We're exactly halfway through this MotoGP season, and yet, I don't see anyone getting worked up about it. Today, and tomorrow, I'm going to look back at these first 11 Grands Prix, starting with what I liked in this article, and then, in the second, what I liked less. Of course, you're welcome to share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook. All comments will be read carefully, as always. So, let's get started!
The crazy contrast between this season and the last
The first obvious point is the show. Frankly, I'm thoroughly enjoying this season of MotoGPAnd that feels good. Indeed, I often struggle with post-2016 MotoGP and its single ECU system. because of this somewhat standardized on-track spectaclewhere anyone can prevail. I have already struggled to get excited about certain specific seasons; I am thinking, in particular, of 2021, despite Fabio Quartararo's victory, but also and especially of the very disappointing 2024 and 2025.
During the first of these years mentioned, Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia have never directly faced each other, except for a few rounds in Malaysia.Then, in 2025, absolute boredom: no races contested, the ever-present Marc/Alex Marquez combo in the top two positions, no battles, veritable farces due to penalties for non-compliant tire pressures (Buriram, Brno), a championship effectively over in the first third of the year and won five rounds before the end… it was undoubtedly, from a spectator's point of view, the worst year I've ever watched. I haven't even mentioned those last four GPs, where Marquez was absent, leaving us with victories by default from his brother Alex, Raul Fernandez, or Marco Bezzecchi.
After the night comes the day, and 2026. First, on the track, something is always happeningWe've had some great battles, but also some meaningful clashes, like Marquez against Acosta in the very first race in Thailand, or Marquez against Di Giannantonio in Brazil. It's fast-paced, you're rarely bored watching – except at the Sachsenring where it was clearly less impressive – there are twists and turns, especially crashes by the leaders, and all the sessions are enjoyable to watch. Granted, the Sunday winners usually win by a significant margin, but beyond that, it's very good. My favorite Grand Prix overall was probably Spain, with that completely crazy Sprint, and that successful GP which saw Alex Marquez impose oneself.
I love this season
You see, many people misunderstand the very definition of a spectacle. For some, it's simply about observing what happens on the track, or counting the overtakes. But in reality, it goes far beyond that: crashes, for example, however serious they may be, are an integral part of the show. Accidents are inherent to the thrill of motorsports.And this has been the case since the beginning of the 20th century: danger is inherently linked to motorized sports. Consequently, if we take a slightly broader definition of spectacle as a reference point, this year is a vintage one. There was, among other things, Barcelona, and that race of attrition, when Montmeló became a gladiatorial arena. Brno, and Marco Bezzecchi's meltdown, who let his emotions take overHungary, and that memorable crash at the start of the GP. The Netherlands, where, in sweltering heat, Ai Ogura won his first race.
You may not like everything, but in my opinion, it's also these events that make us say, on Thursday: "I can't wait for tomorrow."The madness is constant, and as a result, we always expect MotoGP to surprise us. This also applies to the winners, who are also very unpredictable. Motorcycle Grand Prix racing thus reclaims the crown of the most spectacular motorsport, because the diverse emotions it evokes (fear, excitement, anxiety, joy…) are, in my opinion, perfectly dosed in 2026.
An exciting MotoGP title race
I'm sorry, but I don't really have any good points to give the drivers at the moment. The average points per race scored by all the elements is extremely low. including for leaders. If I had to single out one standout name, it would of course be Marc Marquez, and how could I not congratulate Ai Ogura on his progress? But, objectively speaking, neither of them has been achieving astounding performances since the beginning. We really like the Japanese rider, for example, But only one win halfway through the season for a team second in the standings is objectively meager.Even further back, I find there are few pleasant surprises, or at least no drivers I didn't expect at this level.
However, the fact that the top riders aren't racking up wins has the merit of giving us a thrilling title race: a group of five riders are separated by just 24 points, which I think is unprecedented. Admittedly, this is a bit skewed, because on average points scored per race, Marc Marquez is far ahead; he's simply penalized by four DNFs. three of which were not his doing (Rim explosion in Thailand, absence due to injury in France and Catalonia). Bezzecchi is mathematically in the title race, yes, but he's been plummeting and hasn't given that impression for the last four races. So it needs to be put into perspective, but factually, we enjoy.
Conclusion
Personally, I really enjoy watching and talking about this championship. I could also have discussed the transfers and what happens off the track (Viñales affair, Gonzalez snubbed), because it adds even more spice.
If I had to give this first half of the season a rating, it would probably be 16/20And you? Give me your rating in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport