Formula 1 and MotoGP are set to share the spotlight at the 2026 United States Grand Prix, taking place from October 23–25 at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
On Saturday, October 24, four leading figures from international motorcycle racing will take part in a special demonstration run designed to introduce Formula 1 spectators to the excitement of MotoGP.
Dani Pedrosa, Nicolò Bulega, Andrea Dovizioso and Lorenzo Savadori will ride around the Texas circuit, representing four different manufacturers.
The event marks another step towards closer cooperation between the world’s leading car and motorcycle racing championships, both operating under Liberty Media ownership.
Four MotoGP Riders Take Centre Stage
Among the participants is Dani Pedrosa, a 31-time premier-class Grand Prix winner who currently works as a KTM test rider.
The Spaniard will be joined by Nicolò Bulega, the 2026 World Superbike champion, who is preparing to make his full-time MotoGP debut with VR46 in 2027.
Andrea Dovizioso, a three-time MotoGP championship runner-up and current Yamaha test rider, will also participate.
Completing the line-up is Lorenzo Savadori, who plays an important role in the development of Aprilia’s RS-GP.
With four manufacturers represented, spectators will have the opportunity to see some of the most advanced racing motorcycles in the world on track.
Demonstration Scheduled for Saturday, October 24
The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:40 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time in Austin, corresponding to 6:40–7:00 p.m. in Italy.
The riders will have a 20-minute session to showcase their machines around the Circuit of The Americas, with modern MotoGP bikes capable of exceeding 360 km/h.
The demonstration will take place before Formula 1’s final free practice session.
Organisers expect approximately 400,000 spectators across the Grand Prix weekend, providing MotoGP with an opportunity to reach a substantial international audience.
Pedrosa and Bulega Welcome the Initiative
Pedrosa has welcomed the opportunity to return to the Austin circuit, highlighting his familiarity with the venue and the appeal of demonstrating MotoGP machinery in front of Formula 1 fans.
The former Honda factory rider believes the United States Grand Prix provides an ideal setting to showcase the speed and performance of premier-class motorcycles.
Bulega has also expressed enthusiasm for the event, describing it as an opportunity to introduce MotoGP to a wider audience.
For the Italian, the demonstration will carry additional significance ahead of his move to the VR46 MotoGP team in 2027.
Liberty Media Strengthens the Connection Between F1 and MotoGP
The Austin demonstration forms part of Liberty Media’s wider strategy to develop closer links between Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Liberty Media, which already controls Formula 1, completed its acquisition of MotoGP in a deal valued at approximately €4.2 billion.
The company aims to expand MotoGP’s global audience and commercial opportunities by drawing on the international popularity and promotional reach of Formula 1.
Since the acquisition was announced, the possibility of organising joint events featuring both championships has been discussed, although no combined race weekend has been officially confirmed.
The Austin demonstration could provide a foundation for similar initiatives in the future.
MotoGP Championship Continues in Australia
The demonstration will take place during a particularly busy weekend for motorsport fans.
While Formula 1 competes in Austin, the MotoGP World Championship will be racing at Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix.
The participation of test riders allows the American demonstration to take place without disrupting the commitments of the championship’s regular competitors.
For fans attending the United States Grand Prix, it will be a rare opportunity to hear MotoGP engines and witness the performance of premier-class motorcycles on the same circuit that will host Formula 1 cars later in the day.