MARCO BEZZECCHI AND APRILIA RACING DOMINATE BURIRAM SEASON
OPENER RACE

MARCO BEZZECCHI WINS, JORGE MARTÍN FOURTH. RAÚL FERNÁNDEZ THIRD, AI OGURA FIFTH WITH TRACKHOUSE MOTOGP TEAM

MotGP Round !, the exciting first outing for 2026

Buriram, 1 March 2026 – The first full-length race of the 2026 season at the Chang
International Circuit in Thailand concluded with two Aprilia Racing riders on the
podium. Starting from pole position, Marco Bezzecchi ran a solid race, maintaining the
lead from the first corner to the chequered flag and claiming his first victory at the Thai
circuit. This marks the Italian rider’s third consecutive Grand Prix win (Portimão,
Valencia and Buriram). It is also his fourth victory in a full-length race in the top class
with Aprilia, an all-time record. It was also a good day for Jorge Martín, who was in
contention for the podium for much of the race and finished fourth at the flag, equalling
his best result with Aprilia Racing in a full-length race.

The Trackhouse MotoGP Team riders also delivered an excellent performance. Raúl
Fernández claimed third place in the full-length race, his second podium of the
weekend after the sprint, while Ai Ogura completed a spectacular charge from further
back to finish fifth, bringing four Aprilias into the top five.

MARCO BEZZECCHI 72 :

MARCO BEZZECCHI 72 :

“After the mistake in the sprint, it was important to stay calm and bounce back. The
victory in Buriram is a very pleasing result. We worked well in testing, so it was crucial
to confirm our form over the race weekend as well – something we were unable to do
last year, despite a good test here. In the race, I tried to give it my all without making
mistakes, so I’m very pleased with this victory.”

JORGE MARTÍN 89 : 

JORGE MARTÍN 89 : 

“A few months ago, I couldn’t even feed myself, and today I finished the race in fourth
position. I’m very happy and very grateful to the people who supported and helped me.
It has been a winter of great mental preparation to feel ready and to believe in what
I’m doing. Today I didn’t have high expectations, but from the very start I felt
comfortable and was able to battle with Marc and Pedro.”

MASSIMO RIVOLA : (team boss)

“It’s great to see Marco pick up from where he finished last year. The dominance of
this weekend may seem unusual, but if there is one thing I firmly believe in, it is the
work of the Factory in Noale, and I have no doubt that the talent and determination of
our riders will continue to come through strongly. However, it’s only the first race, and
our competitors won’t sit back and watch. Marc remains the favourite, but Aprilia is
right there.”

Bayride Motorcycles is a proud Aprilia partner since 2016. Based In Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty , New Zealand, Bayride is positioned ideally for Aprilia enthusiasts to enjoy great roads and nearby race tracks.