MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix: Live Text Updates and Race Coverage
We kick off the 2026 MotoGP season at the Thailand Grand Prix in Buriram. Marco Bezzecchi grabbed pole with a 1:28.652 lap on his Aprilia. The Chang International Circuit hosts 26 laps under 38°C heat today, March 1. Pedro Acosta stole the Sprint win yesterday after a late clash with Marc Marquez earned him a penalty.
Front-row starters Bezzecchi, Marquez (Ducati, +0.035s), and Raul Fernandez set the stage for intense battles. We track tyre choices, gaps, and standings live as Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP races unfold from 12:00 local time. Expect Ducati and Aprilia dominance early in the championship chase.
Qualifying Highlights
Marco Bezzecchi smashed the pole time at 1:28.652 during Q2. Marc Marquez slotted second, just 0.035 seconds back on his Ducati Lenovo. Raul Fernandez advanced from Q1 to claim third at +0.224s.
Fabio Di Giannantonio took fourth (+0.266s), followed by Jorge Martin in fifth. Pedro Acosta rounded out row two at sixth (+0.409s). Key points:
- Aprilia locked out 1st, 3rd, and 5th.
- Ducati is strong with 2nd and 4th.
- KTM’s Acosta shows rookie promise.
Bezzecchi’s lap broke the Buriram record. This grid promises chaos in the heat.
Sprint Race Recap
Pedro Acosta claimed his first MotoGP Sprint victory after battling Marc Marquez. Marquez led post-Bezzecchi’s lap 2 crash but got a late penalty for contact at Turn 12. Raul Fernandez finished third, 1 second off the lead.
| Position | Rider | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pedro Acosta | Red Bull KTM | – |
| 2 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo | Penalty |
| 3 | Raul Fernandez | Trackhouse Aprilia | 1s |
| 4 | Jorge Martin | Aprilia Racing | +0.282s (early) |
| 5 | Alex Marquez | Gresini Ducati | +0.364s |
Acosta’s win nets 25 points. Marquez fumed over penalty timing. Sunday’s 26-lapper looms larger now.
Race Day Schedule
Warm-up wrapped at 09:50 local time. Moto3 raced 19 laps from 12:00, Moto2 22 laps at 13:15. The main MotoGP event starts at 15:00 for 26 laps.
- Track temp hits 38°C; hard/medium tyres key.
- Parade at 11:00 features tuk-tuk fun.
- Post-race press at 16:45.
Live Updates: March 1 Action
At 14:15 PKT, Moto3 finishes with David Almansa leading at 1:40.088 qualy pace. Moto2 sees Senna Agius top charts. MotoGP grid holds firm; no changes reported. Explore more motorsports articles to stay updated on the latest races, results, and driver news.
