MotoGP in September at Red Bull Ring – why the new date works better

The MotoGP World Championship comes to Spielberg in September this year for the first time – and there's solid reasoning behind it. What changes for you as a fan, why the date makes more sense than the old August slot, and what to expect for camping – all covered here.

The Austrian Grand Prix has a new spot on the calendar – and it's no accident. For the first time, MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring moves from August to mid-September. What looks like a minor shuffle at first glance actually brings tangible benefits for fans.

Let's be straight: August attendance numbers were disappointing lately. Around 150,000 fans over three days in 2024, barely 120,000 in 2025 – meanwhile Formula 1 pulls over 320,000. Peak summer during school holidays brought decent weather, sure, but also massive competition from holidays, other events, and the tightly packed MotoGP schedule with Sachsenring and Brno beforehand. Red Bull Ring CEO Thomas Überall puts it plainly: "We're convinced it's the better date." Now the championship has more breathing room – and the title fight could hit Spielberg at exactly the right moment.

Comfortable weather without heat stress. Mid-September temperatures in Steiermark typically range between 15 and 22 degrees – far easier to handle than August's 30+. You'll sleep cool at night on the campsite, daytime's ideal for tents and awnings. No sweating in traffic, no overheated motorhome.

Less crowding, more space. With most holidaymakers already back and the Austrian school year just starting, there's simply less going on all around. You'll notice it on the approach, in the grandstands, and at the campsite too – everything just a bit more relaxed.

Championship drama. Eight riders within 65 points before Silverstone – the top five separated by just 24 points. With any luck, the pre-decision or even the title itself gets settled in Spielberg. MotoGP's rarely been this tight, rarely has a GP mattered this much.

Nothing fundamental – Schitterhof runs as usual. You book your pitch online (from MINI through BASIC to PREMIUM XXL or the fixed Chalet), check in with your QR code, and enjoy the familiar infrastructure: modern sanitary facilities, hot water round the clock, free supply and disposal, food from MATTEO and MAMAS TACOS. And of course guaranteed quiet time from 11 PM – genuinely luxurious in autumn.

September advantage: The grass is still in top shape after summer, nights are quiet and fresh (pack a warm blanket), and the food areas are cozier in the evenings than in August heat. Power supply (230 V / 8 A) comes with PREMIUM, XL and XXL, optional with BASIC – perfect for a heater or second coffee machine in the morning.

Absolutely. Fewer people doesn't mean less atmosphere – quite the opposite. The hardcore fans show up, the championship's as close as it gets, and you've got noticeably more space and better sightlines in the grandstands. For campers it's brilliant anyway: shorter walks, less traffic coming and going, smoother check-in. And honestly – who wants to stand on hot asphalt for three days in 35-degree heat?

If you've got questions about booking, pitches, or getting here, check our FAQ – all the details are there. More info specifically on MotoGP and camping comparisons is also in the independent GP Camping Guide.

The new September date isn't a compromise – it's the logical conclusion from recent years. For you as a fan, it means less stress, better weather, and more drama. See you at the Ring.

At a glance: - Date: 18–20 September 2026 - First time outside summer holidays - Eight riders in championship fight within 65 points - Greater gap from Sachsenring and Brno

_Image: Autumn GP at Spielberg: pleasant temperatures, less crowding – the perfect moment for MotoGP fans_