The 2026 MotoGP has kick-started spectacularly with the Thailand Grand Prix, where KTM and Aprilia have shone while Ducati has had a complicated weekend.
After a long winter break, MotoGP has reignited with an exciting competition. The sprint race was a true classic, featuring an intense battle among riders from different generations. In contrast, Sunday’s race was much more unified, but the spectacle for podium positions kept the excitement at its peak.
Winners: Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia
Marco Bezzecchi has captured all the attention with his victory at the Grand Prix. He set the best time in practice and dominated the race, proving unbeatable. Despite a crash in the sprint race, his performance at the Buriram circuit made it clear that he is one of the fastest riders in the championship.
For its part, Aprilia managed to have all its riders finish in the top positions. After a 2025 filled with missed opportunities, the Aprilia quartet has shown remarkable improvement, with Jorge Martín and Raul Fernández at the front of the standings.
Losers: Marc Márquez and Ducati
The situation has not been the best for Ducati, which only managed a sixth place at the Grand Prix. Its top rider, Marc Márquez, retired due to a technical failure after having made a good qualifying. Unfortunately, the lack of consistency throughout the weekend was evident, reflecting a difficult week for the team.
Francesco Bagnaia continued with a disappointing performance, scoring zeros in points, while Alex Márquez also failed to deliver a better result.
Winners: Pedro Acosta and KTM
Pedro Acosta stood out with an impressive performance, winning the sprint race and finishing second in the main race. His maturity was evident throughout the weekend, reinforcing KTM’s position as a serious competitor for 2026.
Losers: Maverick Viñales and Tech3
On the other end of the spectrum, Maverick Viñales has been disappointing, facing serious technical problems that prevented him from competing effectively. Both he and his teammate, Enea Bastianini, failed to show their true speed and ended up below their expectations.
Joan Mir: A glimmer among the losers
Joan Mir was Honda’s best rider; however, his performance went unnoticed. With a fourteenth position in the sprint and struggling in the main race, his strength was overshadowed by the overall problems of Honda throughout the weekend.
Yamaha: A complicated start
Yamaha has had a poor season start, with Fabio Quartararo and other riders struggling to find their rhythm. The speed difference with competitors has highlighted the harsh reality they will have to face throughout the season.
The Thailand Grand Prix has marked the beginning of an intense and competitive season, with high expectations for teams and riders. With the next race in Brazil, attention will focus on whether Ducati can recover lost ground and if KTM and Aprilia will maintain their excellent form.
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