Marco Bezzecchi set a new lap record during the final MotoGP 2026 pre-season test at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit, positioning Aprilia as the clear favorite heading into the Thai Grand Prix. The record-breaking performance happened on February 23, 2026, as Bezzecchi pushed the limits on the Aprilia RS-GP, highlighting strong single-lap speed and race pace just days before the opening race.
Impressive Performance and Lap Record at Buriram
As the 2026 season opener at Buriram loomed, Marco Bezzecchi delivered an outstanding lap time of 1m28.668s late in the testing session, which instantly stood out as the fastest ever set on this track. This achievement came at a time when most teams were winding down race simulations, underscoring Aprilia’s competitive advantage. The speed demonstrated by the Aprilia RS-GP machine was evident not only in quick bursts but also in longer runs, signaling a balanced and effective package.
Aprilia Dominates with Strong 1-2 Finish Behind Bezzecchi
Aprilia’s success was further cemented as Ai Ogura, competing for Trackhouse Racing, secured the second fastest time, trailing Bezzecchi by just 0.097 seconds. Ogura’s late push confirmed the depth of performance across the Aprilia lineup, both factory and satellite bikes, sending a strong message to rival teams about Aprilia’s form heading into race week. The one-two finish on the timing sheets reflected Aprilia’s well-tuned setup and rider consistency.
Top Competitors and Key Moments in Testing
Marc Marquez, riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team, showed strong pace by topping the morning session, although he couldn’t improve in the afternoon, finishing third overall. Marquez experienced a crash at Turn 12 during a race simulation — his third fall in the testing phase — but escaped without injury despite some fatigue from recent training efforts. His earlier efforts were sufficient to keep him as the fastest Ducati rider during the test.
Francesco Bagnaia, also on Ducati machinery, focused more on endurance and race pace, ending up fourth. Close behind, Alex Marquez achieved fifth place riding for Gresini Racing, while Pedro Acosta was the top KTM rider in sixth, just over two-tenths of a second shy of the best time. The small gaps at the front suggested a tightly contested race to watch in the coming season.
Other Riders’ Progress and Season Outlook
Jorge Martin, returning to the Aprilia outfit after winter surgeries, showed progress by finishing eighth, continuing to adapt to his updated bike. Raul Fernandez and Franco Morbidelli completed the top ten, displaying consistent form. Joan Mir led Honda with a 10th place finish, while Jack Miller posted the best time for Yamaha in 16th position. With testing now concluded, each team faces a critical week of data analysis before race action begins at Buriram.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Thai Grand Prix
The results from the Buriram pre-season test have set an optimistic yet cautious tone for the start of the MotoGP 2026 season. Bezzecchi’s lap record signals that Aprilia has made significant strides, but the competitive closeness with riders like Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and rising stars such as Pedro Acosta indicates a fiercely fought championship likely ahead.
As teams prepare to translate these test performances into race pace, fans and competitors alike will closely watch whether Aprilia can maintain its momentum during the Thai Grand Prix. The data and insights gained from the test sessions will shape strategies, tire choices, and bike setups in what promises to be an exciting season opener at the Chang International Circuit.
“The Aprilia RS-GP has the pace when it matters, both over a single lap and across longer stints.” ?Divyam Dubey, Reporter
“Seeing two Aprilias at the top at the end of testing was a clear sign that the package is working well heading into the opening round.” ?Divyam Dubey, Reporter
“Even with that and some physical fatigue from recent training, his earlier lap was enough to keep him as the fastest Ducati rider.” ?Divyam Dubey, Reporter
