Bezzecchi breaks the Chang International Circuit lap record to lead the opening day of ThaiGP

The MotoGP season opened in Thailand with fans arriving from around the world and worldwide live coverage. Aprilia Racing's Marco Bezzecchi broke the Chang International Circuit lap record to lead the first day of practice, ahead of Ducati Lenovo's reigning champion Marc Marquez.

PT Grand Prix of Thailand, the opening round of MotoGP 2026, began its official practice programme on Friday, 27 February 2026, at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

The day’s Practice session determined which riders would progress directly to Q2. Heavy clouds gathered over the circuit during the MotoGP session, prompting riders to adjust their plans as rain threatened.

Aprilia Racing's Marco Bezzecchi continued his strong form by leading opening practice at 1 minute 28.526 seconds, setting a new all-time lap record at Chang International Circuit.

Ducati Lenovo's reigning champion Marc Marquez finished second, 0.421 seconds behind Bezzecchi, while continuing to explore the GP26's potential. Pertamina Enduro VR46's Fabio Di Giannantonio took third, 0.484 seconds off the lead.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Pedro Acosta took fourth, 0.659 seconds off the lead. Aprilia Racing's 2024 champion Jorge Martin finished fifth at 0.703 seconds, followed by Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez in sixth at 0.850 seconds.

Honda HRC Castrol's Joan Mir finished the opening day seventh, 0.991 seconds off the lead, providing an encouraging sign for Honda. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Brad Binder followed in eighth at 1.006 seconds.

Trackhouse MotoGP Team's Ai Ogura recovered from a crash to secure direct Q2 entry in ninth, 1.053 seconds behind the leader. Castrol Honda LCR's Johann Zarco followed in tenth at 1.064 seconds. Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia missed direct Q2 entry, ending the day 15th at 1.298 seconds.

Yamaha still faced a challenging test. Although top speed had improved, Monster Energy Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo finished 16th, 1.358 seconds off the lead. Teammate Alex Rins ended the opening day 20th, 1.776 seconds behind.

Brazilian rookie Diogo Moreira of Pro Honda LCR finished his opening day 18th, 1.575 seconds off the lead. Prima Pramac Yamaha's Toprak Razgatlioglu, a three-time WorldSBK champion, was 21st, 1.839 seconds behind.

PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 continued with qualifying and the Sprint on Saturday, 28 February, before the Grand Prix on Sunday, 1 March. Live coverage was available on True4U Channel 24 and through SPOTV channel 689 on TrueVisions Now.