Buriram, Thailand – Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing secured a thrilling pole position for the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The Italian rider clocked a blistering lap time of 1 minute 28.652 seconds in qualifying, narrowly edging out reigning world champion Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team by just 0.035 seconds. The qualifying session was punctuated by drama, including a late crash for Bezzecchi himself, but his earlier time proved sufficient to claim the top spot on the grid.
The session unfolded under clear skies, with riders eager to establish their pace early. Qualifying was split into two segments, Q1 and Q2, with the fastest 12 riders progressing to the decisive Q2 session. Several prominent names, including former champions Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo, found themselves battling through Q1 to secure a place in the final shootout. The intensity was palpable as riders pushed their machines to the limit, seeking that crucial advantage for Sunday’s race.
Bezzecchi’s performance marks a strong start to the season for Aprilia, demonstrating the potential of their RS-GP26 machine. The Italian rider has consistently been at the top of the timesheets throughout the weekend, topping both free practice sessions and now securing pole position. This dominant form suggests that Bezzecchi will be a formidable contender for victory in the Thai Grand Prix. Marquez, meanwhile, showcased his trademark fighting spirit, recovering from a mid-session lull to mount a late challenge for pole. The Ducati rider’s performance underscores his continued competitiveness and sets the stage for an exciting race day battle.
Bezzecchi Claims Pole Despite Late Crash
The qualifying session wasn’t without its share of incidents. Bezzecchi, having already set the fastest time, crashed at Turn 12 on his final flying lap while attempting to improve his benchmark. While the crash appeared significant, the rider was able to walk away seemingly unharmed. Despite the fall, his earlier time of 1:28.652 remained unchallenged, securing him the coveted pole position. Motorsport.com reports that Bezzecchi had already set a faster time in Friday practice, demonstrating his consistent pace at the Buriram circuit.
Marquez, after a relatively quiet start to qualifying, unleashed a series of fast laps in the closing stages. He came within a mere 0.035 seconds of Bezzecchi’s time, ultimately settling for second place on the grid. The Ducati rider’s performance highlights his adaptability and determination, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with despite switching manufacturers during the off-season. Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Aprilia secured third place, completing the front row and further demonstrating the competitiveness of the Aprilia machinery. Fernandez had earlier dominated Q1, showcasing his impressive pace and securing his place in Q2.
Q1 Battles and Surprises
The Q1 session was a frantic affair, with 12 riders vying for the two remaining spots in Q2. Francesco Bagnaia, the two-time reigning world champion, faced an unexpected challenge, struggling to find the optimal pace and ultimately failing to progress to the next stage. According to MotoGP.com, Bagnaia encountered difficulties finding a clear lap and was unable to improve his time sufficiently. Raul Fernandez ultimately topped Q1 with a time of 1 minute 28.784 seconds, followed closely by Franco Morbidelli of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.
Morbidelli’s progression to Q2 was a welcome boost for the Italian rider, who has been working to regain his form after a challenging 2025 season. The Q1 session too saw a crash for Morbidelli at Turn 3, but he was able to continue and secure his place in the next stage. Other notable riders who participated in Q1 included Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Viñales, and Enea Bastianini, all of whom faced an uphill battle to qualify for Q2.
Grid Lineup and Race Expectations
The final grid lineup for the Thai Grand Prix sees Marco Bezzecchi starting from pole position, followed by Marc Marquez in second and Raul Fernandez in third. Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina VR46 Ducati will start from fourth, with Jorge Martin of Aprilia Factory rounding out the top five. Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM will start from sixth, while Alex Marquez of BK8 Gresini Ducati occupies seventh place. Ai Ogura, Franco Morbidelli, Joan Mir, and Brad Binder complete the top ten.
Francesco Bagnaia will have a challenging race ahead, starting from 13th on the grid. The Ducati rider will need to make significant progress through the field to contend for a podium finish. The race is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars battling for supremacy. The Buriram circuit is known for its challenging layout and demanding conditions, which will test the riders’ skill and endurance. The warm temperatures and high humidity are also expected to play a role, adding another layer of complexity to the race.
Thai GP Qualifying Results
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Factory (RS-GP26) | 1:28.652 |
| 2 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | 1:28.687 |
| 3 | Raul Fernandez | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP26) | 1:28.876 |
| 4 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | Pertamina VR46 Ducati (GP26) | 1:28.912 |
| 5 | Jorge Martin | Aprilia Factory (RS-GP26) | 1:28.955 |
| 6 | Pedro Acosta | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | 1:29.021 |
| 7 | Alex Marquez | BK8 Gresini Ducati (GP26) | 1:29.105 |
| 8 | Ai Ogura | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP26) | 1:29.158 |
| 9 | Franco Morbidelli | Pertamina VR46 Ducati (GP25) | 1:29.234 |
| 10 | Joan Mir | Honda HRC Castrol (RC213V) | 1:29.311 |
| 11 | Brad Binder | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | 1:29.402 |
| 12 | Johann Zarco | Castrol Honda LCR (RC213V) | 1:29.456 |
| 13 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | 1:29.510 |
| 14 | Luca Marini | Honda HRC Castrol (RC213V) | 1:29.587 |
| 15 | Diogo Moreira | Pro Honda LCR (RC213V) | 1:29.652 |
| 16 | Fabio Quartararo | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | 1:29.715 |
| 17 | Maverick Viñales | Red Bull KTM Tech3 (RC16) | 1:29.789 |
| 18 | Jack Miller | Pramac Yamaha (YZR-M1) | 1:29.854 |
| 19 | Alex Rins | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | 1:29.921 |
| 20 | Enea Bastianini | Red Bull KTM Tech3 (RC16) | 1:30.012 |
| 21 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | Pramac Yamaha (YZR-M1) | 1:30.105 |
| 22 | Michele Pirro | BK8 Gresini Ducati (GP26) | 1:30.250 |
The MotoGP Thai Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 1st, with the race expected to begin at 14:00 local time (07:00 GMT). Fans can expect a captivating contest as the world’s best motorcycle racers battle for victory at the challenging Buriram circuit. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Bezzecchi and Marquez poised to lead the charge.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for comprehensive coverage of the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix, including race reports, analysis, and exclusive interviews. We will continue to provide updates as the season unfolds, bringing you the latest news and insights from the world of motorcycle racing. Share your predictions for the race in the comments below!