Circuit Highlights
A new calendar slot for 2026
The Austrian round has historically run in June or July. This is the first time it falls in September, "amidst the autumnal scenery" of the Red Bull Ring per the circuit's own 2026 announcement — expect cooler, more unpredictable weather than past-year accounts describe.
No direct train to the circuit
The nearest station is Knittelfeld, with a free shuttle bus to the main entrance every 20 minutes from 08:00–20:00, then every 30 minutes into the evening. A similar shuttle runs from Judenburg bus station.
Free parking, no reservation needed
Unlike several rounds on the calendar, parking at the Red Bull Ring is free with plentiful lots within walking distance — plus a dedicated motorcycle parking area (paid gear lockers available there, not included free).
Sprint weekend format
Saturday sprint race + Sunday main event, same as every 2026 round. Two chances to see MotoGP at race pace.
Red Bull Grandstand A/B is the marquee seat
Lining the straight between Turn 1 and Turn 2, above the braking zone into the "Remus" section, this is consistently described as the most popular grandstand at the circuit.
Legacy corner names
Turn 1 is the Niki Lauda-Kurve, named for the three-time champion; one of the corners further round the lap is the Rindt-Kurve, named for Jochen Rindt — sources disagree on whether it's Turn 9 or Turn 10, so treat the exact number as unconfirmed. A reminder this circuit's motorsport history runs deeper than MotoGP.
Race Weekend Schedule
Friday, Sep 18
- — Moto3 Free Practice
- — Moto2 Free Practice
- — MotoGP Free Practice 1 (FP1)
- — MotoGP Practice
Saturday, Sep 19
- — Moto3 Qualifying + Race
- — Moto2 Qualifying + Race
- — MotoGP Qualifying
- — MotoGP Sprint Race
Sunday, Sep 20
- — Moto3 Race
- — Moto2 Race
- — MotoGP Warm-Up
- — MotoGP Race
No specific gate opening times for the 2026 event were confirmed at time of writing — check the official schedule closer to race week.
Quick FAQ
How do I get to the Red Bull Ring without a car?
Take a train to Knittelfeld station and use the free shuttle bus to the main entrance — it runs every 20 minutes from 08:00–20:00, then every 30 minutes in the evening. A similar shuttle runs from Judenburg bus station. There is no direct train to the circuit itself.
Is parking free at the Red Bull Ring?
Yes — parking is free with no reservation needed, and there are plentiful lots within walking distance of the grounds. A smaller number of paid spaces sit directly opposite the grounds for a shorter walk, and there is a dedicated motorcycle parking area with paid gear lockers on offer (around €15/day or €35/weekend).
What is the best grandstand at the Red Bull Ring for MotoGP?
Red Bull Grandstand A/B, lining the straight between Turn 1 and Turn 2, is consistently described as the most popular — a genuine overtaking zone with a panoramic view back across much of the circuit. Start-Ziel is the covered option if shade matters more than atmosphere.
Why is the 2026 Austrian MotoGP round in September instead of summer?
This is a new calendar slot for 2026 — the Red Bull Ring has historically hosted MotoGP in June or July. Expect cooler, more autumn-like conditions than older trip reports describe, especially once the sun drops at the circuit's ~700m altitude.