The opening round of the FIM Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships, the Thai Grand Prix, will take place on February 28-March 1 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, with Pirelli beginning its third year as exclusive single-tire supplier for both categories. Although the compound specifications are the same as those used in the previous two editions of this Grand Prix, the Moto2 class will feature new rear tires this year.

For 2026, Moto2 riders will have the same soft SC1 and medium SC2 for the front, but the soft SC0 and medium SC1 on the rear will be different from those used over the past two years. The former E0125 development specification is now the 2026 SC0, which uses the same compound but a revised carcass compared to the previous standard soft.

The 2026 SCO will be familiar to riders, having been used in 11 Grands Prix in 2025 – including Silverstone, Aragón, Assen, Brno, Balaton, Barcelona, Mandalika and Portimão – where it was nearly universally chosen.

The new medium SC1 was previously the D0286 development specification and has now been promoted to a standard range option. For 2026, regulations mandate a minimum rear tire pressure of 1.65 bar (24psi).

While Moto2 will see these changes at the rear, Moto3 continues with familiar compounds, providing teams and riders with continuity and predictability. Moto3 will have two front and as many rear slick solutions, both soft SC1 and medium SC2. The rear will have to comply with a minimum pressure of 1.50 bar (22psi).

“Pirelli begins its third season as exclusive tire supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships, on the one hand focusing on an already strong and consolidated tire range and on the other hand confirming its strategy of continuous product development,” said Giorgio Barbier, motorcycle racing director at Pirelli.

“The goal remains the same as always: to further optimize performance on the track through solutions capable of guaranteeing more and more consistency, predictability and versatility. This is exactly the work we carried out last year with the Moto2 rear tires in E0125 and D0286 specification, which were upgraded from development tires this year to the new standard soft SC0 and medium SC1 tires, respectively.

“A distinctive element of Pirelli’s involvement in these championships is the direct transfer of the technologies used in the race to the tires destined for the market: the Diablo Superbike solutions used for racing are in fact identical to those marketed, thus making the link between racing activities and road products direct.

“As far as the allocation for this Grand Prix is concerned, the standard configuration adopted in the last two seasons is confirmed: the soft SC0 rear solutions for Moto2 and SC1 for Moto3, mainly in combination with the soft SC1 front for both classes, will probably represent the reference choice for this year’s races as well because the Buriram circuit lends itself well to the use of soft solutions capable of offering greater levels of grip with the usually high asphalt temperatures that are found at this time of year in Thailand.”

Related news, Dunlop extends MXGP official tire partnership in multi-year deal

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe and Infront Moto Racing have extended their partnership, with Dunlop continuing as an official tire partner of the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) under a new multi-year agreement.

Dunlop’s extension follows its most successful MXGP season, with Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre winning the 2025 world championship on Dunlop tires. The company has also achieved success in the MX2 and women’s WMX classes, with riders like Kay de Wolf and Lotte van Drunen recently claiming world titles.

In MXGP, teams can choose their tires freely, prompting Dunlop to continually innovate its Geomax range to give riders a competitive edge on diverse track surfaces. Success at the top level of global motocross has provided the company with an “ideal proving ground” for testing development tires in real conditions, Dunlop said, which has led to products like the Geomax MX14 sand tire and Geomax MX34 intermediate tire.

Febvre will lead Dunlop’s campaign this season, joined by a strong line-up of riders and teams, including teammate Pauls Jonass, Van Venrooy KTM’s Mattia Guadagnini and Nestaan Husqvarna’s Kay de Wolf, as the 2024 MX2 champion moves up to the premier class this year.

Further strengthening Dunlop’s presence in MXGP, Team Honda Motoblouz SR Motul will compete on Dunlop tires with Thibault Benistant and Kevin Horgmo. In MX2, Dunlop remains the preferred choice for Triumph’s Camden McLellan and Guillem Farres, alongside Husqvarna’s Liam Everts and Kawasaki’s Mathis Valin, among others.

Wim Van Achter, motorsport manager at Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with Infront and MXGP as we support top teams with our tires in this most competitive of championships. By working with some of the very best riders in the sport, we are able to develop the next generation of tires for motocross racers across the world, at all levels.”

David Luongo, CEO of Infront Moto Racing added, “Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has been a valued and longstanding partner of MXGP, and we are delighted to continue building this strong relationship together. Motocross is one of the most demanding and spectacular sports in the world, and having a partner like Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, which thrives in such a challenging environment, definitely adds real strength to the championship. Their commitment over many years reflects a shared passion for performance, innovation and the growth of the sport, and we are proud to have them alongside us as an official tire partner of MXGP.”

Related news, Swindon Powertrain appointed official engine partner for Walkinshaw TWG Racing

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OrangeCat Racing will become an BMW Motorrad Motorsport official team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike racing season, with a rider line-up comprising 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport champion Sean Dylan Kelly and returning rider Jayson Uribe.

Team newcomer Kelly has had a prolific motorcycle road racing career. In addition to his 2021 title, he finished runner-up in the Supersport Class in 2020, raced in FIM Moto2 for two seasons and recorded his first MotoAmerica Superbike win on a BMW in 2024.

Uribe returns to OrangeCat Racing after an eight-podium season last year, finishing third in the 2025 Stock 1000 standings. After racing overseas for several years, Uribe joined OrangeCat Racing in 2024, where he finished runner-up in the Stock 1000.

“This partnership brings together two organizations united by a passion for performance and racing excellence. The entire OrangeCat team, from the riders to the engineers and mechanics, has been absolutely first-class ambassadors for our brand and for the greater motorcycle community. We are excited about our future as we continue showcasing the winning capabilities of the BMW M 1000 RR in North America’s premier Superbike championship,” said Kevin Philips, head of BMW Motorrad, Americas.

Chicago-based OrangeCat Racing and BMW Motorrad began competing with the BMW M 1000 RR in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class in 2023 and achieved immediate success. In three seasons, OrangeCat Racing brought home 10 wins and 33 podiums, including a second place finish with Kaleb DeKeyrel in 2023, second place with Jayson Uribe in 2024, and both a third place finish with Jayson Uribe and a championship with Andrew Lee in 2025.

After three very successful years in Stock 1000, OrangeCat Racing will compete in MotoAmerica’s top Superbike class with full factory backing and support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

“BMW has been key to our success over the years, and we’re excited about what we can achieve with support from their team,” said Jeff Connors, team principal for OrangeCat Racing. “The passion and work ethic BMW Motorrad Motorsport brings to the table day-in and day-out are infectious. We feel more than up to the challenge of Superbike with BMW’s partnership.”

“I’m super proud of our whole team for continuing to embrace any challenge thrown our way, and BMW has been an outstanding partner for all of us,” added Andrew Sieja, founding principal of OrangeCat Racing. “We have a lot in common: from love of the sport, to a sense of adventure and trying new things, to striving for our best in anything we take on.”

In related news, BMW and Peugeot confirm 2026 Hypercar line-ups

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Almost 10 years on from Red Bull KTM’s first step into the highly competitive world of MotoGP, the team has run initial dyno tests for the 2027 850cc engine concept at its Austrian HQ with a view to the forthcoming technical regulations for the series.

The motorsport engineering team gathered at the engine dyno facility in Mattighofen, together with CEO Gottfried Neumeister, to witness the first power curve output for the 850cc MotoGP engine.

The motor, prepped to run on 100% non-fossil fuel as per the 2027 rulebook, was being put through its paces in preparation for the coming era of MotoGP.

Pit Beirer, KTM motorsports director, said, “I am extremely happy that we could fire up the future of MotoGP already in 2025. We are on a perfect time schedule to get the full bike up and running very soon. We have packed everything we have learned during the last years of MotoGP participation into this engine, and I am very confident that this piece of art will become a benchmark in the seasons to come from 2027. I want to thank the factory and the whole team behind the project for this massive effort.”

In related news, limited-edition Aprilia RSV4 X-GP brings MotoGP aero and 238hp to the road

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Aprilia has unveiled the special edition RSV4 X-GP to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the RS-GP’s debut in MotoGP. Limited to just 30 units, the RSV4 X-GP brings race-bred performance to the road, the team says.

Aerodynamics

The RSV4 X-G is directly derived from the RS-GP25. It introduces leg wings and tail wings to a production-based motorcycle – technologies seen only a few months ago on the RS-GP25 – that add significant downforce during braking and cornering. Completing the aero package are a uniquely shaped front wing, an under wing and cornering wings.

Equipped with ground-effect aerodynamics, the RSV4 X-GP features side fairings designed to reduce air pressure between the bike and the asphalt while leaned over, generating downforce that presses the bike firmly to the ground.

The fairing is made of carbon fiber by PAN Compositi, using the same processes employed in MotoGP. This construction increases vertical load by five times on the straight.

Structure

Another feature taken from MotoGP prototypes is the structural carbon-fiber seat support, also crafted by PAN Compositi. It integrates structural, aerodynamic and design functions in a single element.

An additional refinement is the sandwich carbon lay-up, a special layering technique designed to maximize lightness while preserving rigidity. This increases rear-tire feedback, giving the rider a more direct connection to the bike’s behavior.

“Ten years after our return to MotoGP, we wanted to celebrate with a truly special X – one that recalls MotoGP as much as possible and transfers the essence of the RS-GP25 onto a production-derived bike,” said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO.

“The RSV4 X-GP is unique, beautiful and captivating, capable of delivering those very special sensations usually reserved for professional riders, but still perceptible by passionate amateurs. A product for the few, embodying all of Aprilia Racing’s passion, technology and craftsmanship.”

Engine

The RSV4 X-GP’s 65° V4 engine, 1,099cc with SBK racing specifications, has been tuned by Aprilia Racing’s engineers to produce 238hp at 13,750rpm (revving up to 14,100rpm) and 131Nm of torque at 11,750rpm. These figures are achieved through dedicated tuning, including a higher compression ratio, a Sprint Filter high-permeability racing air filter, dedicated intake trumpets and a titanium SC Project exhaust system with twin pipes and compensator, along with an STM dry clutch. Enhancing the package are the twin-outlet SC Project exhausts.

Electronics

All active electronic systems are managed by the APX engine control unit developed by Aprilia Racing, the latest evolution of the same unit that powered RSV4.

This ECU uses racing-level strategies identical to those deployed in competition, with fully customizable parameters to suit riding style and track conditions. It also features complete data acquisition for performance analysis.

The APX system manages wheelie control, traction control, engine braking and power delivery. A built-in GPS module is also included. Each RSV4 X-GP comes with a dedicated Yashi laptop preloaded with the software for ECU management and fine-tuning.

Chassis

The aluminum dual-beam frame is enhanced with Öhlins mechanical suspension featuring a dedicated set-up. At the front, a pressurized Öhlins fork is paired with a Brembo braking system: radial 19×16 master cylinder, monobloc GP4 MS calipers, Z04 racing pads and 330mm T Drive discs. At the rear, braking is handled by a caliper with a nickel-plated finish.

The RSV4 X-GP rides on forged magnesium Marchesini wheels, shod with Pirelli Superbike slicks (SC-1 front 125/70, SC-X rear 200/65).

“With the RSV4 X-GP we wanted to take another step forward, putting the most advanced technology directly into our customers’ hands. Our engineers have created something that goes beyond an evolution of the extraordinary X project: a motorcycle born directly from MotoGP DNA,” said Fabiano Sterlacchini, technical director Aprilia Racing.

“This is proven by innovations such as the leg and tail wings from the RS-GP25, the structural carbon-fiber seat support and an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Many components, both visible and hidden, are either new or optimized to guarantee performance and a riding experience aligned with the highest standards of motorsport.”

In related news, UK-based sensor technology specialist Metis Engineering has partnered with California’s Lightfighter Racing to advance the safety and performance of electric superbikes on the racetrack

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UK-based sensor technology specialist Metis Engineering has partnered with California’s Lightfighter Racing to advance the safety and performance of electric superbikes on the racetrack. Lightfighter will integrate Metis Engineering’s Cell Guard battery safety sensor into its Lightfighter v3.0 electric motorcycle.

Lightfighter Racing, founded by electric motorcycle pioneers Brian Wiseman and Ely Schless, says it is on a mission to challenge the long-standing dominance of internal combustion engines in motorsport.

Metis Engineering CEO Joe Holdsworth said, “We’re proud to be supporting Lightfighter Racing in their ambitious engineering program. Motorsport is the ultimate testing ground; there’s nothing quite like it for pushing boundaries and exploring the limits of performance. Cell Guard was designed precisely for these conditions, providing the real-time battery health diagnostics needed to do so safely and confidently.”

The Lightfighter v3.0 features a water-cooled Parker GVM 210 IPM AC motor that delivers 115kW (154hp), 324Nm of torque at the gearbox output, and a peak speed of over 11,000rpm. It is paired with an actively air-cooled lithium-NMC battery pack operating at a nominal voltage of 383V (440V peak), capable of supplying over 300A of peak current. With a total weight of 181kg, the electric motorcycle is designed to deliver performance comparable to conventional gasoline-powered superbikes.

Recognizing the inherent thermal and safety challenges associated with high-performance battery systems, Wiseman’s team turned to Metis Engineering’s Cell Guard sensor to provide an additional layer of real-time monitoring and fault detection.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Cell Guard is a compact multi-parameter sensor that detects early indicators of battery failure, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature spikes, pressure increases, humidity shifts, moisture ingress, shock and impact loads, as well as the presence of hydrogen. These environmental parameters are crucial in identifying the early stages of thermal runaway events – potentially catastrophic failures that traditional battery management systems (BMS) often miss.

Wiseman explained, “Through our racing efforts, we realized that conventional battery monitoring systems often react too late in such a dynamic environment as motorsport to prevent damage and potential escalation from a cell issue. We needed a way to detect the earliest signs of cell distress though off-gassing, which Cell Guard has been able to provide us with. This early detection of an issue with the cell has become an important and valuable addition to our overall safety strategy.”

Integrating the Cell Guard sensor into Lightfighter’s Motec-based vehicle management and data acquisition system has reportedly contributed to enhanced safety monitoring and analytical insights. During race testing, the team observed spikes in VOC readings when overtaking gasoline-powered bikes. After investigation, they discovered that Cell Guard was detecting exhaust gases being drawn into the battery cooling system, highlighting the sensor’s sensitivity and offering new data on external environmental influences affecting the vehicle.

According to Lightfighter, the sensor has also proved to be a valuable educational tool for engineers and riders unfamiliar with electric propulsion. “Electric racing is inevitably going to be a larger part of all forms of motorsport in the future,” added Wiseman. “We’re excited to be a part of that future and shape how to do it safely. Metis Engineering’s Cell Guard has become a critical tool in that effort.”

In related news, VI-grade recently announced that Czinger Vehicles has implemented VI-CarRealTime, VI-grade’s real-time vehicle simulation environment, to support the virtual development of its performance road vehicles

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Bcomp has collaborated with Japanese composite specialist Tras to develop racing bodywork for the Suzuki Motor Corporation’s factory race team, Team Suzuki Carbon Neutral (CN) Challenge. The 2025 Team Suzuki CN Challenge GSX-R1000R will have feature fenders, winglets and fairings made from Bcomp’s natural-fiber composites, ampliTex and powerRibs.

Originally, Tras used Bcomp technologies to develop prototype bodywork for the Suzuki ECSTAR MotoGP team, increasing awareness of modern natural-fiber composites. This technical demonstration prompted the latest collaboration to produce race-ready components for Team Suzuki CN Challenge as it enters the experimental class of the 2024 and 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) Suzuka 8 Hours.

Bcomp’s ampliTex is a technical fabric designed for composite layups and can be strengthened by powerRibs, a reinforcement structure. Both composites harness the natural characteristics of flax fibers to produce parts with excellent stiffness and damping properties, while also being lightweight. Critically, they offer up to 85% CO₂ emission reduction from cradle to gate, and viable end-of-life solutions compared with carbon fiber.

At the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours, the team raced with 100% sustainable fuel, racing tires with recycled material, bio-sourced engine oil and an eco-friendly titanium muffler.

Shinichi Sahara, head of Suzuki Motorsports, said, “The 2025 Team Suzuki CN Challenge GSX-R1000R is an incredible machine that sets ambitious goals to simultaneously minimize environmental impact and drive greater performance. Embracing the natural color of ampliTex in our bodywork and winglets has great visual impact – you can see a sustainable material in action. We hope to expand our use of Bcomp and increase awareness of these technologies across the motorsport and motorcycle industries. We look forward to our future work with Tras and Bcomp, working together to achieve new goals in sustainable motorsport.”

Masanao Nitta, representative director at Tras, commented, “These innovative natural-fiber parts were made possible thanks to Bcomp’s material technologies. The new ampliTex prepreg even withstood the hot and humid manufacturing environments typical of Southeast Asia. With this improvement, we were able to further enhance the performance and aesthetic of the ampliTex parts. This year, there are both more parts and larger parts on the Suzuki CN Challenge GSX-R1000R that have been made from ampliTex and powerRibs – a major step forward that opens wider possibilities. We look forward to seeing these parts raced at Suzuka, proving their capability at the highest level.”

Ken Kruck, sales representative motorsport at Bcomp, added, “Competing at Suzuka 8 Hours with natural-fiber composite bodywork is the ultimate proof point. It’s a conclusive demonstration that the performance demands of top-tier motorsport can be met by modern sustainable material technologies – performance and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive. We look forward to our continued work with Tras and Team Suzuki CN Challenge.”

In related news, Bcomp, Porsche Motorsport and Four Motors have unveiled new Bcomp gray-toned components on the Porsche GT3 Cup car, representing what the companies say is “the next evolution of natural-fiber composites in motorsport”

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Honda has showcased the world’s first V3 motorcycle engine at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy. The 75° water-cooled V3 engine also features the world’s first electrical compressor for motorcycles.

The new engine is made for larger-displacement motorcycles and has been designed to be extremely slim and compact. It features an electrical compressor that can control the compression of intake air irrespective of engine RPM. This means high-response torque can be delivered from lower RPM. Moreover, the compressor allows a high degree of freedom of layout of all components in the limited space on a motorcycle, and efficient centralization of mass without requiring an intercooler.

Honda is also taking on the challenge of developing advanced technologies by adding electric motorcycles and other products to its portfolio to meet customer demands.

The Japanese brand sees the development of the new engine as a challenge in internal combustion engines. It plans to apply the new V3 engine to larger-displacement models and has stated that it will continue the development toward mass production.

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MotoGP has revealed new technical regulations, to be introduced from the 2027 season, with the primary aims of reducing speed and keeping costs under control.

Key to this first aim is a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000cc to 850cc, in conjunction with a reduction in maximum bore from 81mm to 75mm. The engine allowance per rider each season will also be cut from the current seven to six. The motorcycle series had already committed to switching to fully synthetic fuel by 2027, though fuel tank volume will also be cut from 22 liters to 20 liters.

Recent seasons have seen an aerodynamics war erupt in top-tier motorcycle racing. With the series’ organizers wanting to keep development in check, new limits are to be introduced. Notably, the maximum permitted width of the front fairings will be reduced by 50mm and pushed further back on the bike. Meanwhile, aerodynamic devices will also have to be homologated and teams will be permitted only one update per season.

Significantly, all ride height control and holeshot devices – used by teams to help control the attitude of bikes on launch – are to be banned. Furthermore, GPS data for all riders will be available to all teams after each session, with the aim of helping level the grid.

Click here for more on MotoGP

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The manufacturer of lightweight motorcycle wheels has announced its official partnership with MotoAmerica for the 2024 season.

In previous seasons, Dymag-backed teams within the Hooligan, King of the Baggers and Twins Cup classes won multiple championships on Dymag wheels.

Taking place at Daytona International Speedway on March 7-9, MotoAmerica is officially sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It features eight classes: Steel Commander Superbike, Supersport, Junior Cup, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Mission King Of The Baggers, Super Hooligan and Royal Enfield – Build, Train and Race.

Christopher Shelley, chairman of Dymag, said, “As the official partner of MotoAmerica 2024, Dymag is thrilled to be at the forefront of the North American road racing scene. Our commitment to innovation and excellence aligns seamlessly with MotoAmerica’s pursuit of pushing the boundaries of motorcycle road racing.”

Jeff Nasi, senior vice president of MotoAmerica, said, “Performance brands and products are important aspects of motorsports. Having a 50-year-old motorsports brand like Dymag on the MotoAmerica partner roster and their products in our paddock is a compliment to the series.”

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