Marco Bezzecchi wins Thailand MotoGP opener as Marc Marquez retires
Marco Bezzecchi produced a flawless ride to win the season-opening Thailand MotoGP, while defending champion Marc Marquez was forced to retire in the closing stages.
The Aprilia rider converted his pole position into a commanding victory, crossing the line more than five seconds clear of the field.
KTM’s Pedro Acosta secured second place to follow up his sprint race victory on Saturday, with compatriot Raul Fernandez completing the podium for Trackhouse.
Redemption for Bezzecchi
It marked a significant turnaround for the Italian, who had crashed out of the sprint race on the second lap just 24 hours earlier.
Bezzecchi controlled proceedings from the front, continuing a rich vein of form that saw him dominate all three practice sessions and set a new track record in qualifying.
“Yesterday was a small mistake with a big consequence, so it was important today to try to bounce back,” Bezzecchi said.
“My pace was good with the medium [rear tyre], we worked super well all weekend, so I knew that I could be fast if I was in front. So I tried my all to make a good start and the bike was perfect.”
The result means the 27-year-old has now won three consecutive grand prix races, having triumphed in the final two rounds of the 2025 campaign.
Marquez’s title defence stalls
While Bezzecchi celebrated, it was a frustrating afternoon for Marc Marquez, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth premier class title this season.
The Ducati rider was running in fourth and closing in on the podium places before suffering a tyre puncture with just five laps remaining.
Marquez had run wide moments earlier, damaging his tyre and ending his hopes of salvaging points from the opener.
The Spaniard had admitted earlier in the week that he is still recovering from a shoulder injury which sidelined him for the conclusion of last season.
Martin misses podium
Bezzecchi’s team-mate and 2024 champion Jorge Martin finished fourth, unable to match the leader’s pace.
Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura rounded out the top five, putting two American-owned bikes in the top positions.
Elsewhere, last year’s runner-up Alex Marquez failed to finish following a late crash.
Two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia endured a difficult start to his campaign, crossing the line in ninth place.