🗓️ February 27 - March 1, 2026
📍 Buriram, Thailand

🏁 MotoGP 2026 Explodes into Action! Bezzecchi Breaks Lap Record in Thailand, Marquez Close Behind

The 2026 MotoGP season is officially ON — and it started with a bang at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand at the Chang International Circuit.

And the headline?
🔥 Marco Bezzecchi just smashed the all-time lap record.

🚀 Bezzecchi Sets the Pace

Riding for Aprilia Racing, the Italian star clocked an incredible 1:28.526, rewriting the Chang Circuit record books on Friday.

Rain clouds hovered overhead 🌧️, adding tension and forcing riders to gamble on strategy — but Bezzecchi nailed it.

🥈 Marquez Right There

Reigning world champion Marc Marquez finished second for Ducati Lenovo Team, just 0.421 seconds behind.

He looked fast — but not quite at full power on the new GP26.

🔥 The Top 10 Shake-Up

Here’s how Friday’s practice stacked up:

3️⃣ Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46) – +0.484
4️⃣ Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) – +0.659
5️⃣ Jorge Martin (Aprilia) – +0.703
6️⃣ Alex Marquez (Gresini) – +0.850
7️⃣ Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) – +0.991
8️⃣ Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) – +1.006
9️⃣ Ai Ogura (Trackhouse) – +1.053 (and survived a crash!)
🔟 Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) – +1.064

😮 Big Name in Trouble

Two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia had a rough day.

He finished 15th, meaning he missed automatic Q2 qualification — big pressure heading into Saturday.

⚠️ Yamaha Still Searching

Yamaha continues to struggle:

Fabio Quartararo – 16th
Alex Rins – 20th

More top speed… but still not enough.

👀 Rookie Watch

🇧🇷 Diogo Moreira impressed in 18th on debut.
🇹🇷 Toprak Razgatlioglu, three-time WorldSBK champ, finished 21st as he adapts to MotoGP machinery.

📅 What’s Next?

Saturday: Qualifying + Sprint Race
Sunday: Full Grand Prix showdown

If Friday was anything to go by… we’re in for an explosive 2026 season.