Here’s a guide on how to watch the 2026 Japanese MotoGP at Motegi, which is the 16th round of this year’s world championship and takes place from October 2nd to 4th. We’ve also included the schedule for all MotoGP sessions during the weekend in both local Japanese time and UK time.
Marc Marquez heads back to Motegi, the venue where he secured his 2025 title, currently trailing championship leader Jorge Martin by 12 points. Despite Marquez being defeated by Aprilia’s Martin in both races at the Red Bull Ring, the duo has established a solid lead over Marco Bezzecchi, who is 42 points behind and positioned further down the standings.
One of the biggest challenges to Martin and Marquez could come from Pedro Acosta, fresh off his maiden MotoGP victory at the Red Bull Ring and now fourth in the championship. Acosta, a promising young Spanish rider from KTM, has shown strong form at Motegi—leading in his rookie season, making the Sprint podium last year, and contending before a mistake disrupted his race.
Pecco Bagnaia, Marquez’s factory Ducati teammate, won both Motegi races last year from pole position, finding a temporary advantage with the GP25 in Japan. However, this success was short-lived, with Bagnaia scoring points in only two of the following ten races. Currently ninth in the championship, with his only win this season being a Sprint race at Brno, Bagnaia hasn’t been on the podium since June but could potentially recreate some Motegi magic.
The Japanese MotoGP at Motegi runs from October 2nd through 4th. On Friday, October 2nd, two practice sessions will take place. Saturday, October 3rd, features the final practice, qualifying, and the Sprint race. Sunday, October 4th, will have the warm-up session followed by the grand prix.
Here are the session times (local / UK):
Friday, October 2:
10:45 AM / 2:45 AM – FP1
3:00 PM / 7:00 AM – PracticeSaturday, October 3:
10:10 AM / 2:10 AM – FP2
10:50 AM / 2:50 AM – Qualifying
3:00 PM / 7:00 AM – Sprint RaceSunday, October 4:
9:40 AM / 1:40 AM – Warm-up
2:00 PM / 6:00 AM – MotoGP Race
All sessions will be broadcast live on MotoGP’s official Video Pass streaming service, which costs €148.99 for the full season with Timing Pass, or €139.99 without live data. A monthly pass option is available for €29.99.
For viewers in the UK, TNT Sports will air every session of the Japanese MotoGP. A subscription through HBO Max starts at £27.99 per month, depending on the plan. TNT Sports also provides live coverage of all Moto2 and Moto3 sessions. Additionally, Crash.net offers live text updates for all MotoGP track sessions except warm-up.
Fan Take:
This upcoming Japanese MotoGP is pivotal as Marquez looks to defend his title on a circuit where he has historically excelled, but with young stars like Pedro Acosta emerging, the competition is fiercer than ever. Fans can expect thrilling battles that could shape the championship’s final stages and inject fresh excitement into the sport.
Source: www.crash.net
