🎙️ A1 Press Day: First Laps and Fresh Statements
The talking is almost over. Following the official 2026 Anaheim 1 Press Conference, the riders finally took to the dirt at Angel Stadium for their first laps of the season. Between the roar of the new engines and the high-stakes interviews, one thing is clear: the 2026 season is going to be a technical chess match.

The Buzz from the Press Conference
Before hitting the track, the stars of the 450 and 250 classes sat down with the media. Here are the key takeaways:

The “New Bike” Factor: All eyes were on Chase Sexton (Kawasaki) and Eli Tomac (KTM). Both riders expressed high confidence in their new setups, with Tomac noting that his transition to the KTM has been “seamless” during the off-season.

The Ducati Debut: Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis shared their excitement about bringing the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati to the gate for the first time. The paddock is buzzing about the sound and speed of the new Desmo450 MX.

Injury News: A major talking point was Jett Lawrence, who is entering the round managing a recent ankle injury. While he was on track for press day, everyone is wondering if he can maintain his dominant 100% form under pressure.

Track Impressions: “More Than Meets the Eye”
Once the riders started clicking off laps, the feedback on the track layout started rolling in. While some critics initially called the design “simple,” the riders found it to be a different beast once they were on it.

Traction is Key: The Anaheim clay is currently tacky but already starting to develop those classic, deceptive ruts in the transition of the jumps.

The Whoops are Big: “They look smaller on the map,” said one 250 rider. In reality, the whoops are tall and spaced in a way that will reward the brave and punish the mistimed.

Deegan’s Lines: In the 250 class, Haiden Deegan was already seen testing massive “quad” options in the rhythm sections, signaling that he’s ready to defend his West Coast title with aggression.

Watch: Raw Press Day Action