Paddock Pass Podcast

Adam, David and Neil do their best to summarise the news, events and emotions of a fraught sixth round of 2026 MotoGP with their ‘Moments’, Talking Points, Winners & Losers and Grades from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by MotoGP.com

Adam, David and Neil recount their news and views from Thursday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the first day of activity at the Catalan MotoGP, while also getting the inside line on Ai Ogura, his personality and working methods thanks to Trackhouse Racing Crew Chief Giovanni Mattarollo. Photo by MotoGP.com

Le Mans: a deluge of fans, noise, expectation and, eventually, rainfall. An atmospheric round five of 2026 MotoGP produced a couple of landmarks and more shocks. Adam and Neil call Dave from the Media Centre in the Sarthe to rattle through some talking points.

Adam and Neil are joined by commentator, journalist and presenter Elliot York to chat about the first day of hype at a warm and bright Le Mans. Johann Zarco’s fame, expectations for a changeable weekend of weather, what testing bits from Jerez and our Rant and Buzz comments from Thursday in France. Photo by MotoGP.com

Another week and another weekend of Ducati dominance from Nicolo Bulega. The Italian is Superbike Superstar is constantly rewriting the record books in 2026. Steve and Gordo break down the action from Balaton Park and talk about how circumstances played a role in Bulega's success but ultimately his talent, speed and consistency is why he continues to win.

Beyond the success of Bulega we look at the other major talking points of the weekend. These included the action of the FIM Race Stewards against Andrea Locatelli for his part in the accident that left Miguel Oliveira sidelined for upcoming rounds through injury. Loka was given a double long lap penalty for his actions and this led to lots of discussion in the paddock.

With Oliveira sidelined the fortunes of Ducati's rivals is also discussed. The opening third of the season has seen Alex Lowes continue to impress for bimota while in Hungary Garrett Gerloff reminded everyone of his speed.