In South Africa of course, our attention will be on Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in MotoGP and Ruche Moodley (Team Code Motorsports) in Moto3. Darryn Binder exits Moto2 after last year’s injuries and joins the MotoAmerica Supersport series with Warhorse HSBK Racing on a Ducati Panigale V2.

The MotoGP season officially kicked off in Kuala Lumpur on 6 February, drawing 20 000 fans. Although still in testing, excitement for the 2026 campaign is already high.

Meanwhile, Silly Season 2027 is gathering momentum. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) is the only rider to publicly confirm his 2027 plans so far. His teammate Jorge Martín, now recovered from his 2025 injuries, is reportedly considering a move, possibly to Monster Energy Yamaha. Fabio Quartararo has been linked with Honda HRC Castrol, though current Honda riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini intend to keep their seats.

At Ducati Lenovo, Marc Márquez has expressed a desire to stay, supported by team manager Davide Tardozzi. Francesco Bagnaia has hinted at “great opportunities for 2027.” Rising star Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is widely reported to be targeting a Ducati seat alongside Márquez.

All Yamaha contracts end this year. Newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu seems the least likely to leave, while Max Bartolini, Paolo Pavesio and Maio Meregalli remain part of long-term discussions. Rumours suggest Alex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing) could move to Red Bull KTM if Acosta leaves for Ducati. That could leave one KTM seat available for either Maverick Viñales or South Africa’s Brad Binder. Fermin Aldeguer intends to remain with Gresini. At VR46 Ducati, Valentino Rossi is expected to increase pressure on Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli after a winless 2025.

On day one of Sepang testing, Marc Márquez topped the timesheets, followed by Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and Bezzecchi (fastest Aprilia). Quartararo crashed at Turn 5 and, despite no fractures, withdrew due to arm and hand pain. Brad Binder ended the day in P21, focusing on race preparation rather than pace. Yamaha and Prima Pramac struggled early. With Quartararo out, Alex Rins secured P6. Miller took P4, and Toprak (P14) continued adapting to Michelin tyres and new seat configurations. During the entire testing period, turn 5 also caught out Diogo Moreira and Alex Márquez and Jack Miller crashed at turn 9.

The final Sepang standings has shifted the picture slightly. Bezzecchi finished fastest overall, followed by Di Giannantonio and Alex Márquez. Brad Binder rose to P6, and Toprak concluded his debut test in P15, benefiting from guidance from Márquez and Miller.

• Be sure to be ready for the season-opening race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand from 27 February to 1 March.