Sprint Saturday MotoGP: Acosta and Marquez ignite the 2026 season in Buriram

If anyone wondered whether the 2026 MotoGP season would ease itself into life, Buriram answered that question in emphatic fashion. The opening Sprint race of the year delivered controversy, contact, a late penalty, and a breakthrough victory, as Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez went head-to-head in a fierce, uncompromising fight that lasted right to the final corner.

When the dust settled after 13 intense laps at the Chang International Circuit, it was Acosta who emerged victorious. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider secured his first ever MotoGP Sprint win—and, significantly, became the first KTM rider to leave a race weekend leading the MotoGP World Championship standings. Marquez crossed the line second after being instructed to drop one position following contact between the pair, while Raul Fernandez completed the podium for Trackhouse MotoGP Team.

The result, however, only tells part of the story. The race itself was shaped by an early crash from Marco Bezzecchi and one of the most aggressive duels seen in recent MotoGP Sprint history.

Bezzecchi leads early before Buriram strikes back

Starting from pole position after dominating practice and qualifying, Bezzecchi looked ready to convert his record-breaking pace into victory. The Italian immediately became locked in battle with Marquez from the moment the lights went out. Marquez launched strongly and briefly claimed the holeshot, but Bezzecchi fought back aggressively, reclaiming the lead with a decisive move at Turn 8.

The opening lap set the tone for what seemed destined to become a three-way fight. Marquez attempted to muscle back ahead at the final corner, only for Bezzecchi to retaliate again at Turn 3. Both riders were pushing at the absolute limit, exploiting every braking zone and inch of available grip.

But the turning point came early. On lap two, while still leading, Bezzecchi lost the front end at Turn 8 and slid into the gravel. It was a sudden and unexpected end to what had looked like a controlled performance. His crash removed the fastest rider of the weekend from contention and handed the lead to Marquez—with Acosta immediately closing in behind.

It was a stark reminder of how unforgiving Buriram can be. The circuit’s combination of heavy braking zones, heat-affected tyre grip, and aggressive racing lines often punishes even the smallest mistake.

Acosta refuses to settle as pressure builds

With Bezzecchi out, attention shifted entirely to the battle between Ducati and KTM. Marquez initially looked comfortable, using Ducati’s strong acceleration to defend against Acosta’s repeated attacks, particularly along the long main straight.

But Acosta, known for his fearless racecraft since his junior category days, refused to back down. His first serious challenge came midway through the race, diving up the inside at the final corner in a move he had clearly planned. Although Marquez regained the advantage using superior exit speed, the message was clear: Acosta was faster in key braking zones and growing in confidence.

Lap after lap, the KTM rider continued probing for weaknesses. On lap seven, he executed another bold pass, briefly taking the lead before Marquez responded immediately. The pattern repeated itself over the next few laps, with Acosta attempting increasingly ambitious moves while Marquez relied on experience and precision to hold position.

The duel became a tactical contest as much as a physical one. Acosta’s strength lay under braking, particularly into Buriram’s tight first-gear corners, while Marquez maximised traction and exit speed to retake positions on the straights.

Contact, controversy, and a decisive penalty

Everything came to a head in the closing stages. With just two laps remaining, Acosta forced his way back into the lead after Marquez ran slightly wide at Turn 5. Moments later, Marquez launched a counterattack into Turn 12, attempting to reclaim control before the final lap began.

The decisive—and controversial—moment followed shortly afterwards. Marquez made an aggressive move attempting to retake the lead, but the manoeuvre resulted in contact between the two riders. Acosta was pushed off his ideal line and forced wide, while Marquez continued ahead.

Race control responded immediately, placing the incident under investigation. Within moments, the decision was made: Marquez would receive a penalty requiring him to drop one position before the race ended.

The timing of the penalty created a dramatic final lap. Marquez remained ahead temporarily, waiting until the final corner before visibly slowing and allowing Acosta through, ensuring compliance with the decision while attempting to prevent Raul Fernandez from capitalising behind.

Acosta accelerated out of the final turn and crossed the line first, sealing a career-defining victory. Marquez held on for second, narrowly keeping Fernandez behind.

The decision sparked intense debate throughout the paddock, with riders, teams, and fans divided over whether the contact was simply hard racing or worthy of intervention.

Strong performances across the field

Behind the leading duo, Raul Fernandez delivered an impressive ride to secure third place. The Trackhouse rider showed consistency and composure, keeping himself close enough to capitalise on any mistakes ahead.

His teammate Ai Ogura continued an encouraging MotoGP debut by finishing fourth after working his way through the field. Jorge Martin completed the top five, marking a strong return after injury struggles last season and confirming Aprilia’s overall competitiveness.

Brad Binder finished sixth for KTM, reinforcing the manufacturer’s strong start to the season, while Joan Mir secured seventh in a promising result for Honda as the factory continues its rebuilding process.

Fabio Di Giannantonio crossed the line eighth, and Francesco Bagnaia salvaged ninth place—and the final Sprint point—after struggling earlier in the weekend and being forced to qualify through Q1.

Further down the order, Alex Marquez missed out on points after being caught in an early incident involving Di Giannantonio, disrupting what could have been another strong showing for the Gresini rider.

Acosta makes history for KTM

Acosta’s victory carries significance beyond the Sprint result itself. Not only does it represent his first Sprint win in MotoGP, it also marks the first time KTM has had a rider leading the premier-class world championship standings—even if only temporarily at the very start of the season.

Since joining MotoGP, KTM has steadily progressed from midfield contender to regular podium threat. Acosta, widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest talents after winning titles in Moto3 and Moto2, now appears capable of delivering the manufacturer’s long-awaited championship challenge.

His performance in Buriram demonstrated both speed and maturity, particularly in his ability to manage repeated battles with one of the most experienced riders in MotoGP history.

Moto2: Agius claims breakthrough pole position

Earlier in the day, Moto2 qualifying produced its own milestone moment. Australia’s Senna Agius secured the first pole position of his Moto2 career with a lap of 1:34.576, narrowly edging Izan Guevara and Daniel Holgado in an extremely close session.

The top three were separated by less than a tenth of a second, highlighting how competitive the intermediate class has become. Agius timed his final lap perfectly, delivering when it mattered most to secure the best possible starting position for Sunday’s race.

Practice leader Manuel Gonzalez was unable to repeat his earlier dominance and will start seventh, while reigning Moto2 world champion Diogo Moreira recovered from Q1 to qualify tenth—keeping himself within range of a strong race result.

Moto3: Almansa dominates qualifying with record lap

Moto3 qualifying saw David Almansa underline his potential by smashing the Buriram lap record with a stunning 1:40.088. The Spaniard finished nearly four tenths clear of his nearest rival, an enormous margin in Moto3 terms where differences are usually measured in hundredths.

Alvaro Carpe secured second place on the grid, with Adrian Fernandez completing the front row. Indonesian rookie Veda Pratama impressed by qualifying fifth, continuing a strong debut weekend.

British rider Scott Ogden earned a top-ten starting position, while three-time Grand Prix winner David Muñoz fought through Q1 to secure sixth.

A season already alive with intensity

The first Sprint of 2026 delivered everything MotoGP fans could have hoped for: record pace, crashes, controversy, and a new race winner. Bezzecchi’s earlier dominance showed Aprilia’s speed, while Ducati and KTM demonstrated their ability to fight at the front.

Most importantly, Acosta’s victory signals the arrival of a genuine new contender. His battle with Marquez may prove to be only the first chapter in what could become one of the defining rivalries of the season.

With the Grand Prix still to come, Buriram has already confirmed one thing—the fight for the 2026 MotoGP title is underway, and it promises to be fierce.

Images Official MotoGP