On practice Friday for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, Marc Marquez returned after his double surgery while Fabio Di Giannantonio set the fastest time. Between comeback stories, a struggling Aprilia squad, and a new sponsorship deal, the day provided plenty of talking points for the entire weekend.

In the Supersport and Sportbike qualifying on Friday afternoon at the Isle of Man TT 2026, Michael Dunlop placed himself firmly at the top of both classes. Behind him, Peter Hickman and the other contenders sorted themselves out, while Mikey Evans returned to the track after his crash earlier in the week.

Simplicity is considered one of the key selling points of electric motorcycles: twist the throttle and go, without having to worry about gear shifting or clutch operation. Honda is now taking a step in the opposite direction with a new patent, adding exactly this complexity back in. The goal is not an end in itself, but rather more precise control over power delivery, particularly in competition use.