Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
75 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Bezzecchi Takes Thai GP Pole After Late Crash as Aprilia Sets Early Pace

Aprilia's sustained pace through the week has reset the early pecking order at Buriram.

MotoGP - Thailand Grand Prix - Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand - February 28, 2026 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Pedro Acosta wins the MotoGP sprint race REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
Image
Image
MotoGP - Thailand Grand Prix - Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand - February 28, 2026 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Pedro Acosta celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP sprint race with second placed Ducati Lenovo Team's Marc Marquez and third placed Trackhouse MotoGP Team's Raul Fernandez REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Overview

  • Marco Bezzecchi’s 1:28.652 secured pole for the sprint and grand prix by 0.035s over reigning champion Marc Marquez, with the Aprilia rider reported OK after his Turn 12 fall.
  • Raul Fernandez advanced from Q1 to line up third for Trackhouse Aprilia, while Fabio Di Giannantonio, Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta populate the second row.
  • Bezzecchi established a new Buriram lap record of 1:28.526 in Friday practice and has led every timed session this weekend.
  • Francesco Bagnaia failed to progress from Q1 and will start 13th, continuing the qualifying struggles that resurfaced on Friday.
  • Variable conditions steered teams toward early banker laps and conservative tyre calls, and pre‑event sprint simulations from Ai Ogura have informed expectations for race‑pace heading into the sprint and grand prix.