RALLY - The war in Iran has impacted another Global race. This time, it is the longest race in the world, which has the most competitors. The Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027 will not kick off the Global racing calendar on the traditional New Year's Day start.

MOTOGP - First off, it is a good thing that the Saturday Sprint at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Australia was so eventful, because the fans who showed up for the last GP to be held at Phillip Island did not see a Sunday Grand Prix. That had to be cancelled because a low ceiling across the rain swept circuit prevented emergency helicopter flights due to the fog.

Marc Marquez prevailed during the Saturday Sprint in another heated contest between himself an Aprilia Racing's Jorge Martin. The Ducati rider grabbed the holeshot from pole, but Martin shot form Row 2 to P2 and the two title protagonists were locked into a showdown. Martin was briefly headed by Marc's brother Alex, but was soon back in second in pursuit of the Ducati Lenovo rider.

Martin snagged the lead with a pass on Marquez in Turn 10 on Lap 3. The two engaged in a duel on the ragged edge of adhesion. Marquez was back in front of Martin on Lap 5 in Turn 4. Three times the Martinator tried to get back in front, but was resisted by Marquez.

Something had to give and it did so when Martin lost the front in Turn 8 and went down hard and fast. Jorge rolled through the gravel and sustained fractures to his forearm and wrist.

Alex Marquez inherited P2 and the Sprint Silver Medal, with VR46 Racing's Fabio Di Giannantonio rounding out the Sprint podium.

Marco Bezzecchi took fourth ahead of Pedro Acosta, with Ai Ogura sixth at the line but was soon under investigation regarding his tire pressure. Acosta's teammate Brad Binder came home seventh ahead of Jack Miller, on the Prima Pramac Yamaha, in P8. Pro Honda LCR's Diogo Moreira was ninth, ahead of Iker Lecuona in tenth. Lecuona was standing in for the injured Fermín Aldeguer on the BK8 Gresini Ducati. Aldeguer will not participate in this weekend's GP of Malaysia.

The Sprint win, coupled with Jorge Martin's DNF allowed Marc Marquez to take a 10-point lead in the MotoGP World Championship.

Marc Marquez: “Today we weren't the fastest out there, so I tried to defend my position as hard as I could against Martín and attack to retake the lead. The pace was really fast, and it was clear that he had a rhythm I couldn't match. Once I was informed of his crash, I managed the race while trying to prevent the chasing riders from closing in, starting with Alex, who was coming back strongly. I'm happy with the win, but I feel sorry for Jorge. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon.”

Since Martin was ruled out of Sunday's Red Bull Grand Prix of Australia, it was fortuitous for the Aprilia rider that the race was cancelled. Not losing any more points will help, but even though Jorge was given the green light to participate in FP1 in Sepang tomorrow, he is surely not in top shape to contend at the top. If he races at all, he will do so in damage control mode.

Due to limited visibility affecting the operation of the medical helicopter at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Australia, the MotoGP Grand Prix race, in addition to the Moto2 and Moto3 races were cancelled. As a farewell to the legendary Phillip Island, the MotoGP riders did two parade laps behind the safety car and stopped on the main straight to greet the fans still packing the hillsides and grandstands.

Less than a week after sustaining a non-displaced fracture of the distal radius in his right wrist in Australia, Martin will be out on track in the opening stint of a crucial Grand Prix in the ever-changing 2026 title race. MotoGP’s medical team will review Martin again after FP1. 

This will be the 34th Malaysian GP, which has been held every year since its inaugural edition in 1991, except in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Shah Alam hosted the first seven editions, with a debut premier class GP win for John Kocinski on a Yamaha in 1991, before a single visit to Johor in 1998. The GP moved to Sepang in 1999, and this will be the 26th time that Sepang hosts the event.

Marc Marquez leads the MotoGP World Championship by 10 points from Jorge Martin (365 to 355), having taken the lead with his Sprint win in Australia. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 315 points.

Aprilia lead Ducati by 6 points in the Constructors’ Championship (509 to 503). Both have eight MotoGP GP wins in 2026, already a record season for Aprilia, whose previous best was four in 2025.

The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia will be a late night/early morning affair in the States. The Saturday Sprint is on at 2:55 AM Saturday morning, with the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia broadcast coverage beginning at 1:30 AM Eastern Sunday morning. Both races are on FS2.

WORLDSBK - A key figure in Ducati's rise in popularity has died. Bruno Spaggiari, who raced in the 1950s and 1960s passed away on October 23rd. He was 93. His name will forever be associated with Ducati and one of the most memorable races in motorcycle history.

Born on January 11, 1933 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Spaggiari began racing in 1953. Ducati quickly recognized his talent and signed him as a factory rider. Over the course of his long career, he also raced for brands such as MV Agusta, Benelli, and Morini. In 1958, he achieved initial success on a Ducati 125 Desmo at the Nations Grand Prix in Monza and also won the Italian 125cc championship. He won the Italian title in this category again in 1964.

FORMULA 1 - At last weekend's MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli put in, "a miracle lap" Saturday to take pole position, which led to a lights out to checkered flag victory.

Finishes by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell kept the World Championship out of reach in Austin, but Antonelli is certainly looking like he will be the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to be crowned Word Driver Champion. To clinch in Austin, Kimi would have needed to win, which he did, and Russell would have needed to finish ninth or below, and Lewis Hamilton had to finish outside of the top four. As it was Russell was P8 and Hamilton P4. Close, but no Champagne.

Curiously, it is up to local laws where the 20-year-old Antonelli is able to sip the celebratory Champagne. In the United States, where the drinking age is 21, Formula 1 provides him with an unbranded bottle containing a non-alcoholic substitute.

Like all F1 drivers, he also receives non-alcoholic drinks on the podium in Middle Eastern countries (such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi) due to local alcohol laws. In Canada, where the drinking age is 19, the GP du Canada winner did indeed get the real deal Moët & Chandon. He also celebrated his home win in Monza with Champagne, since the legal age is 18.

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari played the strategy game to claim P2 and Driver of the Day. Max Verstappen stayed on point, taking his sixth consecutive podium for Red Bull Racing on the heels of two straight victories in Singapore and the Bahrain GP in Sepang.

Rather than pit twice, like most of his rivals, Antonelli started on Medium tires, switching to Hard tires and managing them all the way to the end, finishing more than 13 seconds in front of Leclerc.

Other point scorers at COTA included McLaren's Lando Norris, who rounded out the top 5 and Isack Hadjar who took P6 in the second Red Bull. The second McLaren of Oscar Pastri finished a couple of seconds in front of George Russell, who was assessed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage when he banged wheels with Piastri.

Russell finished far enough ahead of Liam Lawson that t didn't effect his P8. The Alpine of Pierre Gasly rounded out the USGP point scorers.

Kimi Antonelli is Set To Make F1 History This Weekend

Kimi Antonelli: "What an incredible feeling. After Friday, I don't think any of us expected to be standing here with the win, so to turn the weekend around like this is really special. The car felt great today, and I was able to control the race, but it definitely wasn't easy. There was pressure throughout and I knew I couldn't afford to make a mistake. I just tried to stay calm, focus on each lap and execute the race.

"A huge thank you to everyone here at the track and back at Brackley and Brixworth. We kept working after a difficult Friday and never gave up. To repay all that work with a victory feels amazing. I'm very proud of what we achieved today."

This weekend Kimi Antonelli has another chance to clinch the title at the Gran Premio de la Ciudad de México held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This works out good for the Mercedes driver, since the legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico, he will be drinking Champagne, Tequila....

All Antonelli has to do this weekend is finish ninth place or higher in Mexico to be crowned champion, even if Russell wins the race. The grands prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently scheduled to go ahead on November 29th and December 6th, but escalations in the war between the United States and Iran have the potential to force the cancellation of both rounds.

F1 has put a contingency plan in place to hold a single round at Imola if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled, but doing so would cut the championship short by one round and mean only 75 points are available to any single driver before the end of the year. Such a scenario would mean Antonelli has already won the title after maximizing all the points on offer in Austin.

If (when) Kimi Antonelli becomes World Champion, in addition to becoming the youngest driver to ever win a Formula 1 World Championship, it has been 73 years since an Italian has been Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion! Alberto Ascari was the last Italian driver to do so, scoring back to back Formula 1 World Championships in 1952 and 1953.

Every, man, woman and child in the Italian Republic knows the numbers. When Antonelli accomplishes the inevitable, the entire country will ignite in a celebration that very well could last longer than 73 years!

This weekend's race is unique in that Mexico City is over 7,200 feet above sea level. That fact has a big impact on a Formula 1 car's performance and behavior. Mexico City's high altitude provides an interesting challenge to all teams and drivers with the conditions having a unique impact on the aerodynamic sensitivities of the cars, with the air density reducing downforce and drag levels. Traditionally, teams have run high-downforce packages, despite a .745-mile main straight, but still are able to reach some of the highest speeds of the year because of the lower air resistance.

The focus for the locals will be Cadillac F1's Sergio Perez. The Mexican was out of Formula 1 in 2025 and arrives in his home country to contest his 300th career Formula 1 GP.

Sergio Perez: “Mexico is always a very special race for me. There’s nothing quite like coming home, feeling the support of the fans and being surrounded by my people. I missed that feeling a lot last year, so I’m really looking forward to being back in Mexico City and sharing this moment with everyone. To celebrate my 300th Grand Prix at my home race makes it even more meaningful, and I’m excited to enjoy every moment of this weekend with my family, friends and all the fans who have supported me throughout my career.”

In 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris won the race from pole position. The previous year Carlos Sainz also won from pole while driving for Ferrari. In 2023 Charles Leclerc was on pole, but the race was won by Max Verstappen.

Apple TV coverage of the Gran Premio de la Ciudad de México begins at 1:50 PM Eastern Sunday afternoon, with cars rolling out for the formation lap at 3:00 PM ET. For Free Practice and Qualifying times, see the Jay Geils Memorial TV Links above.

2026 FORMULA 1 CALENDAR.

Alboreto: Gasoline in the Veins - The story about the man who grew up to realize his childhood dream of driving a Formula 1 car for Enzo Ferrari is now available once more in the United States. Alboreto: Gasoline in the Veins is written by Michele Alboreto's brother Ermanno and details his early years and rise through the racing ranks. It also tells about his character outside the car and that is the contribution that we are most proud to be associated with. It began with an interview during Michele's Indy car career and a request to use it in his life story. We also contributed interviews with his teammates and racing legends like Giacomo Agostini. Listen to that interview HERE. For ordering info, reply to this update for details. There are a limited number of copies here in America, you will save international shipping prices by getting your copy directly. Visit the Facebook page HERE.

INDYCAR - Last Friday, October 23rd, INDYCAR announced they will race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain as part of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

Located in Montmeló, just outside Barcelona, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a fixture on the international Motorsports stage since opening in 1991. The renowned road course has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious racing championships, including Formula 1 and MotoGP, and is recognized for its combination of high-speed corners, technical sections and demanding layout.

The inaugural INDYCAR Grand Prix of Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday, July 18th and will bring the North American open-wheel racing series to Spain for the first time. It sets the stage for a popular homecoming for Barcelona native and five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.

The multiyear agreement with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya marks the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ first race outside North America since 2013, when James Hinchcliffe won on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. The event also signals a European return for the INDYCAR SERIES, which last competed on the continent in 2007 at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.

Palou, a 29-year-old Spaniard, captured his fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in 2026, becoming just the second driver in series history to win four consecutive titles, joining Sebastien Bourdais (2004-07). With five championships in six years and 25 career victories, Palou is tied for 17th on the series’ all-time wins list. Only A.J. Foyt (seven) and Scott Dixon (six) have won more INDYCAR SERIES championships.

Alex Palou: “I’m so excited to be part of INDYCAR’s first race in Barcelona. It is an amazing opportunity, and it means so much to me to have a race at home in Barcelona, it’s hard to put into words. I know the fans are going to love it, and I think we are going to put on a great show. We’re going to try hard with the team at Chip Ganassi Racing to bring home the trophy in July.”

The addition of Barcelona marks another milestone for INDYCAR as the series continues to introduce its brand of racing to new audiences and build upon its growing momentum.

After announcing Phase One of the 2027 schedule in August, Phase Two of the 17-race championship picks up Sunday, June 13th at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. In 2026, the race on the challenging 1.25-mile oval featured 17 lead changes, wheel-to-wheel action throughout the field and an INDYCAR SERIES track-record 268 passes for position.

Two weeks later, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for the series’ 37th race at Road America on Sunday, June 27th. Known for its sweeping corners, long straightaways and 4-mile layout, the historic road course remains one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the schedule.

Racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has become a Fourth of July holiday tradition for INDYCAR, and it will continue Sunday, July 4th. The technical, 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course, known for its elevation changes and tight corners, will host its 44th INDYCAR SERIES race in 2027, the longest-running road course event on the schedule.

Following the international showcase in Barcelona, the series returns to the Pacific Northwest for its annual stop at Portland International Raceway on Sunday, August 1st. The 12-turn road course is known for its challenging opening chicane and history of thrilling finishes. In 2026, four different race teams were represented among the top four finishers.

The series then crosses the border into Canada for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Sunday, August 15th, on the Streets of Markham, Ontario. The 2.19-mile temporary street circuit, which debuted in 2026, features 12 turns, a double-sided pit lane and technically challenging sections. The 2026 race featured 258 on-track passes, the most of any street circuit last season.

The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship enters its final stretch with a return to the historic Milwaukee Mile for a pivotal doubleheader Saturday and Sunday, August 28th - 29th. The legendary 1-mile oval, which opened in 1903, features relatively flat corners that demand precision and offers drivers two opportunities to earn valuable championship points in one weekend. Last year’s first 250-lap race featured a season-high 696 on-track passes and track records for passes for position, passes in the top 10 and passes in the top five.

The final round of the 2027 season is scheduled for Sunday, September 5th at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. The iconic 2.238-mile road course features 11 turns, dramatic elevation changes and the world-famous Corkscrew turn complex, providing a fitting showcase for the final race of the 17-event championship and the presentation of the Astor Challenge Cup, manufacturer award and Rookie of the Year award. It is the 13th time the legendary circuit on the Central Coast will host the INDYCAR SERIES season finale.

The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule kicks of March 7, 2027 on the street of St. Petersburg. For tickets, event updates and additional information, follow the link to THE FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG.

FORMULA E - Formula E's GEN4 era is set to begin the 2026/2027 season December 18th, when the series races a doubleheader weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. If the words Saudi Arabia raises an eyebrow, remember that Formula 1 earlier in the year cancelled the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain events, due to political unrest (a war) in the Middle East. In addition, the Dakar Rally cancelled their planned event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week.

The last two races on the Formula 1 calendar, slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of November and beginning of December are still on as of today. Things have not changed, the Strait of Hormuz is still closed and the resulting rippling effect on safety and the global economy are currently ongoing. Just in case, F1 has Imola standing by to host the final round of 2026. It would meet the contractual obligation the commercial rights holder has with teams to present a minimum of 22 rounds in 2026.

Where this leaves the Formula E season-opener in mid-December we will only know in time. It is an uncertain way to introduce what is planned to be a vastly updated championship. In September, Formula E unveiled a new brand identity, its biggest global calendar to date, a landmark streaming partnership with Disney+, and a new "E-PrixUnleashed" format.

FIA WEC - The FIA World Endurance Championship wraps up the 2026 calendar in one week at the 6 Hours of Monza. Toyota has clinched the Hypercar Manufacturers' Championship.

But the Hypercar Drivers' Championship is still in contention. It is an intrasquad battle between Toyota Racing's No. 7 drivers; Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries and the No. 8 Toyota team of Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa. Now that Toyota Racing has the coveted Manufacturers' crown, they have taken the gloves off the TR010 HYBRID crews with the promise of no team orders in Monza.

There's also a three-way fight for P2 in the Manufacturers' Championship, headed by BMW, with Ferrari and Cadillac also in the mix. Ferrari scored the Hypercar Championship sweep n 2025, taking home the honors in both the Manufacturer and Driver categories. You know they will be going all out close to their home base in Northern Italy next weekend.

Speaking of Monza, Ford’s Hypercars are testing at Autodromo Nazionale di Monza this week. For the first time the manufacturer has two cars running together. The test is the next step towards Ford’s 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship debut.

Until now, Ford had tested one car at a time. The program ran three single-car tests, starting at Paul Ricard in early August and followed by Portimão and Silverstone. The second test car is the third chassis built for the yet-to-be-named Hypercar.

The chassis is built by ORECA, on of the four FIA approved chassis manufacturers. The others are Dalllara, Ligier and Multimatic. But the unmistakable howl of a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter Coyote V8, which has been filling the Italian parklands this week, is purely Dearborn, Michigan. American driver Logan Sargeant is one of six drivers confirmed for 2027, alongside Matt Campbell, Nick Yelloly, Tom Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller and Sebastian Priaulx. Yelloly and Blomqvist both come from Acura, while Campbell joins from Porsche, having capped off a decade with the German manufacturer by winning Petit Le Mans earlier this month.

Check out some behind the fence, boot leg raw V8 video of the test from NM2255.

Two Ford Hypecars Are Testing at Monza This Week

In LMGT3, Corvette has the upper hand in the title fight, with the No. 33 TF Sport entry leading the way and the sister No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Z06 not far behind in third – then Porsche and BMW are still hoping to turn the tables at the legendary ‘Temple of Speed’. 

Manthey – a brand whose reputation in GT racing precedes it – closed the gap with victory at the last round in Spain for its No. 92 The Bend Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R. Team WRT’s No. 69 BMW M4 Evo, meanwhile, will require a perfect weekend at Monza and hope its rivals hit trouble if it is to spring a late surprise.

Check out the 6 HOURS OF MONZA entry list for the final event of 2026 on November 6th - 8th. 

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