Bezzecchi Wins Thailand MotoGP Opener

Marquez's title hopes hit as Bezzecchi wins

Marco Bezzecchi dominates season-opening grand prix in Thailand, Marc Marquez forced to retire with tyre issue.

Marquez, who was chasing a record-equalling eighth world title, had been battling a lingering shoulder injury...

Marco Bezzecchi dominated the Thailand MotoGP season opener, leading from pole position to claim his third consecutive grand prix win. The Aprilia rider was unstoppable, crossing the finish line over five seconds ahead of KTM's Pedro Acosta, who took second place.

Defending champion Marc Marquez's bid for an eighth world title was cut short when his rear tyre punctured with five laps to go, forcing him to retire. Marquez had been running fourth before the setback, which came after he took a corner wide and damaged his wheel.

Marc Marquez's title hopes took a hit. The Ducati rider crashed out of the race in dramatic fashion, losing his rear tyre and damaging his wheel with just five laps to go.

Marquez, who's gunning for a record-equalling eighth world title, was running fourth at the time. He took a corner a bit too wide, and the jolt was enough to dislodge the tyre. 

Marco Bezzecchi bounced back from a disappointing sprint race to claim the Thailand MotoGP win. He had crashed out on the second lap of Saturday's event, but was determined to make it count on Sunday.

The Italian was in top form, topping all three practice sessions and setting a new track record in qualifying. Bezzecchi's win marks his third consecutive grand prix victory, stretching back to last season. 

Pedro Acosta secured a successful weekend, beating Raul Fernandez to second place in the Thailand MotoGP. The 21-year-old Spaniard's win was capped off by his sprint victory, which came after Marc Marquez was penalized for an aggressive move on the final lap.

Marquez, who was chasing a record-equalling eighth world title, had been battling a lingering shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final four races of last season. Despite this, he showed impressive form, trading overtakes with Acosta throughout the sprint.

Marc Marquez had a wild ride. He lost positions early on but fought back to join the podium battle with Acosta and Fernandez. Just as he was gearing up for a move, he took the corner too wide, and that was it - his race was over.

"Hello everyone, good morning!" - Marco Bezzecchi 👋#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/ViPKgpHQCO

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 1, 2026

The 33-year-old showed some serious skills, staying on the bike despite the drama. 

Jorge Martin's title defence hasn't started well - the 2024 world champion finished fourth after struggling to make up for lost time. He was beaten to the podium by a few seconds, with Ai Ogura taking fifth place for Trackhouse.

Read Also: Thailand GP: Acosta Tops Sprint After Late Drama

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Brad Binder rounded out the top seven, while Alex Marquez's race ended abruptly in a late crash. Francesco Bagnaia showed some fight, climbing from 13th to ninth despite his Ducati not feeling quite right.