Buriram, Thailand – The final pre-season MotoGP test is underway at the Chang International Circuit, with several key riders returning to action after setbacks. marked the first day of testing, and the paddock is focused on final preparations ahead of the season opener later this month.
Among those back on track are former world champions Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin. Quartararo, riding for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, missed the final two days of testing in Sepang due to a broken finger sustained during the opening day of the Malaysian test. Adding to Yamaha’s challenges, a technical issue grounded all of their new V4 bikes on the second day of the Sepang test. His return to Buriram is crucial as the team works to resolve those issues and get the new machine race-ready.
Martin, now with Aprilia, is also making his return after undergoing surgery on his wrist and collarbone in December. He hadn’t ridden his Aprilia since the Valencia test last November. His recovery and performance in Thailand will be closely watched, particularly given the questions surrounding his fitness and form after a 2025 season hampered by injuries.
The opening day saw reigning champion Marc Marquez briefly lead the timesheets, before being overtaken by teammate Francesco Bagnaia. However, Marquez’s session was cut short by a crash at the final corner, forcing his mechanics to quickly return his Ducati to the paddock for repairs. Despite the early incident, Marquez remains fastest overall from Bagnaia.
The Buriram test is particularly significant as teams finalize their bike specifications, with a key focus on aerodynamic homologation for the upcoming season. The aero package chosen during these tests will be locked in for the season-opening race. This makes the decisions made over the next two days critical for each team’s competitive strategy.
Alex Marquez topped the timesheets at the end of the Sepang test, demonstrating strong pace with the Gresini Aprilia. He also set the fastest time in the Sprint simulation, ahead of Bagnaia and Marquez. His performance in Malaysia suggests he’s a rider to watch as the season begins.
Last year’s Thai Grand Prix saw Marquez achieve a dominant double victory from pole position on his Ducati Lenovo debut. He will be looking to replicate that success this year, but faces stiff competition from Bagnaia and the returning Quartararo and Martin.
The test schedule is structured with two sessions each day. The morning session, running from 10:00 to 13:00, is followed by practice starts. The afternoon session, from 13:20 to 18:00, also concludes with practice starts. This format allows teams to gather data on tire performance, race simulations, and rider feedback in varying conditions.
Martin’s participation in this test is particularly noteworthy. After a title challenge in the past, injuries have cast a shadow over his prospects. The test in Thailand represents a crucial proving ground for him, a chance to demonstrate his fitness and competitiveness to Aprilia and the wider MotoGP community. As reports indicate, his future in the championship may well depend on his performance here.
Quartararo’s return is equally important for Yamaha. The new V4 engine showed promise in initial testing, but the technical issues in Sepang highlighted the need for further development. The team will be hoping for a trouble-free test in Buriram to allow Quartararo to fully assess the bike’s potential and provide valuable feedback.
The Buriram test isn’t just about speed; it’s about reliability and consistency. Teams will be pushing their bikes to the limit, but also carefully monitoring for any potential mechanical issues. The goal is to arrive at the season opener with a package that is both fast and dependable.
With the season opener just around the corner – scheduled for February 27 to March 1 in Thailand – the pressure is on for all teams and riders to finalize their preparations. The next two days of testing will be critical in shaping the competitive landscape of the 2026 MotoGP season.
