Motorsport Beyond F1: Le Mans, WRC, MotoGP, Formula E — 2026-09-16
Marc Márquez has seized the MotoGP championship lead after a dominant double win at Misano, overtaking Jorge Martín on countback. In endurance racing, Toyota secured its sixth consecutive WRC Manufacturers' title, tying Lancia's record, while McLaren’s Hypercar programme saw F1 champion Lando Norris participate in testing.
Motorsport Beyond F1: Le Mans, WRC, MotoGP, Formula E — 2026-09-16
Top developments
Márquez seizes MotoGP championship lead at Misano
On September 13, Marc Márquez completed his fourth "double" of the 2026 season by winning both the Sprint and Grand Prix races at Misano. The victory allowed Márquez to overtake Jorge Martín in the championship standings, moving to 274 points and leading on countback due to having more race wins. This marks the first time in 2026 that Márquez has held the championship lead, a position he has historically been reluctant to relinquish.
Toyota ties Lancia’s WRC record with sixth consecutive manufacturers' title
Toyota Gazoo Racing secured the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Manufacturers' title following the Rally Chile round. This achievement marks Toyota's sixth consecutive championship win, tying the historic record held by Lancia for the most consecutive titles in WRC history. The team's consistency throughout the season proved decisive, even as individual driver standings remained competitive.
McLaren Hypercar programme accelerates with Norris test
Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris joined McLaren’s Hypercar testing programme at Portimão on September 14. This was the fifth track test for the MCL-HY, signaling McLaren's serious intent in entering the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Norris traveled directly from the F1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid to Portugal, highlighting the tight integration of the manufacturer's racing divisions.
WEC standings shift after Lone Star Le Mans
Following the Lone Star Le Mans round at Circuit of the Americas, the BMW duo of Robin Frijns and René Rast retain their lead in the FIA WEC Drivers' Championship. However, Toyota continues to lead the Manufacturers' Championship, maintaining pressure on BMW and Ferrari in the battle for the Hypercar title. The results from Austin have tightened the championship picture heading into the final rounds of the season.
Local view
In Italy, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna praised Marc Márquez following his Misano double, calling him an "extraordinary champion" who brings energy to the team. Dall'Igna highlighted Márquez's humility and desire as key factors in his recent resurgence, contrasting it with the difficult weekend experienced by Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi, who crashed out of contention.
Spanish media outlets like Marca and Sport.es have focused heavily on the psychological aspect of the title fight, noting that Márquez "rarely loses the lead when he takes it." Reports indicate that Márquez feels "mentally relaxed" and free from the pressure that plagued earlier seasons, which he attributes to improved physical recovery and a clearer mindset.
Context & numbers
- MotoGP Points: Marc Márquez and Jorge Martín are tied on 274 points, with Márquez leading due to having more race victories (9 vs 8).
- WRC History: Toyota's 2026 title is its 6th consecutive Manufacturers' crown, matching Lancia's record set between 1974 and 1979.
- IndyCar: Scott McLaughlin won the final race of the 2026 season at Laguna Seca, ending a winless streak dating back to 2024. Honda was crowned the 2026 IndyCar Manufacturers' Champion, securing its 12th open-wheel title.
On the radar
- MotoGP Austria: The series returns to the Red Bull Ring from September 18–20, where Márquez will look to extend his lead while Bezzecchi aims for a home-track recovery.
- F2 Baku Format: Formula 2 will trial a "supersized" weekend format in Baku (Sept 24–26), featuring an extra qualifying session and two Feature Races.
- IndyCar Silly Season: Meyer Shank Racing has confirmed Mick Schumacher will join the team for 2027, completing their lineup after his rookie year with Rahal Letterman Lanigan.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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