The 2026 MotoGP season is off to a thrilling start with the Buriram test in Thailand, and the first day has already delivered some exciting moments! But here's the catch: it's not just about the riders' performance; it's also a story of comebacks and substitutions.
The Return of MotoGP Stars:
Jorge Martin is back on the track, turning his first MotoGP laps since the Valencia test in November. Meanwhile, Fabio Quartararo is ready to race again for Yamaha, having recovered from a finger injury sustained at Sepang. But the news isn't all positive; Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini is still on the mend from a femur fracture, and Michele Pirro, Ducati's development rider, will fill in for him during the test and the opening race weekend.
Day 1 Action:
The first day of testing kicked off with Marc Marquez shaking off an early crash to claim the top spot from his Ducati Lenovo teammate, Francesco Bagnaia. Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi and Honda's Luca Marini rounded out the top four. The session also saw Jorge Martin complete his first MotoGP laps since Valencia, and Quartararo return to the track for Yamaha.
Controversial Moments:
And here's where it gets interesting: with Marquez's early crash and subsequent comeback, one can't help but wonder if he's pushing too hard too soon. Is this a sign of things to come, or just a minor blip? The debate is sure to spark among MotoGP enthusiasts.
2026 Buriram Test - Day 1 Results:
| Rider | Nat | Team | Time | Max Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Marquez | SPA | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | 1:30.151s | 338.5 |
| Francesco Bagnaia | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | +0.121s | 339.6 |
| Marco Bezzecchi | ITA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP26) | +0.258s | 338.5 |
| Luca Marini | ITA | Honda HRC Castrol (RC213V) | +0.390s | 335.4 |
| Alex Marquez | SPA | BK8 Gresini Ducati (GP26) | +0.395s | 337.5 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Previous Records:
The Buriram circuit has seen some impressive performances in the past. In 2024, Francesco Bagnaia set the best lap record at 1m 28.700s, while Marc Marquez holds the fastest race lap record at 1m 30.637s, set in 2025. Marquez also holds the fastest test lap record from 2025, with a time of 1m 28.855s.
2025 Manufacturer Records:
- Fastest qualifying laps: Ducati (Marc Marquez), Yamaha (Jack Miller), Aprilia (Ai Ogura), KTM (Pedro Acosta), Honda (Joan Mir).
- Fastest race laps: Ducati (Marc Marquez), Aprilia (Ai Ogura), Honda (Joan Mir), Yamaha (Jack Miller), KTM (Brad Binder).
- Highest top speeds: KTM (Acosta), Aprilia (Fernandez), Ducati (Bagnaia), Yamaha (Quartararo), Honda (Marini).
The Paddock's Perspective:
Peter, a veteran of the paddock for 20 years, has witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi. Now, he's at the center of the Suzuki exit saga and Marc Marquez's injury struggles. What's his take on the current MotoGP landscape? Only time will tell.
What do you think about the first day of testing? Are you surprised by any of the performances? And what's your take on Marquez's early crash? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
