated with NXTbets by subscribing to our newsletter to enhance your gameplay. We bring you real-time updates, expert analyses, key insights, and responsible gaming resources to help you make informed picks. Do not just rely on luck; build a strong strategy to optimize your selections and increase your chances of success. If you are ready to get started, sign up today and claim a bonus!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) Legal In Oklahoma?
Yes, MotoGP DFS falls under the category of skill-based games and is legal and regulated in Oklahoma.
How Do I Sign Up For Underdog Fantasy In Oklahoma?
Visit the Underdog Fantasy website or app
Create an account
Verify your age (18+) and location
What Types Of MotoGP Contests Are Available On Underdog Fantasy?
Underdog Fantasy offers Pick’em contests where you predict whether a specific rider will perform better or worse than their projected stats.
Can I Withdraw My Winnings Easily In Oklahoma?
Yes, withdrawals are straightforward. Go to Withdrawals under “Account” and use the supported payment methods like credit/debit cards or e-wallets like PayPal to transfer winnings securely.
What Strategies Can Help Me Win In MotoGP Real Money Gaming?
Research rider statistics and recent performances.
Research rack conditions
Manage your bankroll effective
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Three weeks ago, Marc Marquez was celebrating his seventh MotoGP World Championship. Fast forward to today, and he’s still in the headlines, but this time for the unfortunate fact that the Spaniard won’t be on the starting grid in Melbourne on Sunday. Marquez’s absence has opened the door to a new favorite in the pre-event …
Marc Márquez crashed three times during the final pre‑season test at Buriram, visiting the medical center after each fall and failing to complete a race simulation. He said a stomach bug left him tired and briefly lacking concentration, and he acknowledged that a prior shoulder injury had not recovered as well as expected — some outlets describe that damage as a coracoid fracture with right‑shoulder ligament injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the final four rounds of 2025, while others refer to a broken collarbone.
Despite the setbacks, Márquez posted the third‑fastest time at Buriram overall; his Sepang outing before Buriram was described as broadly successful, but he was unable to reproduce a full race run in Thailand. Teammates Alex Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia completed stronger race‑simulation laps in testing; Bagnaia posted the fourth‑fastest time at Buriram and abandoned a final‑day simulation after a technical issue.
Reactions were mixed: Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi said the crashes should not influence Márquez’s performance at the Thai GP and that Ducati expects him to be a championship contender from the first race. Stefan Bradl framed the incidents as part of Márquez’s process of relearning his limits and suggested the rider could be “very dangerous” once he rediscovers them. By contrast, Ducati adviser Peter Bom called the first crash “really, really silly,” said Márquez no longer bounces back as he used to and is more vulnerable with a shoulder that has not fully recovered, warning there is a serious chance he might not dominate or win the 2026 title despite remaining among the pre‑race favourites. The converging facts — three crashes with medical checks after each, illness and lingering injury concerns — leave uncertainty over how quickly Márquez can rebuild fitness and confidence ahead of the opening rounds.
Pecco Bagnaia failed to reach Q2 after posting the 15th-fastest time in Friday practice at Buriram and was the only GP26 rider to miss the top group. He blamed a rushed approach and the wrong setup, saying “I just worked bad” and “I’m in Q1 because of my own fault, I was in too much of a hurry and messed up,” and cited a degraded new setup, a hurried tire change when rain threatened, and a tailwind on the back straight as compounding factors.
He nevertheless praised aspects of the GP26, noting later braking and greater stability in the morning, and confirmed he stayed with the 2024 fairing rather than the 2025 aerodynamic package for the event. Bagnaia vowed to push on Saturday to return to Q2 and “give it 100%,” as the team planned overnight changes and further setup work ahead of qualifying.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, by contrast, finished third in the opening practice and reported he had “everything in place,” praising the GP26’s race pace and a more honest front end while confirming he was running the factory aerodynamics package. He said his best lap was almost half a second off Marco Bezzecchi’s benchmark but that the team had margin to improve; both riders acknowledged Bezzecchi and Aprilia looked quick in Thailand, and the combined takeaway was that Ducati must refine setup and aerodynamic strategy for mixed and changing conditions to recover in qualifying and realize the bike’s potential on race day.
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.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma
MotoGP races attract over 400 million viewers worldwide every year. The sport’s high speeds, world-class riders, and strategic overtakes make it one of the most exciting motorsports to follow. But MotoGP is not just about watching the races; you can now participate directly through MotoGP DFS. This lets you predict whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than their projections. It focuses on single-event races, making it different from traditional fantasy sports involving season-long commitment and team drafting. It is also not about luck; your strategies and knowledge of the sport shape your predictions.
In this article, we will discuss how you can start playing MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma. We will guide you through registering an account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks, funding it, and participating in contests. We will also look at the legality of DFS in Oklahoma and special offers for Oklahoma players. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Is MotoGP DFS Legal in Oklahoma?
When it comes to playing MotoGP DFS, most people ask if it is even legal. This question is common because DFS is often mistaken for traditional sports betting, which is restricted in most states. But the good news is that DFS is fully legal in Oklahoma. To better understand the legal framework, check out MotoGP betting laws.
Oklahoma’s Real Money Gaming Laws
Oklahoma recognizes that DFS is a game of skills, thus distinguishing it from traditional sports gambling. Unlike sports gambling, DFS involves analyzing individual riders’ performances, statistics, and other race conditions to make informed predictions. This makes DFS fully legal and accessible to Oklahoma players. Oklahoma has robust real money gaming laws that ensure DFS platforms operate legally to provide a secure and safe environment for Oklahoma residents.
Do Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks Comply?
If you are in Oklahoma, you can confidently play MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks. These platforms are fully compliant and protect all their users to ensure fair play. They typically verify your age and location to ensure legal compliance. They also use advanced security systems to ensure transparent transactions and personal data protection. So, whether you are just starting or are a seasoned DFS player, Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks guarantees you regulated and secure gameplay for a fruitful experience.
Before making your picks, understand the tracks! Check out this guide to see how MotoGP race tracks influence betting strategies.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma on Underdog Fantasy
Getting started with MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma is simple and exciting. Follow the guide below to make your debut.
Step 1: Claim Bonus & Register for an Account on Underdog Fantasy
First, you need an account with Underdog Fantasy. Head to the platform’s website or download the mobile app for convenience. This app is available for Android and iOS users. It allows you to access contests and make transactions anywhere, anytime.
Next, click “Sign Up” at the top right of the home page. Provide your username, secure password, date of birth, valid email address, and promo code ‘NXTBETS’ to claim a 50% deposit match up to $1,000!
Another crucial step at this stage is identity verification. Underdog Fantasy will verify that you are at least 18 and reside in Oklahoma. This is part of the legal requirement and confirms your eligibility to play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
After creating an account, log in. Click “Account,” then click the drop-down menu to find “Deposit.” Choose your preferred payment method. The platform allows debit and credit cards and online payment services like PayPal. Deposit the amount you would like, ensuring you meet the minimum deposit, typically $10.
Check for promotions like welcome bonuses or free entries available for new and eligible users. Underdog Fantasy offers up to $1000 cash bonuses for new and eligible players. These offers are crucial and can give you stronger confidence. You will be able to participate in contests without risking your money. As a result, you can gain more experience and confidence for more contests.
Step 3: Browse MotoGP Contests
Once you fund your account, browse the platform to find MotGP. Underdog Fantasy offers pick’em contests based on different sports. The contests are classified into higher/lower and rivals. In higher/lower, you predict whether a rider will perform better or worse than a benchmark. On the other hand, in rivals, you pit two riders against each other, and predict who will outperform the other.
Once you locate MotoGP, click on it to see the available contests. Contests vary in formats, entry fees, and payout structures. Take your time to review these details, focusing on higher/lower pick’em contests. Ensure you pick one that suits your skill level and interests.
Step 4: Make Your "Better/Worse" Picks
This is the climax, where you bring your strategy and knowledge of the sport into play. In MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy, you pick whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than the preset stats. For example, you may pick that Francesco Bagnaia will perform better than a 2.5 projection. This means your pick will be correct if he finishes first or second.
Underdog Fantasy allows you to make at least two picks with a Standard option. But if you choose the Flex option, you can make at least three picks and still win, even if one is incorrect. You can make a maximum of eight picks for an entry in both options. The more correct picks you make, the higher the chances of winning larger payouts.
Study riders’ recent performances, race conditions, and track history to make more informed decisions.
Step 5: Submit Your Picks and Monitor Results
Analyze your picks to ensure they conform to your budget, skill level, and preference. After that, submit your entries before the deadline. Ideally, you should submit your entries before the race begins. Underdog Fantasy allows in-play picks sometimes, but these require advanced strategies and quick decision-making.
As the race continues, follow how your picks fare through Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. Also, look out for news updates on the news update feature on the platform. At the end of the race, you should know whether your picks were correct.
Step 6: Withdraw Winnings
Underdog Fantasy will credit the winnings into your account if your predictions are successful. You can withdraw them or retain them for future contests. Should you decide to withdraw them, go to “Account” and then scroll down to Withdrawals. Select your preferred payment methods and follow the next prompts to finalize the transaction. Processing is often instant or takes a few business days.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Oklahoma on PrizePicks
In addition to Underdog Fantasy, you can also play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks. Just follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Register For PrizePicks
The first step is to create an account on PrizePicks. Visit their official website on your computer or smartphone. This platform also has a mobile phone for Android and iOS devices with an intuitive interface and convenience of play.
On the home page, click the “Sign Up” button, fill in your name, date of birth, and email address, and create a secure password. For a promo code, use our code “NXT” to enjoy exclusive bonuses and other promotions.
You must verify your identity for legal compliance before going to the next step. The verification process requires your name, date of birth, and address to confirm your age and location. To complete this process, ensure you click the verification link sent via email.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
After setting up your account, you must fund it to enter contests. Simply click the “+” at the top right corner of your device or navigate to the “Deposit” page. Next, select a payment method and enter the amount you wish to deposit. PrizePicks allows Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Debit/Credit cards, and online banking via Aeropay. Ensure you meet the minimum $10 deposit requirement and follow the next prompts to complete the transaction.
Step 3: Make Your Picks
With a funded account, you can enter a contest and make your picks. Browse the lobby to find MotoGP and view the upcoming events. You will also see the available riders and their projections. Choose a minimum of two and a maximum of eight riders for a single entry. If you are a beginner, start with three or five picks and gradually increase as you familiarize yourself with the platform. For every rider, select “More” or “Less” if you think the rider will perform better or worse than their projections.
After making your picks, select a contest format between Flex and Powerplay. Flex allows you to win even if one or two of your selections are wrong. However, all your selections must be accurate for you to win.
Step 4: Submit Your Lineup
Next, provide an entry fee, ensuring you meet the minimum of $1 for a single entry. Double-check your selections to ensure accuracy and alignment with your strategy. If you are satisfied, click “Submit Lineup” to lock in your entries.
Monitor the event to see how your selections perform. If you win, PrizePicks will credit your account, and you can withdraw your winnings or use them for other contests.
Offers for Oklahoma DFS Players
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks often offer incredible promotions for Oklahoma players to enhance their experience in MotoGP DFS. The common offers include welcome bonuses, free entries, and referral bonuses. For instance, as a new user, you can qualify for a match on your first deposit of up to $1000 in cash welcome bonus on Underdog Fantasy while PrizePicks offers a $50 instant cash bonus for your first $5 lineup. These offers allow you to try MotoGP contests at different events. They also increase your chances of success by enhancing your bankroll.
These promotions are often exclusive to Oklahoma players and are time-limited. As a result, keep checking these platforms’ promotions page and utilize the offers before they expire.
Terms and Conditions of Oklahoma Offers
It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of these promotions to make the most of them. For instance, welcome bonuses have a minimum deposit requirement that you must meet. They are also available to new and eligible users only. Referral bonuses require you to refer a friend to sign up and fund their account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks so that both of you can earn rewards. Other promotions restrict the number of times you have to play before withdrawing any associated winnings. Free entries are also specific to certain MotoGP events.
Reading and understanding the fine print can help you maximize these offers and enjoy a more rewarding MotoGP DFS experience in Oklahoma.
Playing MotoGP DFS With NXTbets
Stay updated with NXTbets by subscribing to our newsletter to enhance your gameplay. We bring you real-time updates, expert analyses, key insights, and responsible gaming resources to help you make informed picks. Do not just rely on luck; build a strong strategy to optimize your selections and increase your chances of success. If you are ready to get started, sign up today and claim a bonus!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, MotoGP DFS falls under the category of skill-based games and is legal and regulated in Oklahoma.
Underdog Fantasy offers Pick’em contests where you predict whether a specific rider will perform better or worse than their projected stats.
Yes, withdrawals are straightforward. Go to Withdrawals under “Account” and use the supported payment methods like credit/debit cards or e-wallets like PayPal to transfer winnings securely.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Best Bets: 2025 MotoGP Australia Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Three weeks ago, Marc Marquez was celebrating his seventh MotoGP World Championship. Fast forward to today, and he’s still in the headlines, but this time for the unfortunate fact that the Spaniard won’t be on the starting grid in Melbourne on Sunday. Marquez’s absence has opened the door to a new favorite in the pre-event …
Crashes, illness and shoulder surgery cloud Márquez’s 2026
Marc Márquez crashed three times during the final pre‑season test at Buriram, visiting the medical center after each fall and failing to complete a race simulation. He said a stomach bug left him tired and briefly lacking concentration, and he acknowledged that a prior shoulder injury had not recovered as well as expected — some outlets describe that damage as a coracoid fracture with right‑shoulder ligament injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the final four rounds of 2025, while others refer to a broken collarbone.
Despite the setbacks, Márquez posted the third‑fastest time at Buriram overall; his Sepang outing before Buriram was described as broadly successful, but he was unable to reproduce a full race run in Thailand. Teammates Alex Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia completed stronger race‑simulation laps in testing; Bagnaia posted the fourth‑fastest time at Buriram and abandoned a final‑day simulation after a technical issue.
Reactions were mixed: Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi said the crashes should not influence Márquez’s performance at the Thai GP and that Ducati expects him to be a championship contender from the first race. Stefan Bradl framed the incidents as part of Márquez’s process of relearning his limits and suggested the rider could be “very dangerous” once he rediscovers them. By contrast, Ducati adviser Peter Bom called the first crash “really, really silly,” said Márquez no longer bounces back as he used to and is more vulnerable with a shoulder that has not fully recovered, warning there is a serious chance he might not dominate or win the 2026 title despite remaining among the pre‑race favourites. The converging facts — three crashes with medical checks after each, illness and lingering injury concerns — leave uncertainty over how quickly Márquez can rebuild fitness and confidence ahead of the opening rounds.
Bagnaia faults rushed setup after missing Q2 in Buriram
Pecco Bagnaia failed to reach Q2 after posting the 15th-fastest time in Friday practice at Buriram and was the only GP26 rider to miss the top group. He blamed a rushed approach and the wrong setup, saying “I just worked bad” and “I’m in Q1 because of my own fault, I was in too much of a hurry and messed up,” and cited a degraded new setup, a hurried tire change when rain threatened, and a tailwind on the back straight as compounding factors.
He nevertheless praised aspects of the GP26, noting later braking and greater stability in the morning, and confirmed he stayed with the 2024 fairing rather than the 2025 aerodynamic package for the event. Bagnaia vowed to push on Saturday to return to Q2 and “give it 100%,” as the team planned overnight changes and further setup work ahead of qualifying.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, by contrast, finished third in the opening practice and reported he had “everything in place,” praising the GP26’s race pace and a more honest front end while confirming he was running the factory aerodynamics package. He said his best lap was almost half a second off Marco Bezzecchi’s benchmark but that the team had margin to improve; both riders acknowledged Bezzecchi and Aprilia looked quick in Thailand, and the combined takeaway was that Ducati must refine setup and aerodynamic strategy for mixed and changing conditions to recover in qualifying and realize the bike’s potential on race day.
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.