After a remarkable weekend (hello, gap in the track!) during the MotoGP in Brazil, we head to the United States for one of the most iconic races of the year. The race weekend takes place from April 10–12, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This world-famous circuit is known for its challenging layout, exciting elevation changes, and its ability to test riders and teams to the limit.
With the season still young, this weekend is crucial to see which riders and teams can maintain their form after the opening rounds.
Schedule MotoGP United States 2026
The race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas follows the usual MotoGP format with free practice sessions, qualifying, a sprint, and the main races:
| Day | Activity | Local time COTA | Dutch time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 10 | Free practice MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 15:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday, April 11 | Qualifying Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP | 09:00 – 13:00 | 15:00 – 19:00 |
| Saturday, April 11 | MotoGP Sprint Race | 15:00 | 21:00 |
| Sunday, April 12 | Warm-up Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP | 09:00 – 10:00 | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Sunday, April 12 | Main races Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP | 11:00 – 15:00 | 17:00 – 21:00 |
Unpredictable weather conditions
Austin can be unpredictable in April: rain showers and fluctuating temperatures can make the asphalt slippery and the race weekend extra challenging. Teams will need to use free practice sessions to find the perfect setup.
Why COTA is so challenging
The Circuit of the Americas is a technically and physically demanding track:
- Long straights combined with sharp braking zones
- Elevation changes and fast S-turns require constant concentration
- Overtaking is possible but requires perfect timing
Teams that quickly adjust their bike and rider settings gain a clear advantage.
Championship standings
After the first rounds of the MotoGP 2026 season, here are the current standings:
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| Position | Rider | Team | Points | Wins | Podiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | 56 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | Jorge MartÃn | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | 45 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Pedro Acosta | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 42 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | SKY Racing Team VR46 | 37 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Marc Márquez | Ducati | 34 | 0 | 0 |
Why this race matters
Even though the season is still early, the US race can already reveal a lot about the championship:
- Qualifying is crucial due to fast braking zones and limited overtaking opportunities
- Championship points are important as the standings are still close
- Teams need to learn how their bikes perform on a technical and physically demanding circuit
Fun facts about the US MotoGP
- Circuit of the Americas: a staple on the MotoGP calendar since 2013, known for spectacular races and elevation changes
- American fans: Austin attracts thousands of international fans every year and offers a unique motorsport experience
- Combination of speed and technical skill: COTA is one of the few circuits where pure speed on the straights meets technical corners
Conclusion
The MotoGP in the USA 2026 promises an exciting weekend. With a challenging circuit, unpredictable weather, and a championship still early in the season, we can already get an indication of who will dominate this year. Fans need to stay alert because anything can happen in Austin.
