Just over three months have passed since the chequered flag waved in anger for the final time at Valencian Community Grand Prix. Since then there’s been testing, technical debates, launch events and endless predictions. Now, finally, the waiting is over.
The engines fire up again at the Thai Grand Prix, held at the fast, flowing Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Pre-season mileage has been logged, data dissected and lap records threatened. But testing trophies count for nothing. Over the next 22 rounds, there is only one prize that matters: lifting the Tower of Champions and carving out a place in MotoGP history.
The stopwatch resets. The real fight starts now.
The champion returns – and the pressure rises
All eyes naturally fall on Marc Marquez. His move to Ducati Lenovo Team last season was bold, but it paid off spectacularly. He wrapped up the 2025 title with five rounds to spare, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks the sport has seen after years of injury setbacks.
Thailand was where that momentum truly gathered pace last year, and Buriram has generally suited his aggressive, late-braking style. Three wins at this circuit underline that comfort. Testing form suggests he’ll once again start the weekend as the reference point.
But this time, the red garage isn’t the only one arriving with confidence.
Bezzecchi leads an Aprilia charge
Marco Bezzecchi left pre-season as the headline maker. The Aprilia Racing rider lit up testing with the fastest lap ever recorded around Buriram, dipping beneath the existing benchmark. More importantly, he backed it up with consistent long-run pace in punishing heat — a key factor at this circuit where tyre management can decide races.
What makes it even more impressive is perspective: this time last year, he was still learning the RS-GP. Twelve months later, he looks completely at home.
Aprilia’s depth doesn’t end there. Jorge Martin returned from injury feeling sharp and immediately slotted into the top ten. Over at Trackhouse MotoGP Team, rookie sensation Ai Ogura stunned observers by finishing second in the final test session, just hundredths shy of Bezzecchi’s best. Teammate Raul Fernandez has already proven he can win at the highest level and ended last year on a high.
Aprilia arrive in Thailand not as hopeful outsiders, but genuine contenders.
Ducati’s internal rivalry intensifies
Even within Ducati’s vast empire, intrigue continues. Alongside Marquez sits two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, who endured a turbulent 2025. There were flashes of brilliance — notably his dominant win in Japan — but inconsistency cost him dearly. The winter appears to have steadied the ship. Testing showed improved balance and confidence on corner entry, historically one of his strengths.
At BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, Alex Marquez has quietly built momentum. Runner-up in the championship last year, he carried strong form through testing and has proven he can match his older brother over a race distance.
Meanwhile, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team pairing of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantoniolook competitive. Both featured near the top of the timesheets in Thailand, albeit with slightly contrasting strengths — Morbidelli sharp over a single lap, Di Giannantonio more convincing over race simulations.
And waiting in the wings is rookie Fermin Aldeguer, eager to begin his first full campaign at this level.
KTM’s quiet confidence
At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the focus remains on turning potential into silverware. Pedro Acosta enjoyed one of his most stable winters yet and was the lead KTM rider in testing. A first premier-class victory still eludes him, but his race simulations suggest he may not be far away.
Teammate Brad Binder has often excelled at Buriram, particularly when tyre degradation becomes critical. Sundays have a habit of suiting him.
Over at Red Bull KTM Tech3, Maverick Viñales continues his quest to win with a fourth manufacturer, having already triumphed with Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia. Working alongside three-time champion Jorge Lorenzo in a mentoring capacity, Viñales showed flashes of speed in testing. Enea Bastianini looks more settled than this time last year, which could translate into a stronger start.
Honda’s resurgence gathers momentum
Few brands in motorsport carry the legacy of Honda, and their recent struggles have only sharpened their determination. Signs from winter testing suggest real progress.
Joan Mir and Luca Marini both reported improved rear grip and braking stability — two areas that plagued them last season. At CASTROL Honda LCR, race winner Johann Zarco remains a reliable benchmark, while rookie Diogo Moreira begins his MotoGP journey as Brazil’s first Grand Prix world champion across any class.
Honda may not yet be favourites — but they no longer look lost.
Yamaha’s bold new direction
The biggest technical story of the winter belongs to Yamaha. After years committed to an inline-four philosophy, the Japanese giant has switched to a V4 configuration for 2026 — a radical step taken even before next year’s regulation changes.
For Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, the challenge is twofold: adapt to a fundamentally different engine character while remaining competitive.
At Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, Jack Miller brings prior V4 experience that could prove valuable. Alongside him, three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu makes his long-awaited Grand Prix debut. The Turkish star’s talent is unquestioned, but MotoGP presents a steep learning curve — especially at a track that demands precision and tyre care.
Lights out
Pre-season testing answered some questions and raised countless more. Aprilia appear quick and stable. Ducati remain formidable. KTM and Honda show encouraging steps. Yamaha are writing a new chapter.
But none of it truly counts until the red lights go out in Buriram.
After 100 days of speculation, the talking stops. The 2026 season begins — and the battle for MotoGP glory starts now. 🏁
