The roar of the engines at the Buriram International Circuit on the final day of 2026 MotoGP pre-season testing wasn't just about speed; it was a declaration. Marco Bezzecchi, riding for Aprilia, didn't just top the charts – he shattered the all-time track record, sending a clear message to the paddock: Aprilia is here to compete, and they mean business.
Key Takeaways from the Buriram Test:
- Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) set a new all-time track record at Buriram with a blistering 1m28.668s.
- Aprilia delivered a commanding 1-2 finish, with Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Racing) taking second place.
- Marc Marquez (Ducati) battled mechanical issues and multiple crashes to secure a strong third.
- The 2026 MotoGP season kicks off at Buriram on March 1st, promising an explosive start.
Bezzecchi's Blistering Pace Rewrites History
With just minutes left on the clock, Bezzecchi unleashed a lap that will be etched into MotoGP history. His incredible 1m28.668s lap on the factory Aprilia RS-GP wasn't just the fastest of the day; it eclipsed Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 pole position record of 1m28.700s. This wasn't merely a fast lap; it was a statement of raw, unadulterated pace from the Italian star, signaling his formidable intent for the upcoming season.
Aprilia's Double Delight: A Force Awakens?
The dominance wasn't limited to Bezzecchi. The Aprilia camp celebrated a stunning 1-2 finish as Trackhouse Racing's Ai Ogura surged into second place with a 1m28.765s. This collective performance signals a formidable challenge from the Italian manufacturer, demonstrating not only individual rider brilliance but also the overall strength and potential of the Aprilia machinery heading into the new season. They are clearly poised to be a major factor.
Marquez's Rollercoaster Ride: Speed Amidst Setbacks
While the top two spots belonged to Aprilia, the veteran Marc Marquez on his Factory Ducati had an eventful yet impressive day. He held the top spot for hours with a 1m28.836s. Despite suffering his third crash of the weekend at Turn 3 and a brief visit to the medical center (reportedly for stomach issues), the eight-time world champion returned to finish a commendable third. His resilience and blistering pace, even with setbacks, hint at a strong season ahead as he adapts to his new machine.
Ducati's Contenders and KTM's Promise
Behind Marquez, his teammate Francesco Bagnaia finished fourth, capping off a productive pre-season for Ducati. Alex Marquez (Gresini) secured fifth despite a late tumble, showcasing strong form. KTM saw Pedro Acosta lead their charge in sixth, proving the Austrian manufacturer's continued progress and potential to shake up the front runners.
Mixed Fortunes Across the Grid
The VR46 duo, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio, landed seventh and ninth respectively, sandwiching 2024 champion Jorge Martin in eighth. Joan Mir rounded out the top ten for Honda, a promising sign for the Japanese marque. However, Yamaha faced another challenging day, with Jack Miller being their best performer in a distant 16th, highlighting areas for significant improvement before the season starts.
What's Next? The 2026 Season Kicks Off!
The tantalizing MotoGP Buriram test has set the stage for an explosive season. With records broken, new contenders emerging, and established stars battling adversity, fans won't have to wait long for the real action. The 2026 MotoGP season officially ignites right back at the Buriram International Circuit on March 1st. Get ready for breathtaking action – this season is going to be epic!
