MotoGP News: Bezzecchi Snatches Pole in Thai Grand Prix Qualifying

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship roared to life at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, with an electrifying qualifying session that set the stage for an intense season opener. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi (pictured) emerged as the polesitter, fending off a fierce challenge from reigning champion Marc Marquez despite a dramatic late crash. The Italian’s blistering lap time of 1m28.652s secured him the top spot, marking a strong debut for the revamped Aprilia squad.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Qualifying unfolded in two segments, with Q1 delivering its share of surprises. Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez dominated the session with a lap of 1:28.784, advancing to Q2 alongside Franco Morbidelli of Pertamina Enduro VR46. Notably, Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia—widely tipped as a title contender—failed to progress, a setback that leaves him starting from outside the top 12. Other big names like Luca Marini on the Honda and Maverick Vinales on the Tech3 KTM also missed the cut, highlighting the razor-thin margins in this highly competitive field.

In Q2, the battle for pole intensified under the sweltering Thai sun. Bezzecchi, who had topped Friday’s practice sessions, carried his momentum forward, setting the benchmark early. However, Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati pushed hard, closing the gap to a mere 0.035 seconds with a 1:28.687. Fernandez, fresh from his Q1 heroics, rounded out the front row in third, making it two Aprilias in the top three—a promising sign for the Italian manufacturer. “It will be tough… but we are strong!” Bezzecchi reflected post-session, acknowledging the close competition while praising his team’s efforts.

Further down the order, Fabio Di Giannantonio secured fourth for VR46, followed by Bezzecchi’s teammate Jorge Martin in fifth. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta impressed with sixth on the KTM, while Alex Marquez, Ai Ogura, and Morbidelli filled out the top nine. The session underscored the evolving grid dynamics, with Aprilia and Ducati trading blows at the front, and KTM showing competitive pace.

As the sun sets on qualifying day, all eyes turn to the Sprint race and Sunday’s main event. With temperatures soaring and tire management key on the demanding Buriram layout, expect fireworks from this stacked field. Bezzecchi’s pole positions him perfectly to kick off Aprilia’s campaign with a bang, but Marquez’s proximity signals a championship defense that’s far from over.

2026 Thai Grand Prix MotoGP Qualifying Results