MotoGP returns to the track this weekend for the first race of the 2026 season. After three and a half months away, the roar of the bikes will arrive. Like last year, Thailand kicks off the season with the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The challenging corners and high temperatures give the riders plenty to contend with straight away. Those who can adapt quickly and manage their tyres will be able to make the most of the track.
In 2025, Thailand saw a blockbuster opening round with Marc Márquez impressing in his debut race with Ducati Lenovo Team. The Márquez brothers, along with fellow Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia, dominated the weekend, achieving a double podium. Looking at Moto2, it was Manuel González who won over Arón Canet. However, it was José Antonio Rueda who became the stand-out rider in Thailand, taking the biggest winning margin of the weekend—an incredible way to start his championship-winning year.
The Beginning of the End of an Era
Having been on the MotoGP calendar since 2018, the Thailand Grand Prix became the season opener last year. The high-speed track provides a stellar opening to the MotoGP season, with plenty of on-track action to get the ball rolling.
Last week saw the final pre-season testing at the circuit. Just like last year, Ducati and Aprilia set the pace over the two days. Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse MotoGP Team topped the overall top 10. Marco Bezzecchi set an unofficial new lap record as he flew to the top with a 1:28.668. Fellow Aprilia rider Ai Ogura came second with a 1:28.765. The Ducati Lenovo Team duo were next. The pair were both in the 1:28’s and only hundredths of a second separated them.
This year, the Thailand GP serves as the beginning of the end for the current regulations. 2027 introduces an overhaul in the regulations that sees the engines reduced to 850cc, reduced aerodynamics, and a ban on the ride-height and holeshot devices. Consequently, 2026 is the last in the current era and therefore has an engine freeze so that teams can prepare. With most of the grid coming to the end of their contracts, 2026 could also mark the end of the grid as we know it.
Chang International Circuit
The Chang International Circuit opened in 2014 and joined the calendar four years later. It’s located in Buriram, northeast of Bangkok, Thailand. The city name can be loosely translated to the ‘city of happiness’, but the hot and humid weather is a key aspect that riders have to contend with throughout the weekend.
The track itself is 2.83-miles and features 12 turns and three long straights. Known for its high-speed stop-and-go layout, the track suits heavy acceleration and braking. This makes it a testing, technical track for riders. The wide track allows for plenty of overtaking spots, and it mixes fast, flowing sections with heavy braking zones. Aside from this, the humid conditions also test the rider’s fitness and tyre durability—making tyre management a key factor in race strategy.
Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco Bagnaia holds the all-time lap record with his 2024 pole lap, a 1:28.700. His teammate, Marc Márquez, holds the most wins at the track with three, in 2018, 2019, and 2025. Ducati also holds three wins at the circuit (three), but the Moto2 manufacturer Kalex holds the record with five wins.
What to Expect in 2026
Coming into the 2026 season, Márquez is the reigning champion. Following his crash in Malaysia, he seems to be back on form. He will be looking to defend his title and match Giacomo Agostini with eight championships. His teammate Bagnaia will also be hoping for a positive season after a subpar performance last year. Aprilia Racing and Marco Bezzecchi will also be looking to continue their success from 2025. This year sees a long season that won’t be won in the first round, but it will give us a glimpse of what we can expect.
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP rider Fermín Aldeguer will be absent from the opening round. In January, the Spaniard suffered a crash whilst training in Valencia and fractured his femur. After ongoing surgeries on the injury, he will miss this round to continue his recovery. Michele Pirro will be the replacement rider.
The grid sees two new rookies this year. World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, and reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira steps into the Honda HRC Castrol team. Both champions in their own right, they will be the ones to keep your eyes on as they adjust to the new series.
José Antonio Rueda will also be returning to the track after his accident in Sepang. The Moto3 champion stays with Red Bull KTM Ajo but steps into Moto2. Máximo Quiles, who came third in the Moto3 standings last year, impressed as he topped the Jerez test. Is he lining up for his first title this year? The two series are filled with talent, and no doubt the riders will be giving their all as they look to prove themselves. Who will rise to the top?
Schedule
The schedule for the Thailand Grand Prix can be seen below. Please note that all times are CET.
It’s time to get going again. It might be a long season, but the action is already happening. From contract rumours to testing, the MotoGP 2026 season is already packed, and it’s only going to continue. Can Marc Márquez hold onto his title, or can someone else take the glory? Tune in to find out what will happen in Thailand this year.