Marco Bezzecchi set the fastest time in Friday practice at the Thai Grand Prix with a 1:28.526 lap, finishing over four tenths clear of world champion Marc Marquez. The Aprilia rider led comfortably in the first competitive session of 2026. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia ended outside the top ten and must go through Q1 qualifying.
Marco Bezzecchi set the pace in the first practice at Buriram with a 1:29.346 lap, ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Martin. Marc Marquez finished sixth, just ahead of Francesco Bagnaia. Pedro Acosta was the top KTM in fifth, while Alex Rins led Yamaha in 13th. Rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu placed 21st in his first MotoGP weekend.
Fabio Quartararo says deciding his 2027 MotoGP future has eased pressure while Yamaha struggles for speed. The French rider admitted the new V4 M1 still feels similar to early tests and lacks a base setup. He finished 17th at Buriram, over a second off the pace, and heads to Thailand with no clear result expectations.
Honda rider Luca Marini has addressed rumours linking him with a Yamaha move for 2027. He said he has no confirmed deal yet but highlighted his strength in developing bikes. Marini has helped Honda’s recent progress, while several rider changes are expected next season. His future remains open as the transfer market begins to form.
MotoGP stewards, led by Simon Crafar, released updated rules on how incidents will be judged in 2026. Slow riding that blocks rivals in qualifying usually brings penalties after a warning. Racing contact may be classed as a normal incident, but dangerous overtakes or causing a crash can mean long-lap or double long-lap penalties, especially on opening laps.
The 2026 season starts at Buriram after busy pre-season testing. Marc Marquez said some riders showed stronger pace in tests. Rookies Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira get ready for their first race weekend. Jorge Martin arrives after injuries and limited running, aiming to rebuild fitness as teams still evaluate their true performance level.
Jorge Martin says he is still building fitness ahead of the Thailand opener after winter operations limited his preparation. The Aprilia rider completed only limited testing laps but reported encouraging speed. He expects his physical condition and riding efficiency to improve once race weekends begin and plans to approach the opening rounds carefully.
Fabio Quartararo says his future decision is already made and it has helped him stay calm during Yamaha’s difficult pre-season. The French rider admits the new V4 bike has improved little since its first test and is still slower in race pace. He will not discuss his next team, choosing to concentrate only on the Thailand opener.
Former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham’s company AVW Global has signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government to bring MotoGP and the Asia Road Racing Championship back to the Buddh International Circuit. Authorities also want to support local rider development. ARRC races could arrive first, possibly in 2026, while MotoGP talks and commercial negotiations are expected to begin soon.
Jack Miller has lost around two kilograms during the winter as he prepares for his first MotoGP season with Yamaha. The Australian said new training and diet routines helped him feel fitter, joking he feels like a Moto3 rider again. Reducing rider weight can improve acceleration and aerodynamics, especially as Yamaha searches for extra straight-line speed.