Ducati will aim to extend its Mugello dominance as the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix kicks off on 31 May 2026 at the historic Tuscan circuit.
Factory hopes and rival threats
After four consecutive home‑victories, the Italian marque enters the weekend with Franch‑isco Bagnaia seeking a third straight win, while Marc Marquez returns after missing the Catalan round and Le Mans. Aprilia, fresh from four triumphs in six races, positions Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin as the primary challengers, with Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura also in podium contention.
Two riders sit out due to the crash‑laden Catalan GP: Alex Marquez, absent for the first time since 2023, will be replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro for Gresini; Johann Zarco also withdraws, prompting Cal Crutchlow’s surprise entry on the satellite Honda.
Global session timings
All practice, qualifying, sprint and race slots are listed in local time zones to help fans worldwide tune in.
- Friday 29 May – Free Practice 1: 09:45 BST / 10:45 CEST / 04:45 ET / 01:45 PT / 18:45 AEST / 17:45 JST / 14:15 IST
- Friday 29 May – Practice: 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT / 23:00 AEST / 22:00 JST / 18:30 IST
- Saturday 30 May – Free Practice 2: 09:10 BST / 10:10 CEST / 04:10 ET / 01:10 PT / 18:10 AEST / 17:10 JST / 13:40 IST
- Saturday 30 May – Qualifying: 09:50 BST / 10:50 CEST / 04:50 ET / 01:50 PT / 18:50 AEST / 17:50 JST / 14:20 IST
- Saturday 30 May – Sprint: 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT / 23:00 AEST / 22:00 JST / 18:30 IST
- Sunday 31 May – Race: 13:00 BST / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 ET / 05:00 PT / 22:00 AEST / 21:00 JST / 17:30 IST
How to watch live
The MotoGP Video Pass streams every on‑track session for an annual fee of €139.99, offering direct access to practice, qualifying, sprint and race coverage. National broadcasters also carry live coverage via their official websites, providing free alternatives in several territories.
Key storylines to follow
Watch for Ducati’s attempt to secure a fifth straight Italian GP, the impact of Marquez’s comeback, and Aprilia’s push to disrupt the factory order. The absence of Alex Marquez and Zarco adds further intrigue, while Pirro and Crutchlow’s substitute roles could produce unexpected results.
With the grid reshuffled and a sprint race on Saturday afternoon, the Mugello weekend promises tightly contested action that may reshape the championship trajectory before the season’s final stretch.
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