MotoGP – Austrian Grand Prix – 2026
MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix 2026 at the Red Bull Ring
From September 18 to 20, 2026, the MotoGP™ World Championship returns to Spielberg for the bwin Grand Prix of Austria – one of the undisputed highlights on the European racing calendar. Nestled among the rolling hills of Upper Styria, the Red Bull Ring has delivered breathtaking races since MotoGP’s return in 2016, with dramatic overtakes on its long straights and fierce braking battles into its tight corners.
The Red Bull Ring is regarded as one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. A combination of 65 meters of elevation change, three left-hand and seven right-hand corners, and a 626-meter-long main straight creates a unique blend of high-speed passages and technically demanding braking zones. The natural amphitheatre-like topography gives spectators excellent views of the action from virtually every vantage point.
Circuit and Statistics
The Red Bull Ring measures 4.318 kilometers and features ten corners. The current race lap record is held by Francesco Bagnaia at 1:29.519, set in 2024. The fastest ever MotoGP™ lap at Spielberg belongs to Jorge Martín, who clocked a blistering 1:27.748 during qualifying in 2024. The track is renowned for its stop-and-go character, where strong braking performance and rapid acceleration out of slow corners make the difference between victory and defeat.
Styria as a Travel Destination
Spielberg is located in the Mur Valley, approximately 75 kilometers north of Graz. Beyond motorsport, the region offers a wealth of leisure activities: hiking in the Styrian Alps, the famous wine region of Southern Styria, and the historic old town of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The circuit is accessible by car via the A9 motorway or by train to Knittelfeld/Zeltweg. On race weekend, shuttle buses run from around 50 pickup points across Austria directly to the Red Bull Ring.
Supporting Programme 2026
In addition to the three MotoGP™ classes and MotoE™, the 2026 edition features the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup season finale at the Red Bull Ring. Visitors can also look forward to an extensive entertainment programme including concerts, autograph sessions, stunt shows, and air displays around the circuit.
Complete Schedule (Local Time)
Friday, September 18
- 08:30–08:45 – MotoE™ Practice 1
- 09:00–09:35 – Moto3™ Free Practice
- 09:50–10:30 – Moto2™ Free Practice
- 10:45–11:30 – MotoGP™ Free Practice 1
- 12:35–12:50 – MotoE™ Practice 2
- 13:15–13:50 – Moto3™ Practice 1
- 14:05–14:45 – Moto2™ Practice 1
- 15:00–16:00 – MotoGP™ Practice
- 17:00–17:10 – MotoE™ Qualifying 1
- 17:20–17:30 – MotoE™ Qualifying 2
Saturday, September 19
- 08:40–09:10 – Moto3™ Practice 2
- 09:25–09:55 – Moto2™ Practice 2
- 10:10–10:40 – MotoGP™ Free Practice 2
- 10:50–11:05 – MotoGP™ Qualifying 1
- 11:15–11:30 – MotoGP™ Qualifying 2
- 12:15 – MotoE™ Race 1
- 12:50–13:05 – Moto3™ Qualifying 1
- 13:15–13:30 – Moto3™ Qualifying 2
- 13:40–13:55 – Moto2™ Qualifying 1
- 14:05–14:20 – Moto2™ Qualifying 2
- 15:00 – MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint
- 16:10 – MotoE™ Race 2
Sunday, September 20
- 09:40–09:50 – MotoGP™ Warm-up
- 10:00–10:40 – Rider Fan Parade
- 11:00 – Moto3™ Race
- 12:15 – Moto2™ Race
- 14:00 – MotoGP™ Grand Prix
Event Facts
Event: bwin Grand Prix of Austria 2026
Date: September 18–20, 2026
Circuit: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
Track Length: 4.318 km
Corners: 10 (3 Left, 7 Right)
Elevation Change: 65 m
Longest Straight: 626 m
Race Lap Record: 1:29.519 (Francesco Bagnaia, 2024)
Tickets: from €149 (3-Day Green Ticket)
Timezone: CEST (UTC+2)
Website: motogpaustria.com
