Marco Bezzecchi Makes MotoGP History with Thailand GP Triumph as Ducati’s Podium Streak Ends

Buriram, Thailand – Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing etched their names into the history books at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, securing a sensational hat-trick of MotoGP victories and launching the 2026 season in style.

After dominating wins in Portugal and Valencia to close out 2025, Bezzecchi delivered another masterclass at the season-opening Thai Grand Prix in Buriram. The Italian controlled the race from pole position to take his third consecutive Sunday victory — a career-first hat-trick in MotoGP.

Meanwhile, Tissot Sprint winner Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finished second to leave Thailand as the early MotoGP World Championship leader, while Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) secured an impressive third-place finish despite pre-race shoulder concerns.

The drama-filled race also saw reigning World Champion Marc Marquez retire with a late rear-tyre puncture while battling for the podium — a moment that also ended Ducati’s astonishing record of 88 consecutive Sunday podium finishes, a streak dating back to the 2021 British Grand Prix.

Bezzecchi Nails the Start as Early Battles Ignite

From pole position, Bezzecchi executed a flawless launch to grab the holeshot, with Marc Marquez initially holding P2. But the fight behind the leader quickly intensified.

Fernandez muscled past Marquez at Turn 7, while Bezzecchi’s Aprilia teammate Jorge Martin briefly challenged the reigning champion in a heated early scrap. Though Marquez initially responded, the momentum was clearly shifting.

At the front, Bezzecchi settled into a relentless rhythm, opening a near one-second advantage by Lap 3.

Acosta vs Martin vs Marquez: A Battle to Remember

The race’s defining mid-phase featured a thrilling three-way fight between Acosta, Martin, and Marc Marquez.

Acosta made a decisive move at Turn 12 to climb into contention, only for Marquez to briefly retaliate. The KTM star refused to back down, reclaiming position with a bold move at Turn 8 before finally cementing P3.

As the battle raged behind, Bezzecchi and Fernandez continued to trade competitive lap times at the front, steadily pulling away from the chasing pack.

Late-Race Drama Shakes Up the Podium Fight

With seven laps remaining, the complexion of the race changed dramatically.

Marc Marquez, running within striking distance of the podium, suddenly slowed exiting Turn 4. A rear tyre puncture forced the reigning World Champion out of contention in heartbreaking fashion.

Moments later, his brother Alex Marquez crashed at high speed at Turn 4, though fortunately he walked away uninjured.

Further heartbreak followed for Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), who retired from the top six with rear tyre issues of his own.

The chaos elevated Aprilia’s presence, with four RS-GP machines running inside the top five, including an aggressive late charge from Ai Ogura.

Bezzecchi Cruises to Victory as Acosta Takes Championship Lead

Untroubled at the front, Bezzecchi controlled the closing laps to claim victory by over three seconds, completing his first-ever three-race MotoGP winning streak.

Acosta’s second-place finish extends his remarkable consistency and places him atop the early championship standings. Fernandez’s gritty P3 — achieved despite shoulder pain discovered in Warm Up — secured a double podium weekend after his Sprint success.

Full Points Scorers – Thailand GP 2026

• P1: Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
• P2: Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
• P3: Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
• P4: Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing)
• P5: Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
• P6: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
• P7: Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
• P8: Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
• P9: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
• P10: Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol)
• P11: Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR)
• P12: Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
• P13: Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR)
• P14: Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
• P15: Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)

Ducati’s Historic Podium Run Ends

One of the biggest talking points from Buriram is the end of Ducati’s record-breaking podium streak. For the first time since the 2021 British Grand Prix, no Ducati rider featured on the Sunday podium — bringing an incredible 88-race run to a close.

Championship Outlook: Acosta Leads as MotoGP Heads to Brazil

After a spectacular opening round packed with overtakes, punctures, crashes, and history-making performances, Pedro Acosta leaves Thailand as the MotoGP World Championship leader.

But the momentum — and arguably the psychological advantage — belongs to Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing.

With Brazil up next, the 2026 MotoGP season has already delivered fireworks — and we’re only one round in.