2026 MotoGP Pre-season: Full Schedule Unveiled as Valencia Test Leads the Calendar
MotoGP 2026 pre-season schedule is out, starting with Valencia tests in Nov 2025, leading to 22 races, including Brazil’s return after 21 years.
By Divyam Dubey
MotoGP has announced the full pre-season testing schedule for the 2026 championship, outlining the important events that will lead up to the start of racing. The programme begins with the Valencia post-season test in November 2025, followed by winter testing across Asia ahead of the opening round in Thailand. The calendar includes 22 races across five continents, with Brazil returning to the schedule after 21 years. Riders and teams will have multiple test days to prepare before competition begins in 2026 at Thailand.
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Testing will start at Malaysia’s Petronas Sepang International Circuit with a shakedown session from January 29 to 31 for test riders, rookies, and concession teams. The first official test will then run from February 3 to 5, featuring all riders. These sessions will give teams important data for setup and performance evaluation before the competitive calendar gets underway. The session will also serve as the first public view of new machinery and rider pairings.
| S. No | Event | Dates |
| 1 | Shakedown Test | 29th – 31st January |
| 2 | Sepang Test | 3rd – 5th February |
| 3 | Season Launch | 6th – 7th February |
| 4 | Buriram Test | 21st – 22nd February |
The first race of the 2026 MotoGP season is scheduled at Buriram from February 27 to March 1. The short break between the final test and the opening race means teams will have limited time to adjust. The first insight into performance for 2026, however, will already come earlier at the Valencia test on November 17, 2025, where new bikes and riders will appear on track for the first time.
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The 2026 calendar continues MotoGP’s global reach. Brazil’s return marks an important addition, while established venues such as Mugello and Sachsenring remain part of the schedule. The season will conclude in Valencia on November 26, ending a complete cycle from testing to the final round. The layout ensures consistent activity across the year for teams, organisers, and spectators.
