MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Great Britain 2026

Almost a year ago, I found myself swept up in the roar and adrenaline of MotoGP at Catalunya. As I walked away from that electric experience, I couldn’t help but wonder when fate would bring me back. Fast-forward to this August: the stars aligned, and I was on my way to Silverstone for the MotoGP Great Britain. The adventure kicked off at Milton Keynes Central, where I joined an energetic crowd of fans—each one buzzing with anticipation—as we hopped aboard the shuttle bus bound for racing’s hallowed ground.

After a quick ride, I arrived at Silverstone, picked up my accreditation, and found myself being ushered into the heart of the action—the legendary Paddock. As I caught my first glimpse of the circuit, my heart skipped a beat. The sheer energy in the air was contagious; you could almost taste the anticipation pulsing through every corner of the venue.

Saturday 8th August

Saturday at MotoGP isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a masterclass in preparation. Riders and teams from MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 dive headfirst into practice, tweaking strategies and pushing their limits as they try to unlock that elusive edge. Silverstone’s iconic twists and turns don’t give away their secrets easily, and everyone’s hungry to tame the circuit.

Practice was anything but routine. Italian ace Fabio Di Giannantonio blazed through with a 1:57.88—an eye-catching result for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, Monster Energy, and Ducati. Spaniard Raul Fernandez wasn’t far behind at 1:58.00 for the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, and Marco Bezzecchi kept the pressure on, clocking 1:58.06 for Aprilia Racing. Mere tenths separated these giants—every split-second mattered.

But there’s no time for fist-pumps or high-fives. The focus whiplashes to the first Qualifying Round—where grid positions for Sunday are at stake. Make it to the top 12, and you’re right in the mix for glory. Miss out, and Silverstone can be a harsh teacher.

MotoGP is a sport that thrives on unpredictability. Just when you think someone’s bagged pole, everything flips in a heartbeat. Qualifying 2 was proof: Spaniard Jorge Martin pulled off an audacious dash for pole, edging out compatriot Raul Fernandez and Japan’s Ai Ogura by fractions of a second. Honestly, if qualifying had us on the edge of our seats, the main race was destined to be a showstopper.

With both qualifying rounds in the books, it’s clear the battle at the front is fierce. Monster Energy-backed riders grabbed four of the top five spots—proof that determination and a dash of swagger make a formidable combo at Silverstone.

Although the spotlight usually shines on the MotoGP main event, let’s not overlook the backbone of the weekend—Moto2 and Moto3. These classes are where grit is forged and future legends are born, each with their own high-stakes qualifying drama.

The difference? Moto2 fields riders with a bit more experience, while Moto3 is the lightweight proving ground. But Silverstone is the great equalizer—one wrong move, and the circuit will chew up rookies and veterans alike. I watched rising stars in Moto3 push themselves to the edge, with Silverstone’s infamous corners ready to punish any lapse in focus. It’s a tough school, but what a thrill to watch!

Hakim Danish from Malaysia refused to let Silverstone’s challenges rattle him, topping Moto3 Qualifier Round 1 with a stellar 2:09.69. Then, in Round 2, 22-year-old Brit Scot Ogden sent the home crowd into raptures by clocking a blistering 2:09.12. Moments like these capture what I love about MotoGP—the mix of raw talent, nerves, and the roar of the crowd.

Meanwhile, over at the Moto2 camp, the first Qualifier was a rollercoaster. A couple of brave souls took hard tumbles—thankfully, they walked away, but their bikes needed some serious TLC. When the dust settled, it was America’s Joe Roberts who rose to the top with a sharp 2:02.18. The level of determination out there was unreal.

​Moto2 Qualifying Round 2 wasted no time cranking up the drama. More spills, then a hair-raising collision at turn 11 brought out the red flag—a sobering reminder of just how perilous this sport can be. The marshals were on their game, and as the session paused, riders hunched in their garages, nerves jangling, waiting to see if they’d get another chance to attack the track.

Thankfully, after a quick breather, the riders were back—this time with a visible sense of caution, a little more respect for Silverstone’s bite. When the dust finally settled, Spanish sensation Izan Guevara stamped his authority with a 2:01.48. The crowd erupted, and I couldn’t help but feel like I’d just witnessed something special.

By this point, the grandstands were buzzing—fans jostling for the best views ahead of the famous Tissot Sprint. This isn’t just any race; it’s a MotoGP tradition, a 10-lap sprint where every rider leaves nothing on the table. You could feel the tension build as they lined up, each one hungry for precious championship points.

The grid? Absolutely stacked. Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Fabio Quartararo—you name it. But the pace was relentless, and not everyone could keep up. Three riders, including crowd favorite Cal Crutchlow, were forced to bow out, their races over before they’d barely begun.

But in the end, it was Aprilia Racing’s Jorge Martin who stole the show, grabbing the win and a vital 12 points. Ai Ogura pushed hard for second, and Marco Bezzecchi fought tooth and nail for third. The Tissot Sprint was pure MotoGP—ambition, drama, and passion unleashed under the Silverstone sky.

With the final day looming and everything still to play for, anyone could take the crown. Based on today’s fireworks, one thing was certain: tomorrow was going to be unmissable. I made sure to get some rest—Silverstone’s Sunday showdowns are the stuff of legend.

​Sunday 9th August 2026

Sunday. The big day. The moment I stepped onto the grounds, that familiar buzz was back—tension, excitement, and a sea of hopeful faces. Before the real action, the riders sneaked in a final warm-up, then strolled down the Rider Parade Hero Walk—soaking up the adoration and giving fans a memory to treasure.

Fans were in their element—snapping photos, collecting autographs, and sharing a few words with their heroes. The big guns—Jack Miller, Alex Rins, Cal Crutchlow, and my personal favourite Fabio Quartararo—soaked up the love. But the real magic? Seeing the next generation, like Turkey’s Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, stepping into the spotlight. These are the moments that remind you: MotoGP is a family, always growing, always thrilling.

Meanwhile, the Moto2 warriors were getting set for battle—17 laps of Silverstone standing between them and glory. If qualifying taught us anything, it’s that this circuit is merciless. Every corner demands absolute focus—drop your guard, even for a heartbeat, and Silverstone will make you pay. That’s what makes it such a rush to witness, every single time.

It was a true battle for the top spot in Moto2, with riders pushing to their limits until the very last lap. In the end, it was Czechia’s Filip Salac who clinched first place with a time of 35:01.86, sparking wild celebrations from his OnlyFans American Racing Team. Spanish riders Ivan Ortola and Alex Escrig rounded out the podium, finishing second (+0.303) and third (+0.652) respectively. Their achievement was written all over their faces as they stood tall on the winner’s podium, basking in the cheers and applause of their teams and supporters.​

Engines roared to life—ready, set, go…

And then, the moment we’d all been waiting for—the main event. Weeks of training, strategy sessions, and mental preparation all led to this. As the riders lined up on the grid, Jorge Martin held pole position, ready to lead the charge. The flag dropped, and just like that, the battle between the titans of MotoGP was underway.​

The opening laps were steady, with Raul Fernandez surging into the lead, shadowed by Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin. But as the pace intensified, Bezzecchi took a tumble—shaking up the order. Jorge Martin moved into second, Alex Marquez claimed third, and Fernandez held his nerve out front.​

Halfway Point...

Just past the halfway point, 16 riders remained in contention as others—including Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Rins, and Enea Bastianini—were forced to retire. Sadly for rider Joan Mir, this was not his day as due to issues, he was unable to even complete the first rap, thus causing him being the first to retire. Refusing to let his earlier crash define him, Bezzecchi remounted and fought his way back into third place. Fernandez, Bezzecchi, and Martin each put on a masterclass in focus and consistency, determined to seize every chance.​

5 Laps to go

With just a handful of laps left, the battle for the top spots remained fierce. While the leaders held steady, Alex Marquez faced relentless pressure from Pedro Acosta—a tense cat-and-mouse chase that kept the crowd on edge.​

Final Lap

It was a gripping contest, but Raul Fernandez’s confidence and control meant his lead never truly looked threatened. He crossed the finish line as the victor of the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Great Britain, sending the fans into a frenzy. Jorge Martin locked in second place, and against all odds, Bezzecchi—still recovering from injury—fought back for a well-earned third. Their resilience and determination were on full display.​

As Martin and Fernandez rode side by side, exchanging fist bumps, it was a beautiful display of mutual respect—a priceless MotoGP memory.​ At the post-race conference, the pride and emotion on the faces of the top three said it all. The key takeaway: in MotoGP, success is built on unwavering focus, persistence, and consistency.

Closing remarks…

Attending my first-ever MotoGP at Silverstone was an unforgettable experience. It was easily one of the most insightful and enjoyable weekends I’ve had, deepening my appreciation for the sport and confirming Silverstone’s place as a jewel in the UK’s racing calendar.

Tickets for next year’s MotoGP at Silverstone are already on sale via www.silverstone.co.uk/events/british-grand-prix-motogp

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special. If you love speed, drama, and pure sporting passion, you won’t regret it.

Commentary by Thushara Chandrasiri