Reigning double MotoGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia believes that certain traditional circuits should remain permanent fixtures on the race calendar but insists that improvements in safety are necessary.
While MotoGP continues expanding into new markets, classic venues such as Mugello, Assen, Jerez, and Phillip Island still hold significant value for both riders and fans. The recently announced 2026 calendar keeps these fan-favourite tracks while adding a new round in Brazil. In 2025, the Czech Grand Prix at Brno made a comeback after a five-year break and was widely praised by the riders.
Bagnaia stressed the importance of these heritage races but pointed out specific safety concerns. He mentioned Jerez as a “mandatory” venue, but highlighted risks at corner four and corner seven, where riders like Alex Rins and Franco Morbidelli have had high-speed crashes into the air fence. He also noted that Mugello and Barcelona suffer from low grip levels.
This push for safer conditions follows similar concerns raised by both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez regarding the Sachsenring. How future MotoGP calendars evolve remains to be seen, especially under the new ownership of Liberty Media. Drawing parallels with Formula 1, the US media group has expanded F1 globally, often at the expense of traditional races. F1 currently lacks races in Germany and France, and Imola has been dropped for 2026.
