The roar of engines is almost upon us! With the 2026 MotoGP season opener in Thailand just around the corner, all eyes turn to the Chang International Circuit in Buriram for the ultimate pre-season shakedown. This isn't just another test; it's the riders' final chance to fine-tune their machines, homologate crucial aero packages, and lay down a psychological marker before the championship battle begins.
Key Points from the Buriram Test:
- Final Pre-Season Run: February 21-22 at Chang International Circuit, Buriram.
- Crucial Adjustments: Teams will make last-minute bike tweaks and homologate aero packages.
- Jorge Martin's Comeback: The 2024 champion makes his highly anticipated Aprilia debut after injury.
- Live Timing Only: Catch all the action via MotoGP's official Timing Pass; no live TV broadcast.
The Last Dance: Buriram's Crucial Pre-Season Showdown
After six intensive days of testing at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit earlier this month – including a dedicated Shakedown for rookies and test riders – the MotoGP paddock converges on Buriram, Thailand. This two-day collective test (February 21-22) is the ultimate pressure cooker. Manufacturers and teams will push their 2026 prototypes to their limits, ensuring every component is race-ready. The stakes are incredibly high, as the opening race of the year is also set to unfold in Thailand on March 1st.
This test is vital for bike development, but also for solidifying rider confidence. With the championship kicking off mere days later, perfection is the goal. Every lap matters, every data point is crucial as teams seek that elusive competitive edge.
Track Times & Global Viewing Schedule
Planning to follow the action from afar? Here's your essential guide to the Buriram MotoGP Test sessions and how they translate globally.
Local Buriram Session Breakdown
Track activity at the Chang International Circuit will ignite at 10 AM local Thai time each day. The morning session provides a solid three hours of riding, concluding at 1 PM. Riders and teams then get a brief 20-minute lunch break to regroup and review data. The afternoon session kicks off at 1:20 PM and extends until 6 PM, offering a substantial four hours and forty minutes of track time. Expect intense action and a flurry of fastest laps as the day progresses.
Bridging the Time Zones
For fans in the UK and Portugal, Thailand is seven hours ahead. Most of mainland Europe will find themselves six hours behind Buriram's local time. Remember to adjust your clocks accordingly to catch the moments when the bikes hit the asphalt.
Star Power Returns: Key Riders to Watch
The Buriram Test boasts a full grid, featuring all regular premier class riders and key test personnel. The excitement is palpable, especially with some major comebacks and notable absences.
The biggest story heading into Buriram is undoubtedly the return of 2024 MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin. After a challenging 2025 season riddled with injuries and two winter surgeries, Martin is finally set to throw his leg over the Aprilia RS-GP. This will be his crucial first outing on the new machinery, a pivotal moment for both the rider and the Aprilia factory. His performance will be under immense scrutiny as he aims to shake off the rust and integrate with his new team.
On the flip side, Gresini sophomore Fermin Aldeguer will remain sidelined due to an injury sustained in early January. His absence extends beyond the test, unfortunately ruling him out of the first race in Thailand. Filling his boots for Gresini will be Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who will pilot last year's GP25.
Expect to see titans like Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Brad Binder, and Fabio Quartararo pushing their machines to the limit, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying 2026 season. Other confirmed riders include Marco Bezzecchi, Pedro Acosta, Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini, Alex Rins, Augusto Fernández, Jack Miller, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, Raul Fernandez, Ai Ogura, and Johann Zarco.
How to Catch the Action: Live Timing & Beyond
For dedicated MotoGP enthusiasts, following the Buriram Test requires a digital approach. Unlike some post-season events, live television broadcasts are not scheduled for these pre-season tests.
The primary way to stay updated in real-time is through MotoGP's official live timing service. Access to this comprehensive timing data is available via a 'Timing Pass,' which costs €17.99 for the entire season. This pass is invaluable for tracking lap times, sector splits, and rider positions as they unfold.
While full live TV coverage is absent, the MotoGP VideoPass offers a daily 90-minute 'After the Flag' program. This summary will provide valuable insights and footage, with the final 30 minutes of each day's testing shown live. For ongoing updates, breaking news, and detailed reports directly from the track, be sure to follow Motorsport.com's dedicated coverage throughout the Buriram Test.
