Bezzecchi Makes History at COTA: Aprilia Dominates as Records Fall in Texas
AUSTIN, Texas — Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing authored a new chapter in the MotoGP history books this Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas. By securing his fifth consecutive Grand Prix victory, Bezzecchi became only the third Italian in history to achieve the feat: joining legends Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini while leading Aprilia to a second straight 1-2 finish.
MotoGP: The Bezzecchi Era Begins
The #72 Aprilia was untouchable once it hit the front. Despite an early "fairing-bash" with Red Bull KTM’s Pedro Acosta that saw carbon fiber fly across the track, Bezzecchi maintained his nerve. In the process, he shattered a long-standing record: by leading Lap 4, he surpassed Jorge Lorenzo’s 2015 mark of 103 consecutive Grand Prix laps led, eventually pushing the new record to 121 laps.
Jorge Martin secured the silver medal, ensuring Aprilia’s dominance, while Pedro Acosta recovered from his early skirmish with Bezzecchi to claim a hard-earned P3.
Key MotoGP Results:
- 1. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing): 1.7s margin of victory.
- 2. Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing): Solidifies Aprilia’s championship threat.
- 3. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM): Sunday podium to add to his rising stock.
- 4. Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46): Top Ducati finisher in a lonely but effective ride.
- 5. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo): Rescued P5 after serving a Long Lap Penalty for a Sprint incident.
Notable drama hit the Trackhouse MotoGP team as Ai Ogura, who had charged brilliantly from the back to challenge for the top five, was forced to retire with a technical issue. Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia struggled late, fading to P10.
Moto2: Agius Resists Vietti in Texas Heat
The Moto2 race was defined by a chaotic start and a red-flag restart following a multi-rider incident at Turn 11. Once the race got back underway for a 10-lap sprint, Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) showcased immense composure.
Agius engaged in a fierce tactical battle with Celestino Vietti, with the two trading the lead multiple times in the closing laps. A bold move at Turn 3 on the penultimate lap allowed Agius to "pull the pin," securing his third career victory.
- Winner: Senna Agius
- P2: Celestino Vietti (First podium of 2026)
- P3: Izan Guevara
- Standings Note: Manuel Gonzalez takes the Championship lead after a solid P5 finish.
Moto3: Pini Snatches Victory in Final Corner Chaos
The lightweight class delivered its trademark last-lap insanity. What began as a multi-rider dogfight narrowed down to a four-way battle between Guido Pini, Maximo Quiles, Alvaro Carpe, and Valentin Perrone.
Coming into the final corner, pole-sitter Carpe lunged for the lead, pushing both himself and Perrone wide. This opened a "barn door" for Pini and Quiles. In a frantic drag race to the finish line, Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) took the win by a mere 0.056 seconds.
- Winner: Guido Pini
- P2: Maximo Quiles
- P3: Alvaro Carpe
News Moto Analysis: A Shift in the Status Quo
The results from Austin confirm that the 2026 season is currently an Aprilia playground. For the first time since Marc Marquez’s legendary 2014 run, a rider has swept the opening three rounds. As the paddock shifts to Jerez for the European leg, the question is no longer who is fast, but who can possibly stop the #72 machine.
FULL RESULTS BELOW:
