Paddock Pass Podcast
Apex Radio Collective
Keep your motorcycle racing addiction up-to-date and get an insider's perspective into the MotoGP & WorldSBK paddocks.
Episodes
Episode 585: Bulega's record setting year continues at Estoril
The weekend started with a ride out to the circuit led by the home hero Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese star was born just 30 minutes from the Estoril Circuit and while he had a hat-trick of podiums at Portimao in Round 2 this was a special occassion for the BMW man. Having a corner named after him and being the star attraction for the weekend wasn't enough for Miguel; he enjoyed his best weekend since the Hungarian Round. The circuit was busier this year than previous years, more than 5000 extra tickets were sold in advance of the weekend, but unfortunately for Oliveira it was another weekend of Ducati domination. Having been crowned the World Champion last time out Nicolo Bulega was back at his best to claim a hat-trick once again. The Italian rider, who joined us on Thursday's Paddock Notes show, is ready to cap off his WorldSBK career next weekend in Jerez by smashing more records. The most wins in a season, most points in a season and a host of other records are all his to claim. There were plenty of other stories within the paddock with Alberto Surra's superb run of form continuing. The Motocorsa rookie finished third in all three races and looks increasingly comfortable with the expecations being placed on his shoulders. A new contract was confirmed in advance of the weekend but his Superpole Race performance showed his maturity. In Race 2 he pressured Alvaro Bautista into a mistake and a crash at Turn 1 but what does the future hold for Alvaro?
Episode 584: Indonesian Grand Prix Review – Saving the Pancetta
Sizzling stuff in Indonesia. Adam, David and Neil are in slightly cooler European climes but still have their thoughts and takes on round 17 of 22 in 2026 MotoGP in Mandalika. Can Aprilia breathe again? Will Marc Marquez be content? Thank the GP gods for Pedro Acosta? These and more.
Paddock Notes: Indonesia Thursday – Ch-ch-ch-changes!
Adam, Dave and Neil are joined by commentator Louis Suddaby from the Mandalika Media Centre to talk about the proposed qualification changes for 2027, the reactions in the paddock, expectations for round 17 of MotoGP and more.
Episode 583: Ton up twosome, and Michelin's Motegi magic
While Adam is off watching the Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France, David and Neil hold the fort to discuss an interesting but not exciting Japanese round of MotoGP. The championship tightened up, both in terms of point difference and in terms of the number of title contenders, but who exactly emerges from Motegi in better shape, Marc Marquez or Marco Bezzecchi? Plus we talk Michelin's Magic Motegi Tyre, which nobody wanted to touch until Sunday, when they were forced to and discovered that actually, they should have been using it from the beginning. Plus Pedro Acosta's tough weekend, is this the real Enea Bastianini, and how Gigi Dall'Igna helped turn Ducati into the victory machine it has become. All that, plus winners and losers, grand prix grades, and awful pop lyrics.
Paddock Notes: Japan Thursday – New colours, new grip
Adam, David and Neil are joined by MotoGP pitlane reporter Jack Appleyard from the Motegi Mobility Resort to talk about the news and views emerging from the first day of activity at the Japanese Grand Prix. New tarmac, old faces, fresh colours, new signings and more.
Episode 582: Bulega claims the title and cements his legacy
In this episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast Steve English and Gordon Ritchie take you inside the WorldSBK paddock to breakdown Nicola Buluga's championship success. The Italian has dominated the series in 2026 but, somewhat ironically, had his first race weekend without a victory at the Italian Round. Iker Lecuona's hat-trick of wins at Cremona was an important moment for the Spaniard to lay down the law for 2027 but what is the reason for Ducati's dominance and will it continue with the regulation changes for next year? Jake Dixon delievered Honda their best result of the campaign and the Englishman's performances impressed us throughout. He'll have some changes in his pitbox next year with Honda aiming for greater consistency. A lack of consistency has been key for BMW's fortunes on track. Injuries and bad luck have led to a very difficult campaign. There's also some updates about CF Moto's Superbike plans and change is in the air for the WorldWCR series.
Episode 581: Japanese Grand Prix Preview & MotoGP ’27: 850s, calendar, management!
Thunder clouds are gathering! But the skies are (hopefully) only bothering Adam and Neil in Barcelona and not the MotoGP circus that pitches up at the Motegi Mobility Resort this week. Along with Dave in a sunny Netherlands the boys discuss the secret test of the 2027 850cc bikes, next year’s MotoGP calendar, MotoGP Group’s new recruits and more.
Episode 580: Austrian Grand Prix Review – About bloody time
Intrigue. The Red Bull Ring delivered another milestone moment for MotoGP and in this last gasp of the 1000cc era. Adam, David and Neil bring their takes on round fifteen of the series from the heights of the RBR Media Centre: verdict on the winner, our ‘Winners and Losers’, ‘Moments’ and more.
Paddock Notes: Austria Thursday – Don’t talk too much
A grey, rainy and chilly day at Red Bull Ring did not stop a torrent of news and conjecture in Austria. Pecco’s rage, new trophies, low crowd expectations and more, dissected by Adam, David and Neil from the comfy confines of the 5-star Media Centre at Spielberg.
Episode 579: San Marino Grand Prix Review – The Moment Seizer
The pizza box lid has closed on round 14 of 2026 MotoGP and there was a big shock and plenty of intensity at a packed Misano today. Adam, David and Neil offer their ‘Moments’, ‘Winners & Losers’ and general takes on the weekend.
Paddock Notes: San Marino Thursday – Shouldering the burden
Adam, David and Neil are joined at a stormy Misano by renowned Spanish journalist Manuel Pecino to talk about Marc Marquez’s latest display of his physical state, confirmations of more outgoing MotoGP stars for 2027 and other new bits ahead of round fourteen.
Episode 578: Thriller on the loose in WorldSBK
In today's WorldSBK episode Steve and Gordo recap the action from the French Round of WorldSBK but with the breaking news that Jack Miller has been confirmed at Yamaha for 2027 we lead off by analysing the Australian's move. What does it mean for Yamaha to have Miller aboard the YZF-R1? The Aussie star won't be the only MotoGP man making the move with Franco Morbidelli and Brad Binder set to announced soon too. Binder's move can't come soon enough for BMW after their worst Superbike weekend in years.
Episode 577: Inside Yamaha’s MotoGP quest & San Marino Preview
Adam, David and Neil look ahead to Misano but also enjoy an exclusive chat with Yamaha Motor Racing MD Paolo Pavesio about Yamaha’s struggles, their V4 and 850 projects, managing Fabio, Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura, Moto3 and more.
Episode 576: Aragon GP Review – The Order
Round 13 of MotoGP is rolling into the MotorLand sunset and Adam, David and Neil slice and dice the latest episode of the world championship from their seats in the Media Centre. A worthy winner? A usurper denied? A title chase on fire? All this and more.
Paddock Notes: Aragon Thursday – Salut Johann! And more 2027 chat
Adam, David and Neil thank MotorLand’s air-conditioning system as Aragon fries on the first day of 2026 MotoGP round 13. The guys welcome French journalist Tom Baujard onto the show to talk about Johann Zarco’s return, riders’ comments on 2027 moves and more.
Episode 575: Aragon Grand Prix Preview & 2026 MotoGP Wild Takes
At last! Steve English frees himself from the golf course to join Adam, David and Neil to chat though expectations for the Aragon Grand Prix as well as some of the bolder comments and predictions for the rest of the MotoGP season.
Episode 574: The secrets & life of a MotoGP Photographer
Adam, David and Neil take advantage of a slow week in the world of 2026 MotoGP to invite arguably the championship’s best photographer – Rob Gray (or Polarity Photo) – to talk about making a break in the series, making the difference, working with riders and plenty more.
Episode 573: British Grand Prix Review and the (other) Italian show
12 different winners at Silverstone and the stretch continues. Four different Aprilia winners and the stretch continues. Adam, David and Neil get on the mics…and the stretch continues. Winners/Losers, Italian dominance, controversy, resurgences and more.
Paddock Notes: Silverstone Thursday – Out of the Outernet, Triumph and MotoGP news
Adam, David and Neil get on the mics from the Media Centre at a bright and sun-scorched Silverstone (long may it last…for the next three days at least) to talk about MotoGP in central London, Triumph tour and updates, and the latest round of news and riders’ views for the first time after the summer break.
Episode 572: Talking Silverstone with a British Grand Prix winner
Adam, David and Neil preview this weekend’s British Grand Prix by calling the 2024 Moto2 winner at Silverstone, Jake Dixon (while he was getting a rub). What’s it like to win your home round? How has the transition from Grand Prix to WorldSBK been? And more. We also chat Maverick Viñales, the future of the British round and various other subjects.
Episode 571: MotoGP after one year of Liberty Media. Changes? Controversy? Patience?
Adam, David and Neil gather to chat through how MotoGP has changed (or hasn’t?) in the one year period since Liberty Media took hold of the handlebars. What has altered? What do we expect? What are we fearful of?
Episode 570: MotoGP half-season Bests and Worsts!
Engines have cooled on 2026 MotoGP for the moment…but Adam, David and Neil gather to review the first half of the Grand Prix season with their picks and categories for Best & Worst (and more) from the eleven rounds to-date.
Episode 569: Bulega's dominance is broken as Lecuona wins for the first time!
Ducati wrapped up the Manufacturers' title at the UK Round at Donington Park. The season of dominance by the Aruba.it squad also confirmed their Teams' success but finally as the summer break dawned for WorldSBK Nicolo Bulega's unbeaten run was halted by a stunning win for Iker Lecuona. Steve and Gordo break down the action from Round 8 of the Superbike World Championship and get you up to date from the WorldSBK paddock.
Episode 568: German Grand Prix Review – The House of Marc
Round 11 of 2026 MotoGP is a note in the books, and Adam and David are joined by Neil at the Sachsenring for their takeaways on another record-breaking Grand Prix this year. The Marquez veil, the Japanese way, the reluctance for the title. All this, Winners and Losers, Grades and more.
Paddock Notes: Sachsenring Thursday – Marc to Marco to new employees
Adam and David are joined by MotoGP pitlane reporter Jack Appleyard to talk about the day’s news and events at Sachsenring for the German Grand Prix: views on fresh rider deals, Marco Bezzecchi’s state, Marc Marquez’s kidology and more. Join us on Patreon.com/paddockpasspodcast for more on Friday and Saturday.
Episode 567: German Grand Prix Preview & Best/Worst MotoGP signings plus Jonas Folger speaks!
Adam (Barcelona), David (in far flung Germany) and Neil (eating a Taco in Mexico City) contrive to chat Sachsenring, the latest MotoGP moves, some of the memorable signings of the past for the right (and wrong) reasons and speak to Germany’s last MotoGP hero Jonas Folger about wildcarding and that 2017 Sachsenring performance.
Episode 566: Netherlands Grand Prix Review – Please Ai, RSGP
Oh Assen. Adam, David and Neil go through the main talking points from round ten of 2026 MotoGP and the Grand Prix of the Netherlands: Ogura, Aprilia, Bezz, Winners and Losers & more. Patreons! Get YOUR questions in for our Debrief show this week.
Paddock Notes: Assen Thursday – The first movers
Day one of the Dutch TT and Adam, David and Neil are cosy in the air-conditioned media centre to talk about the scenes, news and gossip from Assen. Riders’ contracts, Pedro’s big bet, 850 chatter and goodbye holeshots.
Czech Grand Prix Debrief Show! Your Brno questions
Adam, David and Neil defy the heat of their respective locations and squeeze in a quick debrief podcast in the wake of the Czech Grand Prix and only hours before roads lead to Assen. The guys answer your questions and comment on Marc Marquez’s new MotoGP deal. Want them to tackle your posers? Then join our Patreon community! Photo by MotoGP.com. www.patreon.com/paddockpasspodcast
Episode 565: Czech Grand Prix Review – Swinging, not missing
The 2026 MotoGP field was left blue (but not black) by the latest display of Ducati authority at Brno today. David and Neil wrap-up the day’s action from Czechia with the MotoGP Debrief Show also scheduled for the coming days.
Paddock Notes: Czech Republic Thursday – The Return of…
Adam, David and Neil convene in the bright and airy Media Centre at Brno where they talk about the imminent news ‘dump’ coming up for MotoGP and a few other topics of concern after a sweaty Thursday in the Czech forest.
Episode 564: No end in sight as Bulega marches on
Nicolo Bulega continues on his merry way to a first Superbike World Championship. The Aruba.it Ducati star has all but secured his MotoGP future and another hat-trick, this time at home in Misano, has shown once again that the Italian is head and shoulders above his rivals. On today's Paddock Pass Podcast Steve and Gordo breakdown the action from Round 7 of the WorldSBK season while also assessing Scotland's opening match int he FIFA World Cup! Our men in the paddock take their time to getting around to the winner by looking at the fight for third in the standings and how injuries have impacted BMW's outlook on the season before talking about the frustration of finishing second for Iker Lecuona.
Episode 563: Czech Grand Prix preview & 3 Brno bangers from the past
Can Marquez do it again? As well as answering this poser, Adam, David and Neil pick 3 memorable moments from past editions of the Czechia Grand Prix as momentum builds for Brno and what is likely to be a big news weekend for 2027 MotoGP and beyond. Photo by Polarity Photo
Episode 562: Hungarian Grand Prix Review – The wool puller
Balaton is in the books and round eight of 2026 MotoGP was certainly memorable for one rider and forgettable for several others. Adam and Neil connect with Dave in Hungary to go over the big talking points. Photo by MotoGP.com
Paddock Notes: Hungary Thursday – Tight & Twisty
David is flying solo on the ground for round eight of 2026 MotoGP but Adam and Neil give him a call to find out what he thinks of Balaton Park so far, what he’s learned from the rider debriefs and more. Photo by MotoGP.com
Episode 561 - Relentless Bulega marches onwards
The first half of the WorldSBK season is in the books and Steve and Gordo get you up to date with the latest news from inside the paddock as Nicolo Bulega continues his relentless drive to a first Superbike title. The Italian is still perfect for 2026 with 18 wins from 18 starts but Sunday's Superpole Race saw him pushed harder than at any point thus far. His harder rear tyre proved the difference maker but, as ever, Bulega found a way to win. What must Iker Lecuona be thinking? The Spainard, 15 times a runner-up finisher this year, is hunting for his first WorldSBK victory. He's hurting too because he knows how close he keeps coming to that success. His reward for his hard work will be seen this weekend in MotoGP where he'll replace Alex Marquez. Outside of the Aruba.it Ducati riders there was plenty to talk about but Gordo's conversations with Tommy Bridewell have certainly left an impression. The Englishman had his best finish of the season, fifth position in Race 1, and is making the most out of his Ducati V4R to reap some good results.
Episode 560: Italian Grand Prix Debrief Show!
A lookback at Mugello with journalists Adam, David and Neil as the guys go over the few remaining narratives from round seven of 2026 MotoGP and also answer a lot of questions supplied by Paddock Pass Podcast Patreon subscribers. Photo by MotoGP.com
Episode 559: Rapid-fire Italian Grand Prix review as Bezz burns the house
A prelude towards a more in-depth review of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello as Adam, David and Neil still go over the main incidents and talking points from Mugello today.
Paddock Notes: Italy Thursday – MotoGP cooking in Mugello
Adam, David and Neil gather around the camera in the Media Centre at Mugello to talk the return of Marc Marquez, Cal Crutchlow, riders’ safety commission, the fate of ride height devices and Neil’s wayward choice of mushrooms.
Episode 558: Speed! Italian Grand Prix Preview & looking back at Mugello 2006
Adam, David and Neil chew over a few of the current MotoGP news topics before dragging the app slider back 20 years to an all-time Mugello classic: the 2006 Italian Grand Prix. Photo by Polarity Photo.
Episode 557: TT26 Preview - More questions than answers...
The Isle of Man TT is a two week festival of motorcycle racing. The island is taken over once practice week gets underway and the world's attention is focused on the 37 miles that make up the Mountain Course. Michael Dunlop vs Dean Harrison vs Peter Hickman is the headline act. With Davey Todd ruled out through injury the trio are the men to beat this year but can Hicky return to form? Is Deano able to turn last year's Superstock success into his Superbike form? With a change of machinery on the big bike is Michael ready to race his Honda Fireblade? Steve is joined by Kyle White and Greg Haines to preview the action and as a reward for our listeners we have a 20% discount code for TT+ Live Pass. Simply use the code PADDOCKPASS20 to redeem at purchase at https://ttplus-checkout.iomttraces.com/
Episode 556 - Bulega marches on at Most
Nicolo Bulega continues to dominate the 2026 WorldSBK season. Five rounds have led to five hat-tricks but there's still a lot to talk about in the WorldSBK paddock with Steve and Gordo getting you all the latest news
Episode 555: Catalan Grand Prix Review – The Thin Line
Adam, David and Neil do their best to summarise the news, events and emotions of a fraught sixth round of 2026 MotoGP with their ‘Moments’, Talking Points, Winners & Losers and Grades from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by MotoGP.com
Paddock Notes: Catalunya Thursday – In the Ai of the beholder, talking with Ogura’s Crew Chief
Adam, David and Neil recount their news and views from Thursday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the first day of activity at the Catalan MotoGP, while also getting the inside line on Ai Ogura, his personality and working methods thanks to Trackhouse Racing Crew Chief Giovanni Mattarollo. Photo by MotoGP.com
Episode 554: French Grand Prix Review and the Italian new wave
Le Mans: a deluge of fans, noise, expectation and, eventually, rainfall. An atmospheric round five of 2026 MotoGP produced a couple of landmarks and more shocks. Adam and Neil call Dave from the Media Centre in the Sarthe to rattle through some talking points.
Paddock Notes: France Thursday – Let it rain
Adam and Neil are joined by commentator, journalist and presenter Elliot York to chat about the first day of hype at a warm and bright Le Mans. Johann Zarco’s fame, expectations for a changeable weekend of weather, what testing bits from Jerez and our Rant and Buzz comments from Thursday in France. Photo by MotoGP.com
Episode 553: Bulega's Hungarian Hat-Trick
Another week and another weekend of Ducati dominance from Nicolo Bulega. The Italian is Superbike Superstar is constantly rewriting the record books in 2026. Steve and Gordo break down the action from Balaton Park and talk about how circumstances played a role in Bulega's success but ultimately his talent, speed and consistency is why he continues to win. Beyond the success of Bulega we look at the other major talking points of the weekend. These included the action of the FIM Race Stewards against Andrea Locatelli for his part in the accident that left Miguel Oliveira sidelined for upcoming rounds through injury. Loka was given a double long lap penalty for his actions and this led to lots of discussion in the paddock. With Oliveira sidelined the fortunes of Ducati's rivals is also discussed. The opening third of the season has seen Alex Lowes continue to impress for bimota while in Hungary Garrett Gerloff reminded everyone of his speed.
Episode 552: Le Mans look-ahead with Monsieur Baujard
The French Grand Prix is up next for 2026 MotoGP and Adam, David and Neil are joined by renowned journalist and former racer Thomas Baujard to dig into some saucy subjects about de la Sarthe! Pic by Polarity Photo.
Episode 551: Spanish Grand Prix Review – MarquezGP redeployed
Was there ever any doubt? Some of the prime talking points and discussion from round four of 2026 MotoGP in southern Spain as Adam, David and Neil occupy a quiet-ish corner of the Media Centre at Jerez to bring their latest Grand Prix review show. Photo by MotoGP.com
Paddock Notes: Jerez Thursday – No, no, after you…
Paddock Notes: Jerez Thursday – No, no, after you… by Apex Radio Collective