The 2026 MotoGP season is on the horizon, and after the intense Buriram pre-season test, one thing is glaringly clear: the Italian powerhouses are ready to dominate, while others face a mountain to climb. Manufacturers refined their 2026 bikes and aero packages, revealing a decisive pecking order as the season opener approaches.
Key Takeaways from Buriram:
- Ducati and Aprilia displayed commanding pace, establishing a significant advantage over the rest of the grid in both single-lap and race simulation.
- Jorge Martin made a stunning return, quickly finding speed with Aprilia, while Marc Marquez showed solid potential despite minor setbacks on his new Ducati.
- KTM offered mixed results, with Pedro Acosta showing promise but other riders struggling with consistency and tyre wear.
- Honda and Yamaha confront significant hurdles; Honda battles persistent grip issues, and Yamaha grapples with an underdeveloped new V4 engine, signaling a challenging season ahead.
Italian Titans Reign Supreme
The law of diminishing returns seems to have been suspended for MotoGP's two Italian giants. Ducati and Aprilia haven't just improved; they've pulled away from the competition, showcasing an unmatched blend of speed and handling. Their significant strides forward, evident initially at Sepang, became undeniable at Buriram.
Ducati's Grip: Minor Adjustments to a Winning Formula
Every Ducati rider exuded confidence in Buriram. Even Franco Morbidelli, on the previous year's GP25, reported finding four tenths over the winter. This speaks volumes about the base package's strength. While Francesco Bagnaia raised concerns about inconsistent braking feel, and Alex Marquez adjusted his corner entry style, these appear to be minor tweaks to an already potent machine. The GP26 is clearly faster, and the riders are adapting quickly.
Aprilia's Ascendance: Cornering Prowess and Returning Stars
Aprilia is no longer waiting to join the fight; they're ready to lead it from the outset. Their RS-GP has seen improvements across the board, particularly with its superior speed on corner entry, which has rivals taking notice. The strong performances of Ai Ogura, Jorge Martin, and even Raul Fernandez indicate Aprilia's newfound depth, reducing their reliance on Marco Bezzecchi. Martin's impressive return from two winter surgeries, immediately finding his rhythm on the RS-GP, dispelled any doubts about his fitness or his ability to challenge for top-six finishes.
Midfield Maze: KTM's Mixed Fortunes
KTM has made noticeable progress with the RC16, yet they paradoxically find themselves further behind the leading Italian duo. The team's performance at Buriram painted a picture of inconsistency.
Acosta's Promise vs. Team Challenges
Pedro Acosta was a standout, describing the 2026 KTM as “promising,” reporting it felt faster and easier to ride, with improvements in tyre wear. However, his feedback was an outlier. Maverick Vinales lamented wasted time re-evaluating components, struggling with electronics and severe rear tyre wear during long runs. Enea Bastianini's woes were even deeper, forcing him to revert to a base setup. Though **Binder** found pace late in the test, **KTM** faces a significant challenge to achieve consistent performance across its riders, especially on tracks like **Buriram**.
Japanese Giants Face Monumental Tasks
The **Buriram** test delivered a harsh reality check for **Honda** and **Yamaha**, revealing the monumental challenges ahead for the Japanese manufacturers. Despite their tireless efforts, both teams appear to be a step behind their European rivals.
Honda's Uphill Battle: Grip Woes Persist
While **Honda** showed marginal gains over the winter—more torque, aggressive aero, improved top speed—their fundamental position remains largely unchanged. **Joan Mir** candidly described the **RC213V**'s enduring rear grip issues, problems that will only intensify during race weekends. **Mir** believes only a
