The wait is over. After weeks of pre-season testing in Sepang and Buriram, the 2026 MotoGP World Championship roars into life at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

With 22 race weekends ahead and the coveted Tower of Champions on the line, the season-opening battle in Thailand sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory.

Marc Marquez Returns as Defending Champion

All eyes are on reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who begins his title defence with the Ducati Lenovo Team. The Spaniard dominated 2025, sealing the championship with five rounds to spare in a stunning comeback season.

Thailand holds special significance for Marquez — it was the launchpad for last year’s title charge, and he already boasts three victories at Buriram. Pre-season testing suggests he remains the rider to beat heading into the 2026 opener.

But the competition is fierce.

Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Eye Early Statement

Marco Bezzecchi arrives in Thailand as the fastest-ever rider around Buriram during testing. The Aprilia Racing star demonstrated consistent pace throughout pre-season and looks poised to challenge Ducati’s dominance.

Aprilia’s momentum from late 2025 appears to have carried into the new season. Alongside Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin and Trackhouse MotoGP Team riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura showed encouraging speed in testing, setting up a compelling Aprilia vs Ducati showdown.

Alex Marquez, Bagnaia and Ducati’s Depth of Firepower

Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) impressed in Sepang and Buriram testing and returns to a circuit where he excelled in 2025 en route to finishing championship runner-up.

Meanwhile, two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia looks to rebound after a challenging 2025 campaign. The Italian showed positive signs in testing and will be determined to reassert himself in the title fight from round one.

Ducati’s broader line-up — including Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Fermin Aldeguer — ensures the Bologna manufacturer enters 2026 with unmatched depth.

KTM’s Orange Ambition: Acosta and Viñales Target Breakthrough

Pedro Acosta leads the charge for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing after a strong pre-season. The young Spaniard is still chasing his first MotoGP Grand Prix victory and hopes Buriram could mark the breakthrough moment.

Teammate Brad Binder remains a proven threat in Thailand, while Maverick Vinales, now with Red Bull KTM Tech 3, aims to win with a fourth different manufacturer after previous successes with Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia.

Honda’s Resurgence Gathering Momentum

After difficult seasons, Honda HRC Castrol appears revitalised. Joan Mir and Luca Marini both reported gains during testing, signalling genuine progress.

Johann Zarco continues to lead the charge for LCR Honda, while Brazilian rookie Diogo Moreira prepares for his MotoGP debut season — adding fresh intrigue to Honda’s comeback narrative.

Yamaha’s Bold V4 Era and Razgatlioglu’s Grand Prix Debut

One of the biggest technical storylines of 2026 is Yamaha’s switch from its traditional inline-four engine to a V4 configuration. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins face a pivotal year as the manufacturer adapts to its new power unit philosophy.

Adding further excitement is the MotoGP debut of three-time WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu with Prima Pramac Yamaha. The Turkish star arrives with a formidable reputation and a passionate global following, making his Grand Prix debut one of the most anticipated storylines of the Thai GP weekend.

2026 MotoGP Thai Grand Prix: What to Expect

With Ducati and Aprilia setting the pace in testing, KTM chasing podium breakthroughs, Honda rebuilding momentum, and Yamaha embarking on a bold technical reset, the 2026 MotoGP season opener promises high drama from lights out.

Testing is complete. The talking stops now.

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship begins in Buriram — and history awaits.