In a remarkable performance, Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing achieved a historic hat-trick in MotoGP, winning the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. This victory follows Bezzecchi’s wins in Portugal and Valencia in 2025, highlighting a strong start to 2026. Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing secured second place, ensuring he leaves Thailand as the leader of the MotoGP World Championship, while Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse MotoGP Team finished third. Notably, reigning World Champion Marc Marquez faced a race-ending puncture during the competition, marking the end of Ducati’s impressive streak of 88 consecutive podiums since the 2021 British GP.
BEZZECCHI OFF TO A STRONG START
After an exceptional Tissot Sprint, the race began with Bezzecchi launching from pole position, while Marc Marquez maintained second place briefly. Raul Fernandez quickly overtook Marquez for the second spot at Turn 7, and Jorge Martin from Aprilia Racing also made an attempt to pass the reigning champion but was fended off.
ACOSTA, MARTIN, AND MARQUEZ IN A TIGHT BATTLE
At Turn 12, Acosta made an aggressive move, taking fourth place from Marquez, who struggled to keep pace. As Bezzecchi and Fernandez set a consistent pace at the front, a fierce battle ensued between Martin and Acosta, with Acosta managing to get past Martin and eventually challenge for third place by Lap 10.
DRAMA UNFOLDS AS THE RACE PROGRESSES
By Lap 14, Bezzecchi maintained a comfortable lead, with Acosta swiftly closing in on Fernandez for second place. However, Marc Marquez faced a significant setback when he suffered a rear tire puncture, forcing him to retire from the race. Additionally, Alex Marquez crashed out at Turn 4, although he was unharmed.
COMEBACKS AND STRATEGIES
Joan Mir was also forced to retire due to rear tire issues, despite a strong showing in the top six. This incident reshuffled the field, allowing four Aprilias to finish in the top five, along with Ai Ogura showcasing impressive late-race speed.
BEZZECCHI’S TRIUMPH IN THAILAND
With a dominant performance, Bezzecchi claimed victory, marking his first three consecutive Grand Prix wins. Acosta continues his pursuit of a Grand Prix win but finished strong, leading to Brazil as the MotoGP World Championship leader. Fernandez celebrated a commendable podium finish after recovering from shoulder issues during warm-up.
POINTS SCORERS IN THE THAI GRAND PRIX
Jorge Martin finished fourth, while Ai Ogura rounded out the top five. Fabio Di Giannantonio led the Ducati riders in sixth. Brad Binder’s seventh place contributed to KTM’s strong showing, with Franco Morbidelli finishing eighth. The top ten concluded with Luca Marini in tenth, alongside Johann Zarco and Enea Bastianini, who placed eleventh and twelfth. Rookie Diogo Moreira impressively secured thirteenth in his debut race.
As Round 1 concludes, it’s clear that the MotoGP season has started with excitement, and Acosta leads the World Championship as the teams look forward to Brazil.
