Marco Bezzecchi closed out 2026 MotoGP pre-season testing with a bang at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, setting an all-time lap record of 1:28.668 on the final day to head the combined test standings ahead of the Thai Grand Prix next weekend.
The Italian Aprilia Racing rider’s benchmark came in the closing 15 minutes of Sunday’s session, capping a strong two-day test that has placed the Noale factory firmly in the conversation heading into the season opener on 27 February.
Trackhouse MotoGP Team‘s Ai Ogura was just 0.097 seconds back with Ducati’s Marc Marquez rounding out the top three despite a third crash in two days. The reigning champion was hampered by illness across both test days and ended his Sunday session early after losing the front at Turn 3, though he walked away unscathed.
Aprilia in strong shape
All four Aprilia-powered bikes finished in the top eleven on the combined timesheet, painting a compelling picture for the manufacturer’s 2026 prospects. Bezzecchi’s 20-lap average of 1:30.454 adds further weight to the outright pace, while 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin returning from injury ended the test in eighth, reporting positive feedback on his comeback. Trackhouse pair Ogura and Raul Fernandez both tested rear aero variations, mirroring work done by the factory duo.
Ducati: Aero debate settled
At Ducati, the pre-season discussion centred on aerodynamic package selection (2024 spec versus 2025) and by the end of testing all factory-aligned riders had converged on the same direction. Marquez (P3, 1:28.836) and Bagnaia (P4, 1:28.883) were separated by just 0.047 seconds in the combined standings despite Marquez completing fewer laps than planned.
Bagnaia was the more productive of the two across the two days, completing a race simulation and declaring himself “very positive” heading into race week. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was on the same 2024 aero package as the factory team, finished fifth overall.
KTM cautiously optimistic
Pedro Acosta delivered one of the bigger day-two improvements for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, finishing sixth overall after a strong final session that included a Grand Prix simulation. Brad Binder ended in twelfth after a stronger final flying lap. On the Tech3 side, Maverick Vinales (15th) appeared to favour the older 2025 package while Enea Bastianini improved slightly on his day one time.
Honda building confidence
Honda HRC Castrol concluded the test with Joan Mir in tenth and Luca Marini in thirteenth, both within 0.8 seconds of Bezzecchi’s benchmark. Mir acknowledged grip issues at Buriram but said the team has a clear direction to chase before the lights go out. Marini was characteristically measured, targeting the top seven at minimum once racing begins. LCR pair Johann Zarco (14th) and Diogo Moreira (19th) also ticked off their respective testing programs.
Yamaha: Learning curve continues
The all-new V4-powered Yamaha YZR-M1 remains a work in progress, but both factory and satellite riders showed improvement across the two Buriram days. Aussie Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha) was the standout Yamaha performer, completing two 20-lap race simulations before firing in a 1:29.672 to end 16th overall.
Rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu (21st) found more confidence as the test progressed, with the Turkish former World Superbike champion noting he needs to trust the front tyre more.
Factory duo Fabio Quartararo (17th, 1’29.701) and Alex Rins (20th) both improved across the two days, with the team beginning proper set-up work for the first time after Sepang was focused on component evaluation.
Pre-season is done. The PT Grand Prix of Thailand gets underway at the Chang International Circuit on 27 February.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
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