MOTOGP - Aprilia Racing's Jorge Martin put in a valiant performance last weekend in Qatar, depite racing with a broken wrist. He scored valuable points to keep his faint title chances alive with a podium in the Saturday Sprint; which Marc Marquez won. On Sunday, the No. 89 finished P7 in the GP, which was won by his teammate Marco Bezzecchi.

Ducati Lenovo's Marc Marquez widened his lead in the MotoGP Riders' Championship with a P2 on Sunday. He now leads Jorge Martin by 60 points and Bezzecchi by 74. There are just 74 points on offer, with 25 points available in each of the final two GPs and 12 apiece in the final Sprint Races.

As in Sepang, the weekend started out with fireworks in the Saturday Sprint Race. It was a lightning launch away from the lights from polesitter Bezzecchi, who just about held off the challenge of Marquez from the middle of the front row. Francesco Bagnaia briefly demoted his Ducati Lenovo teammate to second at Turn 2, before the No. 93 got the cutback on the exit and held position.

As if the indignity of being snuffed by his teammate wasn't enough, it was another Ducati rider who knocked Pecco out. BK8 Racing's Fermin Aldeguer - Ducati's heir apparent - uncermoniously rear-ended two-time World Champion Pecco Bagnaia when he missed his braking point while lunging up the inside of Pedro Acosta in Turn 16.

Aldeguer was far too late on the brakes, and in the wrong place at the wrong time was Pecco. The Italian was collected by Aldeguer, which sent Bagnaia flying. The red flags were waved while Pecco was being stretchered away from the gravel trap.

Pecco sustained fractures to his right foot. On Tuesday, November 10th, at the Humanitas Cellini Clinic in Turin, Dr. Luigi Milano successfully secured a plate to the fourth metatarsal of the right foot. Pecco's recovery progress over the coming days will determine the exact timeline for his return to competition. But the next time we see Pecco, he could be riding an Aprilia.

If that wasn't enough drama, Saturday night at the fights saw Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi square off at the front. As is usual when somebody goes head to head with Marc Marquez, it does not end well for them.

On the restart Marquez got the jump ahead of Bezzecchi and Di Giannantonio. When Bezzecchi saw a small gap open with Marquez slightly wide, Marquez came back on-line to grab a late apex, the duo came into contact. It was Bez who got the worst of it - down and out - zero points. The Stewards had a look and decided that no further action was needed. A racing incident...

SuperFile Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez was another to put in a gutsy perfroamce with a P3 on Sunday. The Spaniard made a successful return to racing while still nursing two broken fingers.

Raul Fernandez: “We are a team, we work all together, everyone is always trying to do the best. Nine days ago, when I arrived to Malaysia, my pain was getting stronger and stronger so we decided to go back home to check everything well and recover. We saw that there were some problems with the ligaments in the finger, so we started to work on that. Coming here, I started to use that finger from FP1. It wasn’t perfect but I was able to ride. I think during these days I had a lot of work to do, but finally we got a really good result.

"I did my best and I tried to stay behind Marco but we knew that the fuel consumption is going to be critical here. Then, I saw after a few laps that I had the fuel alarm, so I tried to reduce the power. In some laps I was able to push and come back at 1:52, but then I had to manage again. It was very critical but, I think, to get another podium when you are not at 100% and you are fighting with Marc and Marco, is really nice. This is the way we want to keep for the rest of the season.”

A Sprint podium and nine more points on Sunday is a superhero effort from the 2024 World Champion, just two weeks on from breaking his wrist in Australia. It’s valuable points lost in the title race of course, but scoring solid points this weekend is a win in itself for Martin. And, importantly, the No. 89 is still in title contention.

It was the first opportunity for Marc Marquez to clinch the 2026 title and as it turned out the deciding round will be held in Europe, with the most likely venue next weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. To put it simply, if Marquez wins the Sprint in Portimão, he'll be crowned 2026 World Champion. 

The Repsol Grand Prix of Portugal is next weekend. Times and channels of the broadcast are subject to change. According to FOX Sports website; the Saturday Sprint is at 10:00 AM ET FS2. Sunday's GP is on FS1 at 8:00 AM ET.

And under the best news possible category; this just in at Noon today: MotoGP announced a new two-year media rights agreement with ESPN! Under the agreement, ESPN will become MotoGP's exclusive media rights holder in the United States across ESPN’s linear networks.

Beginning in 2027, MotoGP Grand Prix events will air on ESPN networks and platforms in the United States, either live or on same-day delay, providing fans with enhanced access to every race weekend. The announcement did not specifically state whether Free Practice and Qualifying will be televised, as they were when MotoGP was televised on truTV.

WORLDSBK - Just under one month ago the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship conculded the 2026 calendar in Jerez. Now silly season has come to an end, with the rider grid filled with teams filling seats for 2027.

Several riders headed into 2026 with a contract for next season already in place. Those included Sam Lowes with ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, who signed a two-year deal when he signed his latest contract. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Remy Gardner all have contracts with Yamaha Motor Europe covering 2027. Honda HRC's Jake Dixon signed a multi-year agreement with Honda when moving from Moto2 to WorldSBK.

At the Emilia-Romagna Round, the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team announced that Garrett Gerloff would remain with them heading into next season, becoming the first rider to be announced for next year outside those already contracted.

FORMULA 1 - In this season of constant changes, Mercedes started out as the dominant force, closely followed by Ferrari. Last weekend at the MSC Cruises Grande Prêmio de São Paulo, neither team finished on the podium. Double World Champions in 2025, McLaren Racing have been playing catch up all year. In Brazil, 2025 World Drivers' Champion took his third Grand Prix win of 2026. Oscar Piastri has none.

It being The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, aka Interlagos and at a wet circuit, Max Verstappen will always be a factor. He finished on the heels of Lando, from 21st on the starting grid to P2.

Changing conditions meant a challenging Sunday. The GP started in the wet, the circuit dried, before drivers had to deal with a late-race shower.

Speaking of challenging, newly-crowned Formula 1 Champion Kimi Antonelli slithered off the circuit on his installation lap. Mercedes were able to get the car cleaned up before the formation lap with the Italian starting P2 behind polesitter Norris.

At the start Kimi jumped Norris, with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson also by the McLaren. Max wasn't the only one to start deep in the field. Lewis Hamilton took a grid place penalty for a power unit change. One of the highlights of the race was watching two former World Champions charge forward through the field. By the end of the first lap Lewis was P9 and Max P13.

From Lap 10 onwards, drivers were struggling with tire wear on their Intermediate rain tires on the drying circuit. Some more than others. By the end of Lap 14 Hamilton came in, but not until after losing multiple positions and pleading with the Scuderia brain trust. By then he had slipped to P14.

On Lap 16 Norris, Russell and Isack Hadjar all made their stops for slicks, with Russell spinning on pit exit and grazing the wall. The error likely cost him a podium, with George ultimately finishing the race in fourth position.

Verstappen and Antonelli pitted one lap later. Kimi emerged in front of Lando, who had already warmed up his tires. Antonelli radioed in that something was weird with the car and shortly after he spun out. Kimi was able to get it back on the ciruit, but Norris was by for the lead. Kimi lost another spot after running wide allowing Hadjar into P2.

Kimi's slide (literally) continued, with a trip through the Turn 1 run-off area, which allowed Rainmeister Verstappen through. On Lap 38 Hadjar was asked to let Verstappen by and the Frenchman dutifully obliged. On Lap 44, with Hadjar within a second of Verstappen, he asked if the positions would be reversed. The answer came a lap later when Verstappen was brought in for another set of slicks, emerging in fifth.

By Lap 61 the rains came and some didn't make it back in time to change back to Intermediates. Lewis Hamilton was off and on going up the hill out of Turn 12. George Russell and Fernando Alonso were the first to pit for Intermediates, with the rest of the field following suit.

Russell had the warmer tires and when he approached his teammate he was allowed by Antonelli.

When the late-race rain drama was over, Red Bull took a double podium with Verstappen P2 behind Lando Norris.

With their finish just off the podium, Mercedes took the 2026 Formula 1 Contrcutors' Championship. But after eight consecutive podium finishes, Verstappen has passed Russell for P2 in the Drivers' Championship. Verstappen is 17 points in front of Russell, who is just one point in front of Hamilton.

Lando Norris in the Shadow of Greatness

Lando Norris: "This was certainly up there with one of our best-ever performances in terms of operational execution, strategy, and pit stop timing. The conditions out there in Brazil were exceptionally tricky, transitioning from Intermediates to slicks on a damp track and back again. We had a difficult launch off the line with wheelspin and lost ground early on, but I stayed patient knowing the weather and potential Safety Cars would bring opportunities back to us. Through flawless communication from the pit wall and keeping the car completely error-free on slicks in the wet, we managed to close down an eight-second deficit, apply pressure on the leaders, and capitalize to take the win. 

"The new front wing and upgrade package we introduced this weekend performed exactly as expected, and without them, we would have been further off the frontrunners' pace. However, we have to stay realistic, we were still a tenth or two adrift in outright performance during practice, and we know we are not yet at the level required to contend for a World Championship consistently. I am immensely proud of the entire team and everyone trackside and back at the factory for their relentless work, and we are fully aware that we still have a lot of work ahead of us to extract the ultimate performance from this car. Finally, congratulations to Mercedes on their Constructors' Championship, it's a very special achievement and they've done a fantastic job this year in both Championships. I hope they celebrate well and enjoy this moment. We'll be working hard to give them a bit more of a challenge next year." 

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team announced today, (Thursday, November 12th) that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will continue as its driver kienup for 2027. Both drivers have delivered strong performances throughout the season, contributing to four consecutive double-points finishes and helping the team in the fight for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Liam Lawson: "I’m very happy to be continuing with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls next year. We’ve had a brilliant season together and the team has worked very hard to produce a fast car, which I’ve loved driving. It feels great to be part of a historic season for the team as we continue our fight for P5 in the Constructors' Championship. It's a testament to the hard work of everyone both at track, and back at the factory. I’m looking forward to carrying this moment forward with Arvid through to 2027; we’re building something super positive and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.”

By taking part in the opening practice session in Brazil, Colton Herta secured the final point needed for his Super Licence, clearing the way for a potential F1 drive. Cadillac now have to decide whether they want to give him a debut next year or stick with 37-year-old 10-time Grand Prix winner Bottas alongside Perez.

Nex weekend F1 comes back to the States for the Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix. Apple TV coverage begins at 9:50 PM Eastern Saturday night.

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 - On Tuesday, Novemeber 10th, Dale Coyne Racing announced that 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone Champion Nikita Johnson will join the team for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Johnson, 18, is one of the most exciting young talents joining the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2027. During the 2026 INDY NXT season, the St. Petersburg, Florida, native became the youngest ever series champion, winning the title at 18 years, 3 months and 12 days. He consistently raced at the front of the field, recording two wins, nine podiums and 10 top-five finishes. He finished in the top eight in all 17 races and was the only driver to complete all 656 laps.

In 2023, Johnson won at Circuit of The Americas at age 15, becoming the youngest race winner in USF Pro 2000 history. A year later, he won a race in the GB3 Championship at Zandvoort, making him the youngest race winner ever in the European open-wheel series at 16. His INDY NXT victory in 2026 at St. Petersburg, the first of two wins this season, makes him the third-youngest winner in INDY NXT history.

Colton Herta remains the youngest INDYCAR SERIES race winner, having won at Circuit of The Americas in 2019 at 18 years, 11 months and 25 days. Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti are the only other drivers to win an INDYCAR SERIES race as teenagers. Johnson will be 19 on May 24th.

Nikita Johnson: "How I look at it (his rookie season goals) is getting a few podiums, which is always possible. It's going to be hard to get a win just because the INDYCAR SERIES is such a challenge. My main goal is to be Rookie of the Year and to be top 15, top 16 in the championship my first year. But if I could get a win in my rookie year, that'd be amazing.

"I've always liked smaller teams. That's just kind of how my whole career has been. We proved a lot of people wrong last year with Cape. Nobody really thought about us as being front-runners. I think it doesn't matter how big you are or how small your team is, as long as everybody there loves to come to work, race on the weekends and has a lot of passion, you're going to end up doing very well. Happy to bring the car home in one piece and let everybody from the team relax and not have to rebuild the car every time I’m out there like some drivers. That’s going to be my goal for next year. Racing is expensive. I’ve got to make smart decisions.”

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, in coordination with host partner SELA, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the FIA, announced on Thursday, November 12th an update to the 2027 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar.

The Jeddah E-Prix doubleheader is now scheduled to take place on April 16th and 17th 2027, following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

The aligned decision was reached following constructive ongoing dialogue between all primary partners, taking into account recent developments in the region and the logistical considerations involved. Iran is still targeting American allies in the Mideast.

FIA WEC - Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA triumphed in the final round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship last weekend at the 6 Hours of Monza. The No. 38 Cadillac, in the hands of Jack Aitken, Sébastien Bourdais and Earl Bamber, was victorious in the season's last race. It was a bittersweet win for Bourdais as it marked his final apperance with the team.

Jack Aitken took the first stint, before the current IMSA GTP champion jumped out of the cockpit, handing the seat to Bourdais, then jumping on a flight home to for the birth of his first child. Bourdais then yielded to teammate Earl Bamber with the car still in first place.

Bamber managed the gap to Victor Martins in the No. 36 Alpine. When the gap diminished to just over a second, the New Zealander turned the wick up to cross the line 5.607 seconds ahead Martins. The Alpine P2 was another fitting farewell, as the French Hypercar team is leaving the World Endurance Championship to focus its efforts on Formula 1.

The No. 007 Aston Martin Valkyrie, driven by Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble took P3 on the circuit, but penalties dropped the Aston Martin from, what would have been a first podium. They ultimately were classified one lap down in 12th posotion.

That elevated the No. 51 Ferrari 499P of Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado to a podium finish, which sent the local Ferrari fans home happy. It was the Ferrari 499P’s final World Championship appearance at the end of its fourth year of competition. Ferrari is entering an updated Evo version of the 499P for the 2027 FIA WEC season.

Neither Toyota scored points at Monza, but that mattered little given that the Manufacturers’ title had already been assured. Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryō Hirakawa did clinch the Drivers’ Championship. For Buemi and Hartley, it was their fifth World Drivers' Championship.

Cadillac Ends 2026 On the Top of The Box

Sébastian Bourdais: “An amazing day for the No. 38, for Cadillac and for JOTA. It’s a great send-off for me - I couldn’t have dreamt of a better way to finish this chapter. A huge thank you to everyone for all the hard work, for giving me a car capable of winning and for all the years I’ve been able to do my job within such a professional organization. Hopefully it’s not the end for me, but it is the end of a chapter with GM, and there really couldn’t have been a better way to go out.

“We’re missing Jack right now, but this was a three-driver effort and something we can all be incredibly proud of. There’s going to be a big party tonight!”

In LMGT3, The Bend Manthey made it two wins in as many races in the LMGT3 category for the Porsche squad, but a second victory and fifth podium finish of the campaign was not quite enough to prevent TF Sport and Corvette from taking the season’s biggest prize. A third-place finish for Ben Keating, Jonny Edgar and Nicky Catsburg proved sufficient to secure the Teams’ trophy as well as Drivers’ Championship for Jonny Edgar. Eduardo Barrichello finished P2 in LMGT3 in the No. 23 Heart of Racing Aston Martin.

Earlier today, (Thursday, November 12th) Corvette Racing announced they have signed the newly-crowned FIA WEC LMGT3 Drivers' Champion Johnny Edgar to its lineup of factory drivers for the 2027 season. He joins the existing factory driver roster of Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg, who are confirmed as full-season drivers in IMSA’s GTD PRO category for Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports. Programs for Edgar, Nico Varrone and Charlie Eastwood – the two most recent additions to the works rosters before Edgar – will be confirmed at a later date.

Jonny Edgar: “When I got the opportunity to race with Ben (Keating) in 2025, this was the ideal result. It’s a great honor to be able to make that transition from being a Silver driver to now a factory driver for Corvette Racing. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I’ve loved racing a Corvette the past two years. It has been a pretty successful time with winning the first race for Corvette in LMGT3 and WEC in Qatar last year, which was my first race in the Corvette. Then winning Le Mans, obviously, was the big one and very special.

“It’s been great to share the car with guys like Dani (Juncadella) last year and Nicky this year plus having Charlie in the sister Corvette. You see how they drive, but as much as the on-track stuff is important, it’s all the off-track things, speaking with the engineers, feedback on the setup and the whole package. I feel like there is always something to learn from all those teammates. I’m always trying to take bits and pieces from what they do well and improve myself. I feel like from last year to this year, I made a big step. A big part of that is obviously what I’ve learned from my teammates. That’s been great and already this year I’ve been given more responsibility in terms of the setup decisions from this being my second year and knowing the car better. I feel like I’ve already been a little bit more involved in that. Seeing how Dani, Nicky and Charlie have done it has been a massive help. So I feel like I’m ready for this new role and excited for it.”

The QATAR 1812KM kicks off the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship Marc 25th - 27th.

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