Bezzecchi Dominates Buriram Opener; Marquez DNF Ends Ducati Streak
BURIRAM, Thailand — Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing delivered a clinical performance at the Chang International Circuit today, claiming victory in the 2026 MotoGP season opener. Bezzecchi’s win marks a personal hat-trick of Grand Prix victories dating back to the end of 2025, while simultaneously ending Ducati’s historic 88-race podium streak.
MotoGP: Aprilia Ascendant, Wheel Drama
Bezzecchi converted his pole position into an immediate lead, maintaining a gap that eventually stretched to over three seconds. While the Italian remained unchallenged, the battle for the remaining podium spots saw intense maneuvering between Pedro Acosta, Raul Fernandez, and Jorge Martin.
The race’s turning point occurred on Lap 14. Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez, while embroiled in the podium fight, suffered a terminal rear tire deflation when he hit the sharp edge of the kerb in the exit, massively denting his rear wheel. This mechanical failure ended his race and allowed the Aprilia-heavy lead group to solidify their positions.
- Winner: Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
- P2: Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) - Current Championship Leader
- P3: Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP)
- Attendance: 228,228 (Buriram record)
The result sees no Ducati riders on the Sunday podium for the first time since the 2021 British GP. Francesco Bagnaia finished a distant P9, while Fabio Di Giannantonio was the lead Ducati in P6.
Moto2: Gonzalez Survives Red Flag Chaos
The intermediate class was defined by attrition and restarts. Two red flags—the first for a multi-rider incident involving polesitter Senna Agius and David Alonso, and the second for a Garcia/Lunetta collision, reduced the race to a seven-lap sprint.
Manuel Gonzalez (Intact GP) repeated his 2025 season-opening success, fending off Izan Guevara in a drag race to the finish line.
| Position | Rider | Team |
| 1st | Manuel Gonzalez | LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP |
| 2nd | Izan Guevara | BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha |
| 3rd | Daniel Holgado | CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team |
Moto3: Almansa Takes Maiden Win by 0.003s
The lightweight class produced a historical finish, equaling the closest margin in Moto3 history. David Almansa secured his first career victory by successfully defending against Maximo Quiles in the final corner. Despite Quiles’ late lunges, Almansa’s drive to the line was enough to secure the win by a mere three-thousandths of a second.
Top 5 Results:
- David Almansa (Intact GP)
- Maximo Quiles (Aspar Team) +0.003
- Valentin Perrone (Tech3)
- Alvaro Carpe (Ajo)
- Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia)
Next Stop: The paddock moves to Brazil in two weeks, with Pedro Acosta leading the premier class standings.
FULL RACE RESULTS:
