Aston Martin Converts Improved Performance into Points as Alonso Secures P8 at Sepang
4th October 2026, SEPANG, Malaysia – Aston Martin turned a promising weekend of improved competitiveness into a valuable points finish at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Fernando Alonso bringing his AMR26 home in eighth place at the Sepang International Circuit.
Following a difficult run of races, the result marked an important step forward for Aston Martin and delivered the team’s third points finish of the 2026 season. Alonso, who started from P12, produced a composed and well-executed drive to gain four championship points in a highly unpredictable race.
Sunday’s race presented an additional challenge, with heavy rain delaying the start and creating difficult, mixed conditions. Alonso maintained his focus through the changing conditions and capitalised on opportunities as the race unfolded. His P8 finish placed him ahead of Lando Norris and secured four valuable points for Aston Martin, while Stroll completed the race in P12.
Reflecting on the result, Alonso praised the team's execution and the progress demonstrated throughout the weekend: “Today was a well-executed race and I’m happy for the team.”
For Aston Martin, the Malaysian weekend represents a welcome boost after a challenging period. The team’s ability to place both cars into Q2 and convert its improved pace into a points finish provides renewed momentum as the season moves into its next phase.
The Sepang result also reinforced a key strength of the AMR26: its performance improves on circuits where cornering ability plays a greater role than outright straight-line speed. Aston Martin will now look to carry this momentum forward, with the next opportunity coming at the Singapore Grand Prix from October 9–11.
Brabec Storms to Final Stage Victory and Rallye du Maroc Podium
3rd October 2026, Morocco – Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Ricky Brabec closed the 2026 Rallye du Maroc in spectacular style, winning the final stage and securing third place overall after a closely fought battle for the podium. Starting the final day with just 1’44” separating him from Luciano Benavides, the two-time Dakar winner delivered a dominant performance aboard his Honda CRF450 RALLY, building a two-minute advantage before controlling the demanding final kilometres. The victory marked Brabec’s 15th World Rally-Raid Championship stage win and his 5th Rallye du Maroc podium.
Teammate Tosha Schareina also finished strongly, claiming third on the final stage after recovering his pace throughout the rally, while Adrien Van Beveren secured 6th despite losing time to a navigation error in the challenging final stage. With the fourth championship round complete, Schareina remains tied for second in the standings, just 13 points from the lead, with Brabec a further four points behind. The team now turns its focus to the final championship round and preparations for the 2027 Dakar Rally.
Honda HRC Castrol Celebrate Double Points Finish at Motegi
4th October 2026, MOTEGI, Japan – Honda HRC Castrol celebrated a strong home Grand Prix at Motegi with Luca Marini and Somkiat Chantra both scoring points, while the team showcased a special retro livery marking Honda’s 60th anniversary in the premier class.
Marini delivered another consistent performance, making a strong start before settling into the top-ten battle. The Italian held his pace throughout the race and fought hard with Brad Binder in the closing laps to secure 10th place.
Chantra continued his impressive progress aboard the Honda RC213V, producing an aggressive opening lap and battling with several established MotoGP riders.
The Thai rider finished 13th, just under half a second behind Fabio Quartararo, matching his best Grand Prix result of the 2025 season.
It was a tougher afternoon for the other Honda riders. Johann Zarco fought back after serving a double long-lap penalty but crashed with five laps remaining, eventually finishing 20th. Rookie Diogo Moreira, fresh from his Sprint Race podium, suffered a low-side crash on lap eight and was forced to retire.
Honda now turns its attention to the Indonesian Grand Prix, Round 17 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, taking place at Mandalika from October 9–11.
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