The Brno circuit is back in MotoGP after a long break. Marc Márquez aims to close the gap in the standings. Key riders face penalties and team changes ahead of the Czech GP.
The MotoGP World Championship heads to the historic Brno circuit for the ninth round of the 2026 season, marking the venue's return after a four-year absence. Brno, second only to Assen in the number of races hosted, has been a fixture in motorcycle racing for nearly eighty years. Its reappearance on the calendar brings renewed attention, especially as the title fight intensifies.
Marc Márquez arrives in the Czech Republic following his first double victory of the season at Balaton Park, narrowing the gap to championship leader Marco Bezzecchi to 72 points. The standings remain tight: Bezzecchi leads with 180 points, Jorge Martín follows with 160, and Fabio Di Giannantonio holds third at 138. Pedro Acosta is close behind with 132, while Márquez rounds out the top five at 108 points.
The previous race saw drama in the opening corner, where a multi-rider incident—triggered by Jorge Martín—impacted the championship picture. As a result, Martín will serve two long lap penalties during Sunday's race. Meanwhile, Cal Crutchlow continues to substitute for Johann Zarco at LCR Honda, and Gresini Racing has yet to confirm a replacement for Álex Márquez.
The Czech GP weekend features a packed schedule, with free practice sessions starting on Friday, June 19, and races concluding on Sunday, June 21. Session times vary by country, with MotoGP's main race set for 14:00 in Spain. Fans in Spain can watch all sessions live on DAZN and Movistar+, while coverage in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru is provided by ESPN. In the United States, NBC Sports and CNBC will broadcast the event. Live results and updates are also available on AS.com.
Brno's return is significant for MotoGP, as the circuit's technical layout and long history often produce unpredictable results. The current points situation, combined with penalties and team changes, adds further uncertainty to the championship battle. The Czech GP is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of the 2026 season, with several riders and teams facing critical tests on one of the sport's most iconic tracks.
For context, Brno has hosted Grand Prix motorcycle races since 1930 and is renowned for its fast, flowing corners and elevation changes. The circuit's absence in recent years was due to financial and logistical challenges, making its return notable for fans and teams alike. The 2026 calendar features a mix of classic venues and new additions, reflecting MotoGP's ongoing evolution and global reach.
