MotoGP, Sportrik Media - The 2026 Thai MotoGP season opener at Buriram takes place from 27 February to 1 March, marking the first competitive benchmark of the new championship campaign.
Last weekend’s official test at the same circuit concluded with Marco Bezzecchi leading for Aprilia Racing, narrowly ahead of team-mate Ai Ogura. Reigning world champion Marc Marquez and Ducati Lenovo Team colleague Francesco Bagnaia followed, with Alex Marquez completing the top five for Gresini Racing. While testing pace suggested a close Aprilia–Ducati battle, race conditions — including tyre pressure management and Sprint format demands — are expected to reshape the competitive order.
Marquez secured a double victory from pole at Buriram last year despite an early tyre pressure concern in the grand prix. This season, he returns following shoulder injuries sustained at Mandalika, adding another layer of scrutiny to Ducati’s title defence. Pedro Acosta leads the charge for KTM Factory Racing, while Honda HRC enters the engine freeze phase after moving up a concession category, with Joan Mir spearheading development efforts.
Yamaha Factory Racing faces a demanding weekend as its new V4 package makes its full-time race debut. Rear grip limitations were evident during testing, placing additional emphasis on race-long tyre conservation and electronic mapping. Weather forecasts indicate a potential risk of rain, which could further complicate strategy across the three-day event.
2026 Thai MotoGP Schedule (Local Thai Time / UK Time)
Friday, 27 February
10:45 / 03:45 – MotoGP FP1
15:00 / 08:00 – MotoGP Practice
Saturday, 28 February
10:10 / 03:10 – MotoGP FP2
10:50 / 03:50 – MotoGP Qualifying
15:00 / 08:00 – MotoGP Sprint
Sunday, 1 March
10:40 / 03:40 – MotoGP Warm-up
15:00 / 07:00 – Thai MotoGP Grand Prix
All sessions are broadcast live via MotoGP’s official Video Pass streaming platform, including live timing services. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports provides full live coverage of every MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 session. With competitive margins tight after pre-season testing, the Buriram opener will establish the first definitive hierarchy before the championship progresses to its next round.
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