For the first time ever, MotoGP will share the global stage with Formula 1 at the same Grand Prix weekend, bringing the world’s fastest motorcycles to the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, as part of the FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2026. A spectacular on‑track demonstration will headline the event, with four elite riders taking to the 3.426‑mile circuit to show exactly what makes MotoGP the pinnacle of two‑wheel racing.
A Landmark Moment — Two World Championships Meet
This is far more than a routine exhibition. For the first time in the history of modern motorsport, the MotoGP and Formula 1 World Championships will run official events side‑by‑side at the same venue over the same weekend — a milestone that will introduce the world’s premier motorcycle racing series to the hundreds of thousands of fans descending on Austin.
With the active MotoGP championship competing at Phillip Island in Australia on the same weekend, this showcase serves as a bridge — keeping the sport visible in the United States while building excitement for the full MotoGP Grand Prix returning to COTA next season. More than 400,000 spectators are expected across the three days, offering a massive platform to showcase the speed, sound and spectacle of MotoGP to a whole new audience.
The Riders — Legends, Champions and Rising Stars on Track
Four riders will represent the sport in the demonstration run, bringing a mix of proven greatness, current success and future promise to the Austin asphalt:
- Dani Pedrosa (KTM) — The MotoGP Hall of Fame inductee and three‑time World Champion returns to a circuit where he has long been a fan favourite. Pedrosa has won at COTA before and knows every bump and braking zone intimately.
- Nicolo Bulega (Ducati) — Fresh from securing the 2026 WorldSBK title in record‑breaking fashion, Bulega steps onto the world stage ahead of his promotion to MotoGP with Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team for 2027. This will be one of his first public appearances on a MotoGP bike, giving fans an early look at the newest name on the grid.
- Andrea Dovizioso (Yamaha) — The former championship runner‑up and test rider brings vast experience and smooth, precise style to the proceedings, having contested some of the most intense title battles in recent memory.
- Lorenzo Savadori (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) — Another highly regarded test rider, Savadori is no stranger to racing at the highest level and will push hard to deliver an exciting show.
The Machines — Engineering Masterpieces on Display
The bikes these riders will pilot are quite unlike anything else on four wheels or two. Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 225mph along COTA’s long back straight, they pull off the straight with more power‑to‑weight than almost any road‑racing vehicle in existence. Through the corners, they lean to angles of more than 60 degrees, generating immense grip and breathtaking speed. They are also loud — producing over 130 decibels of that distinctive, high‑pitched scream that has to be heard to be believed.
These are not modified machines or vintage racers — they are full‑specification MotoGP prototypes, the absolute cutting edge of motorcycle technology, built without regard for cost or production relevance.
When and Where — Saturday Showdown
The demonstration laps are scheduled for Saturday, 24 October, running from 11:40am to 12:00pm Central Daylight Time, immediately before Formula 1’s Free Practice 3 session. It is a prime slot designed to capture maximum attention, with the world’s media and grandstands already packed for the F1 action to follow.
The on‑track display is only part of the story. Throughout the weekend, MotoGP will operate a dedicated fan zone activation in the COTA Fan Zone, featuring all four bikes on static display, interactive elements and opportunities to get up close to the machinery and the brand. Team members and staff will be present from Thursday through Sunday, building connections and answering questions as the sport prepares for its full‑time return.
What They Said — Pedrosa and Bulega Speak
“It’s always special to ride a MotoGP bike at COTA — one of the most iconic circuits in the world,” said Dani Pedrosa. “The United States Grand Prix is a truly unique event on the F1 calendar, attracting an incredible crowd. This is a perfect chance to show everyone what makes MotoGP so exciting. The speed, the sound and the performance — you have to experience it in person. I can’t wait to share that with everyone in Austin.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity to put MotoGP in front of one of the biggest crowds in world motorsport,” added Nicolo Bulega. “The atmosphere at COTA is always incredible, and to ride a MotoGP bike in front of so many fans will be a special experience. These bikes are unlike anything else — hopefully the laps will show just how spectacular our sport is. We’re looking forward to giving fans a glimpse of what they can expect when MotoGP returns to Austin in 2027.”
Looking Ahead — MotoGP Returns to COTA in 2027
This showcase is the curtain‑raiser for something much bigger. The full MotoGP Grand Prix of the United States will officially return to the Circuit of The Americas from April 23–25, 2027, bringing the championship and all its stars back to Texas for a full weekend of racing. This weekend’s demonstration is the first step on that journey — a reminder of what is coming, and a thank‑you to the fans who have waited for the sport to return.
