Marco Bezzecchi did more than win the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix; he dominated it, setting the tone for the 2026 season with a commanding performance that also ended Ducati’s five-year podium streak.
Starting from pole, Bezzecchi led every lap to claim a 5.5-second victory, showcasing his composure and speed despite a crash in the sprint race earlier in the weekend. This marks his seventh career MotoGP win and his third consecutive victory, carrying momentum from the final two races of the 2025 season into the new campaign. The Aprilia RS-GP appeared unstoppable from the first corner.
The race also saw Ducati’s remarkable streak of podium appearances come to an end. Since the 2021 British Grand Prix, a Ducati rider had finished in the top three at every Grand Prix, but this time no Ducati reached the rostrum. Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 was the highest-placed Ducati, finishing sixth, while reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia struggled to ninth. The result signals growing competition and challenges for Ducati.
Source: Crash.net
Behind Bezzecchi, the battle for the remaining podium spots was intense. Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez started strongly and held second for much of the race but faded due to physical strain, allowing Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to move up. Acosta displayed impressive pace and made a decisive move to secure second.
The most dramatic moment came for Marc Marquez. While running fourth and pushing hard, the reigning world champion suffered a rear tyre delamination at high-speed Turn 6, forcing him to retire immediately. This mechanical failure was a major setback for Marquez’s championship hopes.
Further down the field, Jorge Martin finished fourth, collecting valuable points. Trackhouse Aprilia’s Ai Ogura staged a strong recovery from outside the top ten to finish fifth. Alex Marquez crashed out, and Honda’s Joan Mir retired from fifth position due to tyre issues. Luca Marini brought his factory Honda home in tenth.
The Thai Grand Prix provided a dramatic start to the 2026 season. Bezzecchi and Aprilia have announced themselves as serious contenders, while Ducati faces fresh challenges from a highly competitive field. The season promises exciting battles and unpredictable results as riders and teams fight to establish early momentum.
