MotoGP - Totally crazy! Phenomenal! MotoGP stars rave about the Isle of Man TT

Saturday afternoon, 3 p.m. – the first highlight of every MotoGP race weekend is upon us: the first race action. The stars of the premier class are about to embark on a short sprint, where the first World Championship points of the Grand Prix are awarded. This was also the case last weekend in Aragon : Marc Marquez wrestled his brother Alex to the ground after a botched start. While the siblings were still celebrating, the eyes of many MotoGP riders quickly turned to Great Britain. Another highlight was scheduled for this afternoon: the final day of racing in the 2025 Tourist Trophy.

On the legendary Isle of Man in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Senior TT was originally scheduled to start at 11:45 a.m. Central European Time on Saturday. However, poor weather conditions forced the race to be postponed until late in the evening – much to the delight of the MotoGP stars, who were now able to watch the most important race of the Tourist Trophy live, or so they hoped. Ultimately, the Senior TT had to be canceled entirely due to dangerous gusts of wind . The highlight of the Tourist Trophy was canceled in 2025, but that didn't stop the MotoGP riders from singing the TT's praises.

"I saw a lot of videos and really wanted to go," explained Marco Bezzecchi . However, due to the 'Aprilia All-Star Event' in Misano and the Aragon GP, ​​he had to make do with live streams. Nevertheless, the Italian enthused: "I was lucky enough to meet some riders last year at Monster Energy events or at the [VR46] Ranch. I think they're completely crazy. But it's also amazing how passionate they are about the Isle of Man. The track is incredible, and they remember every corner of it. One day, I definitely want to go there and experience it all for myself."

"I love the Isle of Man," VR46 Academy colleague Franco Morbidelli echoed similar sentiments about the world's most dangerous motorcycle race. "I have the utmost respect for these riders; they have much bigger balls than we do. They risk much more than we do when they go out on the track." Racing has been held on the Isle of Man since 1907. The 60.72-kilometer 'Snaefell Mountain Course' runs on public roads. It passes through villages and mountain passages, close to trees, walls, and house walls. A fascination in itself, always playing with one's own life.

"When I watch videos of the speed the riders ride there, it's incredible. When I reach 80 km/h on the country road with my [Ducati] Scrambler, I get scared of crashing. I really don't know how they can handle that pressure," Francesco Bagnaia also praised the TT stars. The two-time MotoGP World Champion acknowledges: "They're under much more pressure than we are. A small mistake can have enormous consequences for the rest of their lives. I have the utmost respect for them; they're incredible."

270 racers have already lost their lives on the Isle of Man, with no fatalities reported only in 1982, 2012, 2024, and 2025. This is precisely why the speed-racing on the legendary mountain course is highly controversial. A ban has been discussed repeatedly, but so far, without success. "I have enormous respect for the riders who compete there. But I don't agree with the risks they take," MotoGP superstar Marc Marquez said emphatically.

Overall, the Ducati rider's opinion of the TT is outnumbered in the MotoGP paddock. After all, the Tourist Trophy is no longer part of the motorcycle world championship calendar, and no rider is forced to participate in the legendary event on the Isle of Man. Quite the opposite: All riders participate voluntarily, fully aware of the enormous dangers. "You can see how much they love motorcycling," says Pedro Acosta , and Jack Miller comments: "The racing is phenomenal. What Dean [Harrison] did, completing the first lap at an average speed of over 130 mph [approx. 209 km/h, ed.], is fucking incomprehensible."

What's your opinion on the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man? Do you share the fascination of many MotoGP riders, or are you rather skeptical of the world's most dangerous race? Share your opinion in the comments!