The MotoGP world is buzzing with excitement as the 2026 season kicks off with a bang in Buriram! And what a dramatic start it was, with a new lap record and some unexpected twists and turns.
Bezzecchi's Dominance: Marco Bezzecchi, the Italian sensation on the Aprilia Racing team, smashed the lap record at Buriram, leaving everyone in his dust. With a time of 1'28.526, he not only topped the charts in FP1 but also set a new benchmark for the circuit. But here's where it gets interesting: Bezzecchi's pace is not just about one-lap wonders; he consistently maintained his speed throughout, indicating a strong contender for the Sprint Saturday.
Aprilia's Strong Showing: It wasn't just Bezzecchi; his teammate Jorge Martin joined the party, securing a top-five position. This dynamic duo dominated the day, marking Aprilia's best-ever start to a season. But will they be able to keep up the momentum?
Marquez's Comeback: Marc Marquez, the legendary rider for Ducati Lenovo Team, had a rollercoaster session. Initially struggling outside the top ten, he fought back to finish in a solid second place. But the story doesn't end there; his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, had a less fortunate day, placing 15th and facing a Q1 battle. Will Marquez's comeback be enough to keep Ducati's hopes alive?
Di Giannantonio's Consistency: Fabio Di Giannantonio, riding for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, proved his pre-season form wasn't a fluke. He led the field for most of the practice before settling for third. His consistent pace throughout the session is a testament to his endurance and a strategy to watch out for.
KTM's Charge: KTM's riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, made their presence known. Acosta finished fourth, just 0.659s behind Bezzecchi, while Binder secured eighth place, ensuring a double Q2 entry for the team. It's been a while since KTM had such a strong showing, so this is a significant boost for the orange squad.
Honda's Mixed Results: Honda had a mixed bag of results, with Alex Marquez in sixth and Joan Mir in seventh, making it two Honda riders in the top ten. But the real surprise came from Johann Zarco, who snuck into Q2 with a tenth-place finish. Will Honda's strategy pay off in the long run?
Trackhouse's Ups and Downs: Ai Ogura, starting strong in fourth during the morning practice, secured a Q2 spot in ninth. However, a crash at Turn 7 cut his session short. His teammate, Raul Fernandez, couldn't replicate Ogura's success, finishing in 14th. Can Trackhouse find consistency in the upcoming races?
The first day of practice at Buriram had it all—records broken, comebacks, and surprises. But the real question is, who will rise to the top on Sprint Saturday? Will Bezzecchi continue his dominance, or will Marquez and Ducati fight back? And what about the underdogs? Only time will tell. So, get ready for a thrilling season ahead, and feel free to share your predictions in the comments below!
