- F1 tweaks 2026 rules for Miami as Palou targets back-to-back IndyCar glory.
- Reddick chases NASCAR history at Talladega while MotoGP descends on Jerez.
- Toyota conquers Ferrari at Imola as BMW debuts a new Superbike star.
As the motorsport world shifts through the years this week, we reach Thursday. This officially marks the start of the race weekends in Jerez and Talladega.
We still have another week to wait for F1 to resume in Miami, but here’s the latest from across the grids and paddocks:
Formula 1: Miami ‘patch’ is coming
As we confirmed yesterday, the FIA have formalised the technical tweaks discussed in their Monday meeting. They will be fast-tracked for next weekend’s Miami Grand Prix (May 3).
The aim is to return the focus to out-and-out racing as opposed to the weekend being dominated by extreme energy management.
Many of the drivers have been openly critical. Max Verstappen went so far as to say he’s contemplating leaving the sport, hence the FIA’s need to act.
Technical tweaks explained:
- Harvesting: Now capped at 7MJ per lap. This is to prevent qualifying (and the race) from becoming a battle of the team with the most efficient battery charger.
- Superclipping: Electrical deployment of the battery has been increased from 250kW to 350kW. This is designed to eliminate the so-called ‘parachute effect’. This is where cars lose top speed at the end of a long straight.
- Safety: Miami will also see the trial of a new race-start system and an advanced wet-weather lighting set-up to assist drivers when in spray.
IndyCar: Palou reclaims the lead
Alex Palou’s masterclass in Long Beach has shifted the momentum in the drivers’ championship. The series now moves to the rolling hills of Alabama.
The road to Barber
- Standings: Following his 22nd career win, Palou has reclaimed the championship lead, and now sits 17 points ahead of Kyle Kirkwood.
- Back-to-back? They now head to the Barber Motorsports Park for this weekend’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, where Palou will look to extend his winning run.
- Challenger: Local favourite Pato O’Ward, currently in fourth on 136 points, remains the quickest in terms of raw pace, and is the holder of the all-time track record at the circuit.
MotoGP: Bezzecchi’s streak vs lone Tech3 rider
As the first European round of the season kicks off at Jerez, the paddock is grappling with a dominant leader and an injury crisis at Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Spanish Grand Prix preview:
- Unstoppable: Marco Bezzecchi and his Aprilia team arrive in Spain having won every race so far in 2026, including a record-breaking streak of 121 consecutive laps led.
- Tech3 injury woes: Maverick Vinales is out of the race after having shoulder surgery. His replacement, Pol Espargaro, is also out with a hand injury. This leaves Enea Bastianini as the team’s only rider this weekend.
- Pressure: Spaniard Jorge Martin sits just four points off the lead and will be the big hope for the 100,000+ local fans expected at the circuit.
NASCAR: Reddick chasing history at Talladega
It’s never dull in the world of NASCAR. Tyler Reddick is on a run of form that hasn’t been seen in the Cup Series for nearly forty years:
- 1987 levels: Reddick has won five of the opening nine races of the season. This is a feat last achieved by Dale Earnhardt back in 1987.
- Dominance: Reddick holds a massive 105-point lead as they head to the high-speed banks of Talladega.
- Hamlin the hunter: Having already won the Daytona 500 this year, Reddick is the Talladega favourite. Denny Hamlin will be a threat, though, after leading for 131 laps in Kansas.
WEC: Toyota’s Imola milestone
The 6 Hours of Imola provided a historic moment for the World Endurance Championship, with Toyota spoiling the Ferrari homecoming party.
Imola recap:
- Fifty wins: Toyota Gazoo Racing secured their 50th WEC victory in their 100th race using the hybrid power unit.
- Podium: The #8 Toyota (Buemi/Hartley/Hirakawa) took the win 13.3 seconds ahead of the #51 Ferrari 499P.
- Standings: This result tightened up the championship table as the teams prep for Spa in early May. This is then followed by the big one, Le Mans, in mid-June.
Other motorsport snippets
British Superbikes (BSB)
- Oulton Park testing: The pre-season test concluded yesterday with Kyle Ryde, on his Ducati, setting the best time of 1:32.913.
- Ukrainian debutant: Rookie Ilya Mikhalchik impressed in his first official outing with the ROKiT BMW team. He’s looking good ahead of next week’s season opener, also at Oulton Park.
