It’s that time of year again; suitcases packed full of all kinds of clothing for all kinds of weather – it can only mean we’re heading for the flyaways. New to MotoGP and wondering what they are? They are awesome. Year after year, MotoGP shuts up shop in Europe for a month and heads east. It’s true that we also start the season criss-crossing the world outside of our European heartlands, but this leg of special Grands Prix gives us Champions, battles, pretty unexpected results and unpredictable weather. So, get your alarm clocks set (if you’re in Europe) and the coffees lined up for your early morning adrenaline hit because if these past classics are anything to go by, you might well be pulling an all-nighter.
Phillip Island 2025: Fernandez gives Trackhouse their dream
There’s no better place to start than last season, where Raul Fernandez made it a dream weekend for Justin Marks and the entire Trackhouse squad. Having never stood on a MotoGP podium before, the stars aligned at Phillip Island. After launching from P4 on the grid, Fernandez hit the front on Lap 5 as Marco Bezzecchi served his double Long Lap. Extending his margin and playing his cards perfectly, Fernandez and Trackhouse were MotoGP winners!
Mandalika 2025: rookie Aldeguer shocks the field
A MotoGP rookie dominating proceedings? That’s flyaway races in a nutshell. Fermin Aldeguer did just that in 2025, backing up his front-row start and P2 finish in Saturday’s Sprint. The #54 showed incredible early race pace, setting the fastest lap before launching an attack on Lap 7. Relentless. The only way to describe Aldeguer’s rhythm as the rookie claimed his first MotoGP win – stunning.
Phillip Island 2023: a tyre-wear thriller for Zarco’s first win
Johann Zarco had come so close so many times: 19 podiums, 11 fastest laps, 8 poles and a total of 91 laps led. In 2023, he only led one lap, but it would be the lap which welcomed him back to the top step of the podium and brought him there for the first time in MotoGP™. A classic for the ages, a tyre-wear shootout on the final laps brings Zarco back to winning – and backflipping – ways!
Mandalika 2022: Oliveira’s rain dance
A first trip to Indonesia since 1997 and a new circuit on the island of Lombok in Mandalika, it wasn’t without drama. A delayed and wet Grand Prix saw Miguel Oliveira burst through from the third row of the grid to take a famous wet victory ahead of Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco, something the Portuguese rider would later repeat at Buriram later in the season.
Phillip Island 2016: Crutchlow conquers ‘The Island’
For the third time in four years at Phillip Island, Marc Marquez had a nightmare as he failed to score points, crashing out of the lead at Turn 4. When he did the same in 2014, Valentino Rossi was the beneficiary, but in 2016, Cal Crutchlow was the one who was in the right place at the right time to take a second win of 2016.
Sepang 2015: Rossi vs Marquez
One of the most iconic sporting events of all time and one of the defining moments in MotoGP? It’s hard to argue against it. Passing, re-passing, hand gestures and the eventual contact in front of a shocked crowd, it’s impossible not to put this on a list of flyaway moments – especially as it’s been over 10 years since it happened.
Lots and lots of rain at Sepang: wet races to remember in Malaysia
Malaysia’s tropical climate and high humidity often welcome thunderstorms and intense rain across the weekend. 2009 saw Rossi take his final crown in a delayed wet Grand Prix, whilst in 2012, it started wet and only got wetter, a red flag coming out with five to go declaring Dani Pedrosa the winner. 2016 also brought rain and Andrea Dovizioso a first win with Ducati.
Need more convincing? MotoGP has delivered a record-breaking title fight in 2026, with eight race winners and 10 podium finishers; the headlines have been made on track. The flyaways are about to deliver the next piece of the puzzle in this incredible title fight. Join us on our flyaway tour!