The Grand Prix of Japan for MotoGP™, the world's premier motorcycle racing series, will be held at Mobility Resort Motegi over three days, from October 2 (Fri) to 4 (Sun), 2026.

MotoGP™ is about more than speeds exceeding 350 km/h and fierce battles between riders. You can enjoy racing throughout all three days, from Friday's practice to Saturday's sprint and Sunday's main race.

At the venue, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re new to racing, including MotoGP™ Night Live / After Race Live, food, park attractions, the Honda Collection Hall, camping, and overnight stays in your vehicle.

Never watched a motorcycle race before? Wondering if the whole family will enjoy it? This easy-to-follow guide covers everything from racing basics and riders to watch to tickets, getting there, and how to spend all three days.

Want to Know About the Race!

1. What is MotoGP™?

   MotoGP™ is the world's premier motorcycle road racing series, with riders competing around the globe for the annual championship. The 2026 Grand Prix of Japan will be held at Mobility Resort Motegi as Round 16. The world's top riders will gather in Japan for three days, from October 2 (Fri) to October 4 (Sun).
   
   In the premier MotoGP™ class, machines from Honda, YAMAHA, Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM compete. These prototype bikes, powered by 1000cc four-stroke engines, race at speeds well over 300 km/h.

   

2. Enjoy all three classes:
   MotoGP™, Moto2™, and Moto3™

   MotoGP™ features three classes: the premier MotoGP™ class, Moto2™, and Moto3™.
   
   Moto3™ is the gateway for young riders taking on the world, while Moto2™ is the intermediate class where riders aiming for MotoGP™ test their skills. At the top is the MotoGP™ class. Even on the same track, each class has its own sound, riding style, and kind of racing. If you’re new to it, just remember: Moto3™ is fierce competition among young riders, Moto2™ features the stars of tomorrow, and MotoGP™ is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.

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3. There’s a race on Saturday in 2026, too!
   Don’t miss the Sprint

   If you’re new to MotoGP™, it helps to know how the weekend unfolds. Practice sessions for each class begin on Friday, while MotoGP™ teams fine-tune their bikes for Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s main race. On Saturday, qualifying is followed by the Sprint, a short race for the MotoGP™ class. Then, on Sunday, the Moto3™, Moto2™, and MotoGP™ main races take place.
   
   Saturday brings not only qualifying but also the Sprint, where riders battle fiercely for position from the moment the race begins. That means even a Saturday-only visit offers plenty of racing tension and excitement. If you’re attending all three days, we recommend checking how the riders and bikes are performing on Friday, getting a sense of each rider’s pace and the competitive order during Saturday’s Sprint, then enjoying the final races on Sunday.

   

4. The sound and braking are highlights
   you can only appreciate in person

   Watching MotoGP™ in person lets you experience the thrilling sound and speed that video alone cannot fully convey. The roar and speed of the bikes as they pass right in front of you are especially striking, as is the hard braking when riders rapidly slow down from the downhill straight for the 90-degree corner.
   
   Many fans who have attended the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan mention the sound you can only experience in person, the thrill of hard braking, and the energy throughout the venue. Even if you don't know the finer points of the rules, simply experiencing that excitement is enough to have a great time.

   

5. Want to hear more from the fans? Start here

   From choosing seats and getting to the circuit to what to bring and how to enjoy the event beyond the races, “Fans Answer Your Questions! How to Enjoy MotoGP™ Q&A” brings together tips from fans who have attended the Grand Prix of Japan. If it’s your first time, their firsthand advice can help answer common questions, so check it out alongside this guide. Fans Answer Your Questions!
   How to Enjoy MotoGP™ Q&A

   

Riders to Watch at the 2026 Grand Prix of Japan

The 2026 title race is close. After Round 15, the Austrian Grand Prix, Marc Márquez trails championship leader Jorge Martín by 12 points, while third-placed Marco Bezzecchi is 42 points off the lead.

The biggest draw at the Grand Prix of Japan is Ai Ogura, the only Japanese rider competing full-time in the premier class. In 2026, he has taken on the world’s best head-to-head, claiming his first MotoGP™ victory along the way.

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  Ai Ogura
  SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP™ Team

  He is the Japanese rider to watch at the 2026 Grand Prix of Japan. After winning the Moto2™ World Championship in 2024, Ai Ogura stepped up to MotoGP™ in 2025. Now in his second season, he is rapidly making his mark at the highest level of motorcycle racing. He finished third at the French Grand Prix for his first MotoGP™ podium. At the Czech Grand Prix, he became the first Japanese rider since 2020 to take pole position, then finished second in the sprint and second in the main race, just 0.4 seconds behind Marc Márquez. At round 10, the Dutch Grand Prix, he finally claimed his first MotoGP™ victory.

  It was a major achievement: the first premier-class victory by a Japanese rider in 22 years, since Makoto Tamada won in 2004. A left-hand injury forced Ai Ogura to miss the Aragon GP in late August and the following San Marino GP, but Ogura returned at the Austrian GP, finishing fourth in both the sprint and the main race to earn a total of 19 points. Expectations are high for what Ogura will deliver at the home Grand Prix of Japan. Motegi is a circuit where Ogura has enjoyed strong results, including a Moto2™ class victory in 2022. Come cheer Ogura on in person as a MotoGP™ race winner competing at the home Grand Prix.

  Rider details

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  Jorge Martín
  Aprilia Racing

  The 2024 MotoGP™ world champion, Jorge Martín is once again a leading contender for the title in 2026. He won both the sprint and the main race at the French Grand Prix. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he took pole position, won the sprint, and finished second in the main race. He leads the standings after Round 15 in Austria and heads to the Grand Prix of Japan aiming for his second world title.

  Watch for his aggressive riding style as he throws the bike around, and his ability to deliver a blistering lap in qualifying.

  Rider details

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  Marc Marquez
  Ducati Lenovo Team

  The 2025 MotoGP™ world champion, Marc Márquez is one of the sport’s biggest superstars, having clinched the title at the Japanese Grand Prix. In 2026, he bounced back from a mid-season injury to win both the sprint and the main race at Round 13, the Aragon Grand Prix. He added to his points tally at the Austrian Grand Prix with second place in the sprint and fifth in the main race. He sits second in the standings, 12 points behind leader Jorge Martín.

  His hard braking and the way he leans the bike to its limits make for a thrilling sight, even for first-time spectators.

  Rider details

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  Marco Bezzecchi
  Aprilia Racing

  He is one of the standout riders in the 2026 title race. He made a dominant start to the season, winning the first three Grands Prix. At the Italian Grand Prix, he claimed a historic home victory at Mugello aboard a bike made by Italian manufacturer Aprilia. At Round 13, the Aragon Grand Prix, he took pole position and finished third in both the sprint and the main race. He also finished third in both races at the Austrian Grand Prix. After Round 15, he sits third in the standings, 42 points behind the leader.

  The 2026 Grand Prix of Japan will also introduce a new Marco Bezzecchi fan section. He’s a rider to watch if you want to pick a favorite to cheer for.

  Rider details

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  Pedro Acosta
  Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

  One of the standout stars of the younger generation, he is known for his aggressive braking and his willingness to attack the riders ahead of him.

  At Round 13, the Aragon GP, he finished second behind Marc Marquez. Then, at Round 15, the Austrian GP, he crashed late in the sprint while leading, but took the lead in the following day's main race and held on for his first MotoGP™ class victory. He is one of the most exciting young riders right now, turning his attacking style and speed into results.

  Rider details

1. Keep an eye on the Japanese manufacturers’ bikes, too!

   In MotoGP™, it’s worth watching not just the riders but also the differences between each manufacturer’s bikes.
   
   Top riders on Japanese manufacturers’ bikes are competing too, including Joan Mir of Honda HRC Castrol and Fabio Quartararo of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™. If it’s your first time watching, picking a rider to root for based on your favorite manufacturer or the brand of bike you ride is another way to enjoy the race.

   

2. Cheer on the Japanese riders in Moto2™ and Moto3™
   too!

   At the Grand Prix of Japan, keep an eye not only on the MotoGP™ class but also on the Japanese riders competing in Moto2™ and Moto3™. In Moto2™, Taiyo Furusato joins IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia in 2026, while Ayumu Sasaki enters his third season in the class. In Moto3™, Ryusei Yamanaka and 19-year-old Zen Mitani, who begins his first full season in 2026, are taking on the world's best.
   
   Watching young riders develop as they aim for the premier MotoGP™ class is another highlight of the Grand Prix of Japan. Be sure to follow Moto2™ and Moto3™ as well as the MotoGP™ race.

   

I want to enjoy more than just the racing!

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  MotoGP™ Night Live /
  After Race Live

  MotoGP™ Night Live is a popular event that brings the Grand Prix of Japan to life after dark. On Friday and Saturday, MotoGP™ riders take the stage after their track sessions for conversations you rarely get to hear. In 2026, there will also be live music from popular acts including Juice=Juice, SWEET STEADY, and MORE STAR.

  This year, After Race Live will also take place after Sunday's MotoGP™ race. Kariyushi 58 will perform, bringing the three-day Grand Prix of Japan to a musical close. Admission is free with a MotoGP™ ticket. One of the event's attractions is that the fun continues into the evening, so there's no need to head home as soon as the racing ends.

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  Immerse yourself in MotoGP™ into the night at
  Over Night Square

  Over Night Square lets you enjoy the racing into the night with MotoGP™ fans from across Japan while camping or sleeping in your vehicle. In 2026, it will be held in the N5 parking lot on October 2 (Fri) and 3 (Sat), from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Enjoy local food and drinks, talk sessions featuring special guests such as rider Takaaki Nakagami, and live music as you look forward to the next day’s racing.

  Recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy three days like an overseas Grand Prix: racing by day and talking with fellow fans by night.

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  Have an eligible pass?
  Head to HERO WALK

  HERO WALK is open to eligible guests, including paddock pass holders and guests in select suites. This popular event brings you closer to the riders competing on the world stage.

  This is a rare chance to see the riders’ expressions up close—something you can only glimpse through their helmets during a race. If you have an eligible ticket, be sure to check the event date and time.

  Learn more

MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan:
How to Make the Most of Three Days

You don't have to attend all three days to enjoy the event. With qualifying and the Sprint on Saturday and the races for each class on Sunday, even a single day lets you experience the thrill of MotoGP™.

Attend all three days, though, and you can experience the whole story: see how the riders and bikes are performing on Friday, enjoy the battles in Saturday's Sprint, and reach the climax with Sunday's races. In 2026, every race ticket includes a three-day park passport, so you can also take your time with the family, enjoying attractions and food between race sessions.

1. October 2 (Fri)
   Get your bearings and step into the world of MotoGP™

   Morning to midday | Arrive early and explore the venue
   
   Friday is the first day of on-track action for all classes. It’s easier to get around the venue than on Saturday or Sunday, so first-time visitors should take the opportunity to locate their seats, restrooms, places to eat, and the route to the park. As you watch the sessions, pick out a bike whose sound you like and a rider who catches your eye. That will make the weekend’s racing much easier to follow.

2. Afternoon | Track action + park + Honda Collection Hall
   
   Every race ticket includes a three-day park passport, so head to the park attractions between sessions. Even family members who aren’t familiar with racing can enjoy the day in their own way. For a quieter break, visit the Honda Collection Hall. Alongside motorcycles and cars from across the years, you can enjoy a special exhibition commemorating the Grand Prix of Japan, “Two Passions, One Dream: Honda and Yamaha’s WGP Challenges.” This first installment features WGP racing machines that defined both manufacturers in the 1960s, as well as MotoGP™ championship-winning bikes. By comparing the actual machines, you can trace how Honda and Yamaha pursued the top of the world with different technologies.
   
   The Honda Sound Demonstration—an engine-starting performance—will also take place during the event. Hear the engines of legendary racing machines such as the RC181, NSR500, NSR500V, and RC213V up close. Check the official schedule before you go.

   

3. Evening to night | MotoGP™ Night Live → Over Night Square
   
   Once the track sessions are over, head to the Moto Stage at the central entrance. At MotoGP™ Night Live, you can enjoy rider talks and live music. If you’re staying overnight at the venue, head to Over Night Square afterward. Spending the evening enjoying food and music while chatting with fellow fans about the next day’s sprint is an experience unique to the Grand Prix of Japan.

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4. October 3 (Sat)
   Qualifying + Sprint! Saturday is more than just the day before the main race

   Morning | MotoGP™ Qualifying
   
   On Saturday morning, qualifying determines the starting grid for the MotoGP™ class. With limited time and laps to set a fast time, it brings a different kind of tension from the main race. If you’re new to MotoGP™, just check where Ai Ogura and any other riders you’re interested in will start.

   

5. Midday | Take a Break with Lunch and Some Time at the Park
   
   Take a proper break before the sprint. Enjoy the food on offer around the venue, or head to the park for the “Become a Racer GP” experience (reservation required) and get a taste of what it’s like to be a racer. If you’re visiting with children, enjoy the day at your family’s own pace.

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6. Afternoon | Sprint
   
   Saturday’s biggest highlight is the MotoGP™ Sprint. Because it covers a shorter distance than Sunday’s main race, many riders make aggressive moves from the outset, making it exciting from start to finish. Even if you only have one day to watch MotoGP™, Saturday lets you enjoy both qualifying and a race.

   

7. Evening | Keep the excitement going at Night Live and Over Night Square
   
   The day isn't over when the sprint ends. After enjoying MotoGP™ Night Live, head to Over Night Square if you're staying overnight at the circuit. Share your thoughts on the riders you saw Friday, talk about Saturday's sprint results, and predict who will win the next day. Make the most of a “race night” that only a three-day stay can offer.

   

8. October 4 (Sun)
   : Three class finals and After Race Live bring the event to a close

   Morning | Soak up the final-day atmosphere from warm-up onward
   
   Sunday is race day. Watch the morning MotoGP™ warm-up and see how your favorite riders are looking. If you’re attending only on Sunday, arriving early to get your bearings around the venue will help you enjoy the rest of the day smoothly.
   
   Before or after the races, check out the “Moto Racer Fastest Rider Championship! ~Dream Competition 2026~” (entries close at 3:00 p.m. each day). Enjoy the time trials on the park’s Moto Racer motorcycle attraction alongside the final races.

9. Late morning to midday | Moto3™ and Moto2™ races
   
   Moto3™ and Moto2™ also hold their races on Sunday. Cheer on the Japanese riders and enjoy the fierce battles between young talents on their way to MotoGP™. Watching all three classes, rather than just MotoGP™, lets you hear the differences between the bikes and see how the races unfold differently.

   

10. Afternoon | At last, the MotoGP™ race
    
    The climax of three days of racing. Riders in the premier class battle for victory at the Grand Prix of Japan. If you’ve been watching since Friday, you’ll see a story in every rider’s performance: “That rider has been fast since Friday,” or “That’s how they did in the sprint.” Even if this is your first MotoGP™ event, after three days you might find yourself with a favorite rider.

    

11. After the race | Stay for After Race Live before heading home
    
    In 2026, MotoGP™ After Race Live will take place after the MotoGP™ final race. A live performance by Kariyushi 58 will bring the three-day Grand Prix of Japan to a close. To avoid the rush to leave immediately after the race, consider enjoying the concert and other activities at the venue before heading home.

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Which tickets should I buy?

Every ticket to the 2026 MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan includes a three-day park passport. That makes it easy for race fans and families who want to enjoy the attractions to visit together while each spends the day their own way. Here are our ticket recommendations for different ways to enjoy the event.

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  Ages 16–23?
  Check out the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass!

  Eligible visitors ages 16–23 can apply for the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass to enjoy the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan for free. In 2026, the pass includes three-day general admission and a three-day park passport, plus exclusive experiences such as a paddock tour and a grid and paddock tour.
  
  A free shuttle bus from the Haga Town Industrial Park Management Center bus stop to Mobility Resort Motegi is also available with advance reservations, subject to limited availability. If you’re going to see MotoGP™ for the first time with friends, this is a pass you won’t want to miss.

  Target	Born between October 5, 2002, and April 1, 2011
  Application period	May 10, 2026 (Sun), 11:00 a.m. –October 4 (Sun)

  Learn more

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  PICKUP!
  New to MotoGP™?
  Try a General Admission Ticket

  If this is your first race and you want to get a feel for MotoGP™, a General Admission Ticket is a great choice. Move between general admission viewing areas such as 130R, the Downhill Straight, and V Corner to experience how the bikes sound and how fast they look from different spots. The ticket is valid for three days, Friday through Sunday, and includes a three-day Park Passport. It’s also a great option if you want to enjoy the park and its food between races.

  Learn more

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  PICKUP!
  For the start, pits, and podium,
  choose V seats

  For the quintessential MotoGP™ experience, V seats are a great choice. From the grandstand stretching from the final corner to Turn 1, you can take in the pack of riders just after the start, the speed on the home straight, braking into Turn 1, and the pits and podium—all iconic scenes of the Grand Prix of Japan.

  The view varies across V1–V6, so choose based on what you want to see, whether it’s the battles at Turn 1 or the pits and podium. The Hospitality Garden is also close to the V seats, making it easy to grab a meal or take a break—a welcome convenience for first-time visitors.

  Learn more

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  NEW!
  Enjoy your own space with family and friends at the
  Victory Corner Deck

  New for 2026, this viewing area is designed for groups. Enjoy a panoramic view of the bikes sweeping from the high-speed section toward Victory Corner, closer to the track than ever before. It has a dedicated lawn area and a large trackside screen, and the three-day pass admits five people.

  Each site has a table and chairs, and you can bring your own tent and BBQ equipment. You can also stay for two nights starting Friday, October 2, making it a great choice for families and groups who want to combine race viewing with camping.

  Learn more

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  NEW!
  Watch the action at Turn 5 head-on
  at the T5 (Turn Five) Deck

  This new deck area is located on the outside of Turn 5. Watch MotoGP™ bikes charge into the turn head-on, with a large screen right in front of you. A dedicated parking area is close to the deck, making it easy to bring in large tents and BBQ equipment.

  With a spacious lawn area where you can relax, this is ideal for groups who want to enjoy both the thrill of racing and the outdoors. You can also stay for two nights starting Friday, October 2.

  Learn more

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  Have a favorite rider?
  Cheer them on from a fan seat!

  If you have a favorite manufacturer or rider, we also recommend the fan sections in the V seating area.

  Alongside the Honda, YAMAHA, Ducati, and Marc Márquez fan sections, new sections for IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia, Marco Bezzecchi, Álex Márquez, and Ryusei Yamanaka will debut in 2026. Wearing exclusive merchandise and watching the race alongside fans cheering for the same rider is another way to enjoy the Grand Prix of Japan.

  Learn more

How do I get there?

The MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan draws large crowds, so it’s important to plan how you’ll get there in advance.

In 2026, there are more ways to get there, including LRT Smart Access, park-and-ride from off-site parking lots, and the Mito service of the Motegi GP Express. Roads can be especially congested after Sunday’s race, so plan your return trip as well as your journey there.

1. PICKUP!
   We highly recommend LRT Smart Access for 2026!

   

   If you're coming by public transportation from the Utsunomiya Station area, the new LRT Smart Access option for 2026 is a convenient choice.
   
   From the east exit of JR Utsunomiya Station, take the Haga-Utsunomiya LRT (Lightline) for about 40 minutes to Haga Industrial Park Management Center. From there, transfer to the dedicated Motegi GP Express Haga bus for an approximately 30-minute ride to Mobility Resort Motegi. A major advantage is that you can avoid road congestion around Utsunomiya Station. A specially wrapped MotoGP™ Lightline train is also running in 2026. Learn more

2. Driving? Park-and-ride is a new option, too

   

   If you're driving to the event on Saturday or Sunday, consider park-and-ride: park at an off-site lot and take a free shuttle bus to the venue.
   
   Park at the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. off-site parking lot, about 30 minutes from the Moka Interchange, then take a free shuttle bus to Mobility Resort Motegi. You can also sleep in your car in the parking lot on Saturday night. Since you won't need to drive into the area around the circuit, this is a good option if you want to travel by car but avoid some of the congestion near the venue. Learn more

3. Direct from major stations: Motegi GP Express

   

   The Motegi GP Express, a direct bus service with reserved seats, will also operate. In 2026, a new direct service from Mito joins those from Haga, Utsunomiya, Motegi, Tsukuba, Tokyo, and Shinjuku. Regular local buses are also available from JR Mito Station. If you’d rather not drive, consider booking a seat on a direct bus. Learn more

4. Driving directly to the venue?
   Check the detour map, too

   If you’re driving directly to the venue, check the recommended route and entrance gate for the interchange you’ll use in advance. The official access page provides recommended routes from the Mito, Mito-kita Smart, Yaita, Tomobe, and Moka interchanges, as well as a detour map.
   
   Many visitors leave immediately after the race, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip home in advance. You could enjoy After Race Live or other activities at the venue to avoid the rush, and check alternative routes ahead of time. Learn more (PDF)