The 2026 season is nearly underway as we touchdown in Thailand for the final test of pre-season. The Buriram Test begins on Saturday, giving teams and riders the final opportunity to try, compare and finalise their packages for the year. It marks the start of a pivotal two days as Buriram plays host to the opening round, just one week later. But before we exit the pits, have a look at how things stand ahead of the Buriram Test!
Who’s on track in Thailand?
Nearly every rider will take to the circuit, with Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) travelling to Thailand with the intention of riding in the Buriram Test. The 2024 MotoGP World Champion will need to be officially declared FIT in order to take part. The same can sadly not be said for Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who will also miss the opening round to focus on recovery following a training incident. Michele Pirro will act as a replacement rider for the #54. Speedy recovery, Fermin!
Sepang Test: What happened in Malaysia?
The three-day Sepang Test created plenty of talking points, with new parts on show, mixed weather and even some silly season rumours. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) returned to action in Malaysia, throwing down an early marker and clinching top spot on the opening day. Attention soon turned to his younger brother, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who topped the timesheets following a positive final day, which included a confidence-inspiring Sprint simulation.
Some of the biggest storylines were with the Japanese manufacturers, as Honda showed impressive steps. There were positive comments from all four HRC riders, including Joan Mir (Castrol Honda HRC), who was quickest on Day 2 and showed competitive pace throughout. Meanwhile, it was a rollercoaster Sepang Test for Yamaha, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) sidelined following a Day 1 crash. The Iwata factory also encountered a technical issue, forcing all Yamahas to spend Day 2 inside the box while they investigated the problem further.
Hot headlines: Buriram in focus
There’s plenty to keep an eye out for in Buriram as Ducati looks to confirm a few parts in order to finalise their 2026 package. Comments sounded positive leaving Sepang, as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) looks to use these two days to give him a clearer, final idea. Elsewhere, it looks to be a very busy test for the Noale factory as Aprilia Racing hope to have both Marco Bezzecchi and Martin on track – pending the OK from the medical team. Martin hasn’t ridden the Aprilia since the November Valencia Test, meaning he’ll have plenty to keep him busy.
Spirits also remain high in the KTM camp following an overall positive Sepang Test for the Austrian manufacturer. There’ll be plenty of attention on Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Maverick Viñales, who enters the season with a fresh mentality as he works with MotoGP Hall of Famer, Jorge Lorenzo – find out more!
Honda will spend the next two days looking for further gains, with Castrol Honda HRC’s Luca Marini and Mir continuing to search for extra rear grip. The Buriram Test also marks the next chapter in Yamaha’s V4 development as the Iwata factory looks for extra speed down the straight and Quartararo returns to action – leading development once more.
Beyond the technical gains, Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) will experience the Chang International Circuit for the first time on a MotoGP bike. This two-day test hands our MotoGP rookies the perfect opportunity to get up to speed ahead of the season opener!
And there’s more! Join us and don’t miss a moment of the action as MotoGP hits the track in Thailand!