MotoGP riders reflect on opening day of practice i...

Spherical One – Thailand
MotoGP Rider Quotes

Marco Bezzecchi – P1

“Because of the monitor circumstances within the afternoon, we needed to change our plans on the final minute and, luckily, the group reacted in a short time. This allowed us to realize the day’s most necessary goal: securing direct entry to Q2. Our tempo is just not unhealthy, however we nonetheless must preserve working.”

Marc Márquez – P2

“This opening day wasn’t too unhealthy and we gave it our all. It’s true that I struggled somewhat in Free Observe and wasn’t using at my finest, however the feeling improved within the afternoon. It’s nonetheless not straightforward to rise up to hurry from the get-go, however the adrenaline absolutely helped. I hope tomorrow we’ll have the ability to make a step ahead when it comes to consistency. It absolutely received’t be a simple Saturday: we’re all very shut – Bezzecchi apart, as he’s on a distinct degree for the time being – however we all know we are able to do nicely.”

Fabio Di Giannantonio – P3

“It’s a terrific begin to the season, for positive. However it’s just the start of the marketing campaign, it’s nonetheless Friday and we should proceed to be targeted. Right now, we confirmed that what we did in Malaysia and Thailand exams have been good. Additionally, I’m completely satisfied that each one the evaluation and concepts for the weekend are working up to now. We have been in a position to do a terrific lap at the moment, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not sufficient, and we’ll attempt to enhance much more tomorrow. We don’t have any particular expectation for Saturday, we simply wish to proceed working like this and preserve having this sense with the bike.”

Jorge Martin – P5

“I felt good: I used to be in a position to make extra set-up changes in comparison with the exams, the place we clearly needed to focus primarily on testing. The afternoon was extra difficult than the morning as a result of just a few drops of rain arrived and we needed to convey ahead the time-attack. I set my lap time by myself, with out utilizing one other rider’s slipstream, which is a optimistic side as a result of final yr I struggled on this scenario.”

Alex Marquez – P6

“This morning I wasn’t completely satisfied in any respect, then within the afternoon we discovered a manner to enhance a bit. I wasn’t calm and relaxed sufficient, partly due to the climate circumstances. We have to preserve engaged on the setup and I’ve to seek out one thing extra when it comes to traction, which was one in every of my sturdy factors final yr.”

Joan Mir – P7

“When you might have essential circumstances like this afternoon, your confidence with the bike makes loads of distinction. My confidence has improved so much on the Honda within the final 12 months and due to this we have been in a position to battle till the very finish of the session and obtain our goal. The scenario was clear: all of it got here right down to the final run. We’ve achieved our first purpose of stepping into Q2 and now we have to work for the Dash and the race. I don’t know what’s going to occur precisely with the climate, however we might be ready for the whole lot. It’s good to be again.”

Ai Ogura – P9

“The primary goal of Friday have to be to get to Q2. However actually, I’m probably not completely satisfied about at the moment’s afternoon session – I believe we might have managed this tough scenario, with the slight rain circumstances, in a greater manner initially, however it’s behind us now. Even with no time assault, we stayed within the high 10 and obtained straight to Q2 which is an efficient factor, so it’s okay. The goal for Qualifying might be to take the very best grid place attainable, however time assaults are all the time somewhat bit tough, so let’s see how I can handle it.”

Johann Zarco – P10

“The primary Friday of the season is all the time very busy. I’m completely satisfied to be within the high 10, that was our major goal at the moment. It wasn’t straightforward to push as a result of the wind stored altering, and with the brand new tyre it was fairly tough to handle. I’m completely satisfied we secured the lap time wanted to go straight into Q2. We’re assured we are able to do an excellent job tomorrow, we’ll see the way it goes!”

Luca Marini – P11

“Nice to be again in a race weekend, the clouds actually added some pleasure to the afternoon. I felt like I had managed it in a very great way, stopping earlier than everybody else and beginning my time assault at a distinct level. However we obtained unfortunate that the rain didn’t come so we needed to do a second time assault and I used to be not in the very best place on monitor, stopping me from bettering my lap time. It’s a pity as a result of I believe the extent is way greater and tomorrow in Q1 might be robust with the riders in there. It will likely be essential, however difficult, to get an excellent grid place as a result of our race tempo is wanting fairly aggressive.”

Maverick Viñales – P12

“We improved in comparison with this morning, which is optimistic, however we nonetheless must work on the consistency, particularly with braking the place the sensation isn’t fairly there but. The hole is coming from simply a few corners, which reveals we’ve got the potential – we simply must put the whole lot collectively. The circumstances have been higher than anticipated and didn’t have an effect on us an excessive amount of, so now it’s about understanding the tyre behaviour and discovering a extra steady feeling. We have now time to analyse the information, and I’m assured we are able to make one other step ahead for the remainder of the weekend.”

Franco Morbidelli – P13

“We have been fairly unfortunate once we made our time assault: we determined to do it earlier as a result of the climate was changing into darkish. However, within the second we went out, the circumstances have been the worst. Within the second time assault, I used to be using with the monitor half moist, after which I made my finest lap time with the rear medium tyre. I missed the Q2 only for 52 thousandths, we simply missed some luck. However the feeling and the pace are superb, so general I’m completely satisfied and we’ve got the potential to be in Q2. The purpose is that this tomorrow.”

Raul Fernandez – P14

“This afternoon the circumstances have been tough for everybody, particularly with the wind. On my quick laps, I used to be battling the wind within the second and the final sector. We noticed the information and due to the wind was slower than normal, so I believe we made a mistake with the timing there. I really feel good with the bike – I perceive it, however we’re nonetheless working to seek out the way in which that I actually like, as particularly with the brand new tire it’s nonetheless not the place I hoped it might be. Anyway, I believe at the moment we had the potential to go to Q2, I’m simply lacking lower than one tenth, however we selected the flawed second to place in new tyres – a mistake that may occur. For tomorrow, I consider we’ve got the potential, and we have been very targeted on working with used tyres, fascinated with race tempo as a result of we’ve got an enormous drop on the rear tyre right here and a few challenges with gas use – two necessary areas.”

Francesco Bagnaia – P15

“I felt fairly good within the morning. We had some changes to strive within the afternoon however, with the specter of rain and the wind, we selected to go for the time assault sooner than normal. Sadly, although, I wasn’t in the very best scenario set-up clever. It was my mistake, as I wasn’t in a position to profit from the scenario. We’ll give our greatest tomorrow and attempt to make it into Q2.”

Fabio Quartararo – P16

“Right now, the circumstances have been a bit unusual. We determined to start out using with new tyres fairly early on within the Observe as a result of it was wet and windy, and we needed to get a sizzling lap in. Due to this, on the finish of the session, we didn’t have any new tyres left. We’re looking for the course, and I gave it my finest with my group.”

Enea Bastianini – P17

“We ran the identical setup as in testing and, actually, I really feel a bit higher. The afternoon technique didn’t assist us maximise the lap time, as a result of we tried plenty of new issues without delay, however with the brand new chassis I can see clear potential. We nonetheless want to enhance grip on the sting the place the bike spins a bit extra, however for timing it’s a bit higher. We’re not at 100% but, however with some adjustments I’m assured we are able to take one other step ahead.”

Diogo Moreira – P18

“I’m completely satisfied, we improved so much at the moment. On the time assault I made just a few errors, and that’s why we didn’t enhance the lap time. General, we’re glad; we simply must put collectively the proper lap. In the long run, it’s my first Friday of the season and there have been many issues to maintain below management. I’m nonetheless studying for positive, and I’ll preserve bettering. I used to be in a position to comply with some rivals to study from them, and that helped me so much. Let’s preserve working like this!”

Jack Miller – P19

“It wasn‘t the very best Friday for us, because the climate positively difficult issues. We might see the darkish clouds constructing, and there was some hesitation about whether or not to change to rain tyres. In the long run, I missed that window somewhat, then tried to handle the scenario with the scattered drops and robust gusts of wind throughout the monitor. Actually, I felt higher than what the ultimate consequence reveals. This morning was additionally a bit tough as a result of Moto2 and Moto3 left loads of rubber on the monitor, so the sensation was totally different in comparison with the check. We understood why and adjusted the bike, and this afternoon I used to be a lot happier when it comes to tempo and general feeling. A part of me was really curious to see the rain correctly, as a result of we haven‘t examined this bike in moist circumstances — each right here and in Sepang the wet days have been once we weren‘t using.”

Alex Rins – P20

“This morning, I used to be feeling fairly good with the medium rear tyre. I used to be in a position to do the identical lap instances as I did within the check. I used to be within the movement. However this afternoon I couldn’t obtain the identical lap time as this morning. We put in 2-3 comfortable tyres and, ultimately, I set my finest time with twelve laps on the entrance tyre and 5 on the rear. We have to perceive why. Tomorrow, we’ve got one other alternative. It will likely be our first Dash with the brand new bike – let’s see.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu – P21

“Once more at the moment — and doubtless for the following few races — my focus is especially on bettering my using type, particularly by evaluating my knowledge with the opposite Yamaha riders, as that‘s my major reference for the time being. Proper now it appears like I want to enhance notably in Sector 1 and Sector 2. Right now I managed to take a step within the first sector, however I nonetheless want an even bigger enchancment within the second. One optimistic side is that I‘m fairly pleased with my lap time. I do know there’s nonetheless extra to seek out, however tomorrow we’ll focus extra on the electronics to attempt to enhance the tempo over race distance. I‘m actually wanting ahead to my first qualifying session and my first Dash race in MotoGP.”

Michele Pirro – P22

“I’m not glad as a result of we did take a step ahead in comparison with the check, however the monitor circumstances and some points with the bike didn’t permit me to lap within the 1’30s, which was the purpose. We’ll strive once more tomorrow. Due to the group, who’re working extremely arduous and exhibiting nice persistence with a 40-year-old.”

Staff Managers

Paolo Bonora – Aprilia Racing

“A great begin, with three riders qualifying straight for Q2 – a transparent indication of the sturdy confidence with the bike proven by Marco, Jorge and in addition Ai. Raúl nonetheless has just a few areas to fine-tune, however we’re assured. We have to stay cautious and proceed working steadily to enhance. At Buriram, the principle problem might be managing the tyres as successfully as attainable, together with the uncertainty of the climate.”

Davide Brivio – Trackhouse Aprilia Staff Principal

“It was a difficult session this afternoon. The rain was about to come back and adjusted the technique of the session utterly. We really superior the time assault for each Ai and Raul as a result of we have been anticipating rain however, sadly, it was not the best time when it comes to monitor circumstances to do the time assault, so Ai couldn’t enhance and Raul did a lap time that was not sufficient. Fortunately, Ai did his finest lap throughout the long term, which can be very encouraging and we have been in a position to go to Q2 with the lap time on a race simulation. Raul is out of the highest 10 however with lower than a tenth of a second so, if we’re in a position to repair a few of the issues he has, then I believe we’ve got each probability to get Raul into Q2 tomorrow. Let’s see if the climate is steady tomorrow and we are able to play our playing cards proper.”

MotoGP Friday Report

MotoGP’s 2026 season started in earnest on Friday at Thailand’s Chang Worldwide Circuit, and the afternoon Observe session shortly turned as a lot about studying the sky as studying the timing screens. With darkish clouds circling, wind gusts constructing and some drops of rain threatening to escalate, groups pushed arduous from the outset to safe a direct path into Saturday’s Q2.

On the entrance, Marco Bezzecchi accomplished a Friday clear sweep for Aprilia Racing, topping FP1 after which firing in a brand new Buriram all-time lap file in Observe: 1’28.526.

Marc Marquez recovered from time spent outdoors the highest ten to assert P2 for Ducati Lenovo Staff, whereas Fabio Di Giannantonio carried pre-season pace into Spherical 1 with P3 for Pertamina Enduro VR46.

With the present format inserting main worth on Friday afternoon, the highest 10 in Observe advance on to Q2, and the reduce line was outlined by hundredths slightly than tenths.

Bezzecchi all the time seemed in management, whereas Marc Marquez is clearly nonetheless being hampered by his shoulder, which makes his kind at the moment all of the extra spectacular.

Fabio DiGiannantonio was the highest Ducati for many of the session, and Pedro Acosta was the strongest KTM.

Jorge Martin shrugged off an early crash as an example that, regardless of his very long time off and lack of pre-season testing, the pace continues to be clearly there.

Joan Mir put the bit between his tooth in tough circumstances to go high Honda whereas Johann Zarco was additionally quick sufficient to safe automated entry into Q2 on Saturday whereas Luca Marini narrowly missed the cut-off.

Fabio Quartararo was the quickest Yamaha, whereas Jack Miller left it till late within the session to enhance after lacking earlier home windows of alternative. The Australian famous that he felt extra comfy than his 1.6-seconds from the benchmark advised and it needs to be famous that he was solely six-tenths from the highest ten.

Thai MotoGP Friday Observe Occasions

Pos	Rider	Bike	Time	Hole	Pace
1	M. Bezzecchi	Apr	1m28.526		342.8
2	M. Marquez	Duc	1m28.947	+0.421	341.7
3	F. Di Giannantonio	Duc	1m29.010	+0.484	339.6
4	P. Acosta	KTM	1m29.185	+0.659	338.5
5	J. Martin	Apr	1m29.229	+0.703	343.9
6	A. Marquez	Duc	1m29.376	+0.850	339.6
7	J. Mir	Hon	1m29.517	+0.991	338.5
8	B. Binder	KTM	1m29.532	+1.006	337.5
9	A. Ogura	Apr	1m29.579	+1.053	342.8
10	J. Zarco	Hon	1m29.590	+1.064	342.8
11	L. Marini	Hon	1m29.614	+1.088	339.6
12	M. Viñales	KTM	1m29.623	+1.097	338.5
13	F. Morbidelli	Duc	1m29.642	+1.116	340.6
14	R. Fernandez	Apr	1m29.666	+1.140	339.6
15	F. Bagnaia	Duc	1m29.824	+1.298	345.0
16	F. Quartararo	Yam	1m29.884	+1.358	337.5
17	E. Bastianini	KTM	1m30.030	+1.504	342.8
18	D. Moreira	Hon	1m30.101	+1.575	341.7
19	J. Miller	Yam	1m30.134	+1.608	336.4
20	A. Rins	Yam	1m30.302	+1.776	336.4
21	T. Razgatlioglu	Yam	1m30.365	+1.839	336.4
22	M. Pirro	Duc	1m31.437	+2.911	336.4

Moto2

2025 Thai Grand Prix winner Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) topped the opening Friday of the season in a rain-hit Moto2 Observe session. Pre-season pacesetter Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Staff) and final yr’s Valencian GP victor Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) accomplished a high three cut up by 0.185s, with Gonzalez setting a brand new all-time lap file – a 1:34.501. Nonetheless, it was Day 1 disappointment for Friday morning’s table-topper David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Staff).

The Colombian ended Observe down in P22, as a quick bathe in Sector 1 made bettering instances not possible when it mattered most for some, as Flip 1 sadly caught out the unfortunate Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Staff).

Alonso might be competing in Q1 alongside an entire host of Moto2 race winners, together with Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Staff), Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing), Deniz Öncü (ELF Marc VDS Racing Staff), and the Turk’s teammate Aron Canet. In different phrases: a stacked Q1 line-up.

Izan Guevera – P3

“We’ve began the season within the splendid manner. My feeling with the bike is excellent and, after such a constant preseason, starting the championship with the third quickest time on the primary day offers us much more motivation. It seems like clockwork. I’m in a position to set constant lap instances, one after one other, similar to in my finest moments in Moto3. This afternoon, I went out with new tyres to strive a few various things, however I wasn’t in a position to full the check as I had deliberate. Even so, we’re very pleased with how the day began. I arrived in Thailand with the flu and I’m nonetheless not at my finest bodily, however luckily it hasn’t affected my efficiency. Tomorrow it will likely be essential to have a robust qualifying, and we’re absolutely targeted on that.”

Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Staff) and Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Staff Asia) are two riders who don’t have to fret about Q1 on Saturday afternoon, although. The 2025 Rookie of the 12 months and Indonesian completed P4 and P5 on Day 1 in Thailand, with Australia’s Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) sixth quickest.

Dani Holgado – P4

“I felt actually good at the moment from the beginning. I labored arduous on my tempo and on being constant. It’s tough on this circuit as a result of, in comparison with others, there aren’t as many factors the place you’ll be able to set the tempo, so we seemed for the place we might get the very best out of every lap. I additionally felt fairly good on one lap and was even in a position to do a number of laps below 1:35, so I actually loved myself on the bike. I could be aggressive in qualifying, however I believe I nonetheless want to enhance my tempo by just a few tenths. I’m very completely satisfied to have began this manner. Final yr I felt very comfy over the past a part of the season and now I’m persevering with to make progress. We haven’t reached our full potential but, we’re all lacking races as a result of the preseason has been very quick, however we’ll all preserve bettering. We have now to attempt to work tougher than the others to adapt as shortly as attainable and attempt to make a distinction. I’ve realised that outcomes come whenever you concentrate on your self, so we’ll preserve working this manner. You possibly can enhance so much in a weekend, so we’ve got to be affected person.”

Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – Pont Grup – MSI) obtained his rookie Moto2 season off to a terrific begin with a P13 end on Friday, which means the Spaniard heads straight into the Moto2 pole place shootout.

 Thai Moto2 Friday Observe Occasions

Pos	Rider	Bike	Time/Hole		Pace
1	M. Gonzalez	Kal	1m34.501		279.0
2	A. Escrig	For	1m34.625	+0.124	278.3
3	I. Guevara	Bos	1m34.686	+0.185	277.6
4	D. Holgado	Kal	1m34.703	+0.202	276.2
5	M. Aji	Kal	1m34.736	+0.235	276.2
6	S. Agius	Kal	1m34.796	+0.295	271.3
7	A. Sasaki	Kal	1m34.830	+0.329	278.3
8	I. Ortola	Kal	1m34.845	+0.344	278.3
9	C. Vietti	Bos	1m34.883	+0.382	277.6
10	C. Veijer	Kal	1m34.968	+0.467	275.5
11	B. Baltus	Kal	1m34.971	+0.470	279.7
12	S. Garcia	Kal	1m34.971	+0.470	275.5
13	A. Piqueras	Kal	1m34.974	+0.473	279.7
14	F. Salac	Kal	1m35.060	+0.559	270.6
15	A. Lopez	Kal	1m35.110	+0.609	271.3
16	J. Roberts	Kal	1m35.134	+0.633	276.2
17	D. Muñoz	Kal	1m35.168	+0.667	273.4
18	Z. vd Goorbergh	Kal	1m35.189	+0.688	275.5
19	T. Arbolino	Kal	1m35.219	+0.718	273.4
20	D. Öncü	Bos	1m35.261	+0.760	281.9
21	L. Lunetta	Bos	1m35.504	+1.003	280.5
22	D. Alonso	Kal	1m35.605	+1.104	275.5
23	A. Huertas	Kal	1m35.623	+1.122	274.8
24	A. Canet	Bos	1m35.755	+1.254	275.5
25	T. Furusato	Kal	1m36.019	+1.518	275.5
26	J. Rueda	Kal	1m36.062	+1.561	276.9
27	J. Navarro	For	1m36.316	+1.815	272.0
28	A. Ferrandez	Bos	1m36.453	+1.952	278.3

Moto3

Moto3’s first day is within the books on the Chang Worldwide Circuit with loads of headlines each out and in of the directing seeding to Q2. Main the way in which on his debut together with his new group, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was the pacesetter on Friday.

Almansa obtained straight right down to enterprise and by no means discovered himself too distant from the highest of the timesheets. The primary and solely rider within the 1’40s, he had just below a tenth of a second in his pocket over fellow countryman and Buriram podium finisher from 2025, Alvaro Carpe (Purple Bull KTM Ajo). The #83 begins his second season in P2 however obtained very a lot right down to enterprise on day one. He in-turn had over a tenth of a second to the following rider, Valentin Perrone (Purple Bull KTM Tech 3). Watched on by new group CEO Gunther Steiner, it was a optimistic day for the Argentinean.

Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Staff) secured fourth and was only one place forward of his teammate Marco Morelli, who likewise made it two Argentinean riders within the high 5 and each straight into Q2. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) rounded out an all-KTM high six with the Brit lower than half a second from Almansa’s high time.

Elsewhere, notable performances encompass Honda’s high finisher and sophistication rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Staff) and fellow star rookie Veda Pratama (Honda Staff Asia), as each got here house in P7 and P8, respectively.

Irish star Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was additionally spectacular as he obtained into Q2 with thirteenth.

The most important title to overlook out was three-time Grand Prix winner from 2025’s season David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), unable to duplicate his teammate’s sturdy begin and rooted to sixteenth place, having to undergo Q1. Becoming a member of Muñoz in Q1 might be Australian Joel Kelso and Kiwi Cormac Buchanan.

 Thai Moto3 Friday Observe Occasions

Pos	Rider	Bike	Time/Hole		Pace
1	M. Gonzalez	KTM	1m40.990		233.7
2	A. Carpe	KTM	1m41.068	+0.078	231.7
3	V. Perrone	KTM	1m41.194	+0.204	233.2
4	M. Quiles	KTM	1m41.226	+0.236	234.2
5	M. Morelli	KTM	1m41.370	+0.380	233.7
6	S. Ogden	KTM	1m41.464	+0.474	234.2
7	J. Rios	Hon	1m41.488	+0.498	231.7
8	V. Pratama	Hon	1m41.508	+0.518	236.8
9	A. Fernandez	Hon	1m41.531	+0.541	232.2
10	B. Uriarte	KTM	1m41.531	+0.541	232.7
11	R. Yamanaka	KTM	1m41.553	+0.563	234.2
12	G. Pini	Hon	1m41.566	+0.576	231.7
13	C. O’Gorman	Hon	1m41.657	+0.667	234.7
14	J. Esteban	KTM	1m41.659	+0.669	231.2
15	R. Salmela	KTM	1m41.722	+0.732	231.7
16	D. Muñoz	KTM	1m41.767	+0.777	235.2
17	E. O’Shea	Hon	1m41.812	+0.822	236.3
18	C. Buchanan	KTM	1m41.842	+0.852	235.2
19	J. Kelso	Hon	1m41.922	+0.932	235.8
20	M. Bertelle	KTM	1m41.966	+0.976	232.7
21	A. Cruces	KTM	1m42.062	+1.072	235.2
22	H. Danish	KTM	1m42.084	+1.094	234.2
23	L. Rammerstorfer	Hon	1m42.335	+1.345	231.2
24	R. Moodley	KTM	1m42.675	+1.685	235.2
25	N. Carraro	Hon	1m42.732	+1.742	230.7
26	Z. Mitani	Hon	1m42.814	+1.824	229.2

2026 MotoGP Calendar