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The 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup, held over the August Bank Holiday, delivered an exhilarating display of historic motorsport, overcoming challenging weather conditions across all three days. The event was particularly noteworthy for the exceptional performance of Callum Grant, who clinched five victories, and the captivating races of the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) and Historic Grand Prix Cars Association (HGPCA).

Oulton Park Gold Cup Delivers Thrills Amidst Unpredictable Weather

The 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup, held from August 30th to September 1st, witnessed an impressive array of racing across various historic categories. Despite an unseasonably wet weekend, the spectacle of classic machinery battling it out on the track captivated enthusiasts.

A standout performer was Callum Grant, who achieved a remarkable five wins from six races across the Historic Formula Junior, 1000cc F3, and FFord eras. His mastery of these diverse classes was a highlight of the weekend.

The return of the VSCC’s Seaman Trophies races to Oulton Park for the first time since 1993 was a significant event. Featuring a stellar field of eight ERAs, supported by passionate sponsors like Brian Redman, these races provided incredible drama. On Sunday, after initial wet conditions favored Brad Baker’s Bugatti Type 51, the track dried, allowing the ERA cars to assert dominance. Mark Gillies emerged victorious in Dick Skipworth’s ex-works R3A, closely pursued by David Morris (R11B ‘Humphrey’) and Michael Gans (ex-Dick Seaman R1B).

Monday’s decisive race for the Seaman Trophies saw challenging slippery conditions. Gillies skillfully navigated the race, securing second place to clinch the coveted aggregate prize, with Ben Fidler (ERA R4D) completing the podium.

The HGPCA Gold Cup events, celebrating the centenary of three-time F1 world champion Jack Brabham’s birth, featured prominent Cooper and Brabham cars. A multi-car incident at Old Hall during the first race led to several significant retirements, including Nick Fennell’s Lotus 25 and Brad Baker’s Maserati 250F.

Following a restart, top qualifier Tom Waterfield initially led but retired due to engine issues on Monday’s green-flag lap. This set the stage for a thrilling duel between Mark Shaw (Tasman Brabham BT4) and Tim Child (BT3/4). Child ultimately claimed victory after Shaw’s transmission failed at Brittens. Charlie Martin, driving Paul Waine’s De Sanctis, remarkably climbed from the back of the grid to finish second.

The 500cc F3 races were characterized by heavy rain. On Sunday, 18-year-old Fergus Cameron, driving Mike Fowler’s Cooper-Norton Mk9, secured a victory against reigning champion Alex Wilson’s Mk10. The Cameron family continued their strong performance, with Finley and Hamish Cameron topping the second F3 race.

Callum Grant’s winning streak commenced in the Formula Junior races with John Sykes’ Merlyn Mk5/7. Despite navigating yellow-flag zones and backmarkers, Grant held off Sam Wilson (Lotus 20/22) for victory in both encounters. Nathan Metcalfe (Lotus 20) also secured a class double. Grant’s dominance continued in the One-Litre F3 opener, driving Jon Milicevic’s Brabham BT21B to a clear win.

In the Derek Bell Trophy, Marc Mercer’s strategic choice of slick tires paid off as the track dried, allowing him to charge from 12th to victory in his Formula Atlantic March 78B. The Guards Trophy saw Lenhams claim a dominant 1-3-4 finish, with Elliot Paterson (Ginetta G16) securing second. Silvio Kalb (Lola T298) made a memorable Oulton Park debut by winning the Thundersports event.

The 70s Road Sports rounds were swept by John Williams in his Porsche 911SC. In the Historic RS mix, Mark Godfrey’s Lotus 7 triumphed, while Frazer Gibney (Elan) secured runner-up on Monday after overcoming a gear lever issue. Graham Seager and Barry McMahon took victories in the Alfa Romeo races. The Special Saloons & Modsports races saw Andy Southcott (MG Midget clone) win the opener, with Mark Primett securing his first victory in the sequel after Southcott's retirement.

The 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup truly showcased the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of historic motorsport, delivering memorable performances across multiple categories.

The 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring allure of classic motorsport. It's inspiring to witness drivers pushing these historic machines to their limits, demonstrating skill and passion that transcends generations. The event highlights not only the meticulous preservation of these vehicles but also the vibrant community surrounding them. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, like the Cameron family and Callum Grant, ensures that the spirit of racing remains ever-present and exciting, even when faced with the unpredictability of nature. It underscores the idea that true competition, regardless of era, is always captivating.

Tensions are escalating between Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha's MotoGP team. The manufacturer's management has publicly addressed the rider's recent critiques and his declared intention to cease collaborating on future development. This follows a difficult Aragon Grand Prix where Quartararo's performance and morale visibly declined, further straining a relationship that has endured for eight years.

The current friction has unveiled a persistent disagreement, particularly concerning the selection of the 2026 bike engine. Quartararo had advocated for the inline-four engine, a preference seemingly disregarded when Yamaha opted for the V4. This decision has been a significant point of contention, contributing to the rider's growing dissatisfaction and his reluctance to engage in developmental testing for the upcoming seasons.

Yamaha Responds to Rider's Concerns

Following Fabio Quartararo's public declarations regarding his diminished motivation and unwillingness to assist in Yamaha's 2027 bike development, the team's management has articulated its stance, highlighting a perception of a lack of objectivity from the rider. Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Motor Racing's executive director, noted that while Quartararo frequently voices concerns about the bike's evolution, he simultaneously criticizes the team when presented with new components for testing, suggesting this leads to confusion and hinders progress. Yamaha maintains that, like their competitors, they are actively striving for advancement and innovation, despite not yet reaching their desired performance benchmarks.

Regarding the upcoming tire tests at the Red Bull Ring, Massimo Meregalli, the Yamaha factory team director, clarified that the decision to exclude Quartararo is not discriminatory but rather a standard practice for riders transitioning to other teams. Meregalli cited examples from other manufacturers, such as Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura not testing for Aprilia, and Francesco Bagnaia for Ducati, to underscore that this policy is universally applied across the MotoGP paddock. He specifically mentioned that Toprak Razgatlioglu and Izan Guevara, who are confirmed for the team next year, would be participating, aligning with the strategy of preparing future talent. In a direct appeal, Meregalli encouraged Quartararo to emulate Jack Miller's approach, praising Miller's consistent dedication and positive spirit even when faced with adversity, suggesting this attitude would be beneficial for all parties involved.

Rider's Frustration and Future Outlook

Fabio Quartararo's open criticism and his reluctance to participate in future bike development after the Aragon Grand Prix have brought long-standing issues to the forefront. The rider's frustration stems partly from feeling treated as a mere "test rider" for parts he perceived as offering minimal improvement, coupled with his strong disagreement over Yamaha's decision to adopt the V4 engine for 2026 instead of his preferred inline-four. He explicitly stated his lack of desire to develop a bike for future riders, citing "personal reasons" that include being denied participation in crucial Pirelli tire tests. This sentiment intensified after a dismal performance where he finished last, vowing to reduce the number of experimental changes attempted during race weekends. The deepening divide between Quartararo and Yamaha underscores a significant breakdown in communication and trust, casting a shadow over their remaining time together.

The public airing of grievances by Fabio Quartararo has clearly marked a critical juncture in his relationship with Yamaha. The management's response, emphasizing the need for objectivity and citing Jack Miller's positive attitude as an example, reflects a desire to manage perceptions while subtly urging Quartararo to reconsider his approach. The decision to exclude him from future tire tests, framed as a standard industry practice for departing riders, highlights Yamaha's strategic shift towards investing in riders committed to their long-term vision, such as Razgatlioglu and Guevara. This ongoing conflict not only impacts Quartararo's remaining races with the team but also shapes the narrative around Yamaha's development path for the coming seasons, as they navigate the challenge of maintaining morale and performance amidst a high-profile rider's public discontent and impending departure.