Bezzecchi Secures Back-to-Back-to-Back MotoGP Wins in Thailand
Buriram, Thailand – March 3, 2026 – Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing has made history, achieving a hat-trick of victories in MotoGP with a dominant win at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. This follows his previous wins in Portugal and Valencia. While Bezzecchi took the checkered flag, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finished second and will abandon Thailand as the MotoGP World Championship leader. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) rounded out the podium in third. The race was marked by drama, including a puncture for reigning World Champion Marc Marquez and a surprising end to Ducati’s 88-race podium streak.
Bezzecchi’s Buriram Breakthrough: Aprilia’s Ascent and Ducati’s Demise in MotoGP
Buriram, Thailand – Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing delivered a commanding performance at the Thailand Grand Prix, securing a decisive victory and marking a hat-trick of wins following his triumphs in Portugal and Valencia. The Italian rider led every lap of the race, finishing 5.5 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.
Ducati’s Unprecedented Streak Ends
Remarkably, Bezzecchi’s win ended Ducati’s incredible streak of 88 consecutive podium finishes, a run that stretched back to the 2021 British GP. This marks the first time in five years that Ducati has failed to secure a podium position, signaling a potential shift in the MotoGP landscape.
Acosta’s Championship Lead and Fernandez’s Podium
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finished in second place, solidifying his position as the MotoGP World Championship leader. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) completed the podium, achieving a strong start to the season with a third-place finish.
Marquez’s Race Cut Short by Tyre Issue
Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez experienced a frustrating race, retiring due to a rear tyre puncture while battling for a podium position. This unexpected issue derailed his race and contributed to Ducati’s podium drought.
Early Race Battles and Acosta’s Charge
The race began with Bezzecchi taking a perfect launch from pole position, initially followed by Marc Marquez. However, Fernandez quickly overtook Marquez at Turn 7, establishing an early Aprilia 1-2. Jorge Martin briefly challenged Marquez, but the reigning champion fought back.
Intense battles unfolded throughout the mid-race, with Acosta aggressively pursuing positions. He overtook Martin and then Marquez in a daring double move at Turn 4 on lap 10, demonstrating his impressive race pace.
Late-Race Drama and Retirements
As Bezzecchi extended his lead, the battle for second place intensified. Unfortunately, Marquez’s race ended prematurely with a rear tyre puncture on lap 14. Alex Marquez too crashed out of the race at Turn 4, adding to the drama.
Further compounding the issues, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) was forced to retire due to rear tyre problems, leaving Aprilia with a strong presence in the top five.
Aprilia’s Dominance and Future Prospects
Bezzecchi’s victory marks Aprilia’s first hat-trick of wins in MotoGP, showcasing the team’s growing competitiveness. With two riders on the podium, Aprilia is demonstrating its potential to challenge for the championship.
Jorge Martin finished fourth, and Ai Ogura rounded out the top five, further highlighting Aprilia’s strong performance. Fabio Di Giannantonio secured sixth place, representing the lead Ducati rider.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) secured a seventh-place finish for KTM, while Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) finished eighth after a last-lap overtake of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Luca Marini completed the top ten.
Did you know? This is Bezzecchi’s seventh career victory in MotoGP, and his third consecutive win, having also triumphed in the final two races of the 2025 season.
2026 vs. 2025: A Comparative Gaze
Interestingly, Bezzecchi’s pace was significantly improved compared to the 2025 Thai Grand Prix. He was one second faster than Marc Marquez’s winning time from last year, despite Marquez backing off early in the 2025 race due to tyre concerns.
Ai Ogura, who was the top Aprilia rider in 2025, improved his position, while Raul Fernandez, who didn’t finish in 2025, secured a podium finish this year.
Pro Tip: Tyre management is crucial in MotoGP, especially in hot conditions like those experienced in Thailand. Riders must carefully balance pace and tyre wear to maintain performance throughout the race.
FAQ
Q: What caused Marc Marquez’s retirement?
A: Marc Marquez retired from the race due to a rear tyre puncture.
Q: How long was Ducati’s podium streak before it ended?
A: Ducati’s podium streak lasted 88 consecutive races.
Q: Who is currently leading the MotoGP World Championship?
A: Pedro Acosta is currently leading the MotoGP World Championship.
Q: How many wins does Marco Bezzecchi have in MotoGP?
A: Marco Bezzecchi has seven career wins in MotoGP.
The MotoGP season continues with the next round in Brazil, where Acosta will look to extend his championship lead and Aprilia will aim to maintain its momentum.
What are your thoughts on Aprilia’s recent success? Share your opinions in the comments below!