- F1 tweaks 2026 rules for Miami as Toyota conquers Ferrari at Imola.
- Palou targets Barber glory while MotoGP stars prepare for Jerez showdown.
- Reddick stays hot for Talladega while BMW debuts a new Superbike star.
Wednesday already. Time to stop looking back and, instead, look ahead at what lies in wait this weekend.
And what we see are the Children’s of Alabama circuit, the rolling hills of Imola, and legendary curves of Jerez.
Here is Wednesday’s update on anything and everything that’s moving in the world of motorsport.
Formula 1: Miami ‘patch’ is official
The FIA has confirmed that the energy ‘harvesting’ reg changes they discussed in Monday’s meeting will be fast-tracked for Miami (May 3). After three races that focussed too much on energy management, the governing body is attempting to return the focus to racing.
- Energy harvesting: They aim to stop the weekend (qualifying in particular) from being an exercise in battery-charging. Harvesting is now strictly capped at 7MJ per lap.
- Superclip boost: Electrical deployment has been upped from 250kW to 350kW. The aim is to reduce the ‘parachute effect’. This is where cars lose speed late on the straights due to depleted energy levels.
- Safety changes: In Miami, they will also trial a new race-start system and some new wet-weather lighting designed to address driver visibility issues.
IndyCar: Palou’s masterclass and the road to Barber
Last weekend, Alex Palou reminded everyone exactly why he’s a four-time champion with a statement win at Long Beach. Next stop… Alabama:
- Standings: Palou’s 22nd career win has now put him within striking distance of the current championship leader, Kyle Kirkwood.
- Next up: They head to the Barber Motorsports Park this coming weekend for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix. Pato O’Ward is a big favourite there – holds the track record – but all eyes will be on whether Palou can win back-to-back races.
MotoGP: A lone star for Tech3 in Jerez
As they prep for the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, the big news is of a depleted Red Bull KTM Tech3 garage.
- Absentees: Maverick Vinales is due to miss his home race following complications from shoulder surgery. His replacement, Pol Espargaro, has also been ruled out by a hand injury. This leaves Enea Bastianini as the team’s only rider at Jerez.
- High stakes: This is the first European round of the 2026 season. A battle between the Aprilia and Ducati teams is anticipated as they look to hit the ground running after the month-long hiatus caused by the postponement of the Qatar race.
NASCAR: Talladega Looming
Following on from Tyler Reddick’s dominant start to the new season, the Cup Series moves to the high banks of Talladega for this Sunday’s GEICO 500.
- Drafting battles: We’re expecting fuel-saving to be a biggie this weekend. Trackhouse Racing are under huge pressure to turn their ailing season around after a disappointing outing in Kansas.
Other Motorsport snippets
- World Endurance Cars: The 6 Hours of Imola ended with a big win for Toyota. The #8 car driven by Sebastien Buemi took the honours, holding off the #51 Ferrari by 13 seconds in front of the Tifosi.
- British Superbikes: Day one of the Oulton Park test concluded yesterday with Bradley Ray (McAMS Yamaha) at the top of the timesheets. Today (April 22), all eyes will be on Ukrainian rookie Ilya Mikhalchik, who is making his Superbike debut under the new ROKiT BMW sponsorship deal.
Looking ahead:
- This weekend: MotoGP (Jerez), IndyCar (Barber), NASCAR (Talladega).
- Next weekend: F1 (Miami Grand Prix), British Superbikes Season Opener (Oulton Park).
