Day 1 of the MotoGP Buriram Test is complete, and it was 2025 runner-up Alex Marquez who set the benchmark in Thailand with a stunning 1:29.262 lap.

The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP rider edged out reigning World Champion Marc Marquez by 0.129s, with the Ducati Lenovo Team star recovering from two crashes to secure second. Franco Morbidelli completed the top three for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, narrowly beating Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing by just 0.011s.

The fight for P3 was intense, with Johann Zarco of CASTROL Honda LCR only 0.005s further back in fifth.

Gresini and Ducati: Aero Decisions Loom

At the front, Alex Marquez continued evaluating different aero packages ahead of the 2025 season. With teammate Fermin Aldeguer sidelined through injury, test rider Michele Pirro stepped in, finishing 3.3 seconds adrift but collecting valuable data.

For Marc Marquez, it was a dramatic day. Two crashes at the final corner disrupted his early running, but the eight-time world champion bounced back in classic style to finish P2 on combined times. Meanwhile, teammate Francesco Bagnaia ended the day 10th, continuing his steady pre-season progress while Ducati engineers debated between 2024 and 2025 aero specifications.

VR46 and Aprilia Shine in Tight Battle

Morbidelli’s late charge pushed him into the top three, while teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio ran consistently near the front before concluding Day 1 in ninth.

Aprilia’s strong pre-season momentum continued at Buriram. Bezzecchi secured fourth despite a minor crash, while teammate Jorge Martin was 13th but within four tenths of Bezzecchi on his first RS-GP outing at the Thai circuit. Both riders tested updated rear aero packages and revised air duct concepts aimed at improving airflow around the rider’s legs.

At Trackhouse MotoGP Team, Raul Fernandez briefly moved into the top three before settling for sixth, while rookie Ai Ogura finished 15th after back-to-back aero comparisons.

Honda Gains Ground, KTM and Yamaha Continue Development

Zarco led Honda’s charge with a strong fifth place, finishing just 0.205s off P1. Joan Mir backed that up in seventh for Honda HRC Castrol despite running only one bike due to technical issues. Luca Marini was 12th, while Diogo Moreiraendured a tough day in 20th but continues adapting to MotoGP machinery.

For KTM, Maverick Vinales led the way in eighth for Red Bull KTM Tech3, using the updated smaller aero package first seen in Sepang. Brad Binder was 11th for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, while Pedro Acosta ended the day 14th after switching aero specifications later in the session.

Yamaha’s adaptation to the V4 concept remains ongoing. Jack Miller was the best-placed Yamaha in 17th for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team. Triple WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu finished 21st while continuing ergonomic adjustments.

It was a frustrating day for Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, ending 18th and 19th respectively as chassis and swingarm evaluations continue.

All to Play For on Final Day

With just one more day remaining at the Buriram Test, aero decisions, chassis confirmations, and final performance runs will dominate Sunday’s agenda. Alex Marquez’s headline lap has thrown down the gauntlet — but with margins incredibly tight, the final day in Thailand promises even more drama before the MotoGP season begins.