The weekend was overshadowed by the death of Moto2 rider Luis Salom, as he was killed in a crash at Europcar (motorcycle Turn 12) during Free Practice 2 on Friday, approximately 25 minutes before the end of the session.

[4] For the remainder of the weekend, the track layout was altered to use the configuration used by Formula One since 2007, in order to reduce speeds in the part of the circuit where Salom's accident occurred.

[5] Further adjustments were made to the circuit by safety officials following an evaluation conducted with a group of riders on Friday evening.

This modification, which was constructed for the 2017 winter testing season, added additional run-off areas for motorcycles and ease the entrance to pit lane.

Marc Márquez confirmed he would partner teammate Dani Pedrosa for a further two seasons at Repsol Honda, while it was announced that Tech 3 pairing Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró would move to the new factory KTM squad.