MotoGP 2026: Marco Bezzecchi Leads Aprilia 1-2 Finish at Buriram Test

Marco Bezzecchi signed off the MotoGP 2026 final pre-season test at Buriram in the best way possible, by smashing the fastest lap ever recorded at the Chang International Circuit. The Aprilia Racing rider dropped a 1m28.668s right at the end of the session, and it immediately stood out as a proper statement before the season opener. The lap came when most teams were wrapping up race runs, which made it even more impressive. It showed that the Aprilia RS-GP has the pace when it matters, both over a single lap and across longer stints.

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With the 2026 Thai Grand Prix taking place at the same track in just a few days, Aprilia heads into race week with serious momentum and a clear benchmark for the rest of the grid.

Aprilia also walked away with a 1-2 finish on the MotoGP timing screens. Ai Ogura pushed late and slotted into second for Trackhouse Racing, only 0.097 seconds behind Bezzecchi. That result confirmed the strength of the RS-GP across both the factory and satellite bikes. 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.

Marc Marquez ended the day third on the Ducati Lenovo Team machine. He had topped the morning session but could not go quicker in the afternoon. The reigning world champion had a crash at Turn 12 during a race simulation, his third of the test, though he walked away unhurt. Even with that and some physical fatigue from recent training, his earlier lap was enough to keep him as the fastest Ducati rider.

Francesco Bagnaia took fourth after spending most of the day working through race runs instead of chasing a headline lap time. Alex Marquez finished fifth for Gresini Racing, and Pedro Acosta was sixth as the top KTM rider, just over two-tenths off the fastest time. The gaps at the front were tight, which set up a close fight once racing begins.

Jorge Martin returned to the Aprilia after winter surgeries and ended the test in eighth as he continued getting comfortable with the new bike. Raul Fernandez and Franco Morbidelli also stayed inside the top ten.

Joan Mir led Honda in 10th, while Jack Miller was the quickest Yamaha rider in 16th. MotoGP testing is now done, and teams have less than a week to go through the data before the Thai Grand Prix kicks off at Buriram.