MotoGP: Bezzecchi On pole Position In Thailand

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

MotoGP: Bezzecchi On pole Position In Thailand

Marco Bezzecchi claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on the dry 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track, Bezzecchi turned a 1:28.652 to top the field of 22 riders.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:28.687 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26, and Raul Fernandez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:28.876 on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.

Row-two qualifiers included Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (1:28.918), Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin (1:29.001) and Red Bull KTM Factory’s Pedro Acosta (1:29.061).

QualifyingResults motogp

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

How close do you like it? Aprilia and Ducati go head-to-head in the first pole position battle of the season as Pecco fails to progress from Q1.

Despite a late crash at Turn 12, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) will start the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season from pole position, but it wasn’t as comfortable as he and Aprilia would have liked, as Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) lurked just 0.035s away in Q2. A 1:28.652 for Bezzecchi just outplayed a 1:28.687 for the reigning World Champion, as Q1 table-topper Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) earned a front row start in P3 to make it two Aprilias vs one Ducati at the front of the grid.

Raul Fernandez (25) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Q1: Pecco out as Fernandez and Morbidelli enter pole position frame

And so, it was time. The first MotoGP qualifying session of the 2026 campaign fired into life and after the opening set of flying laps, it was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who led second place Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) by a very healthy 0.3s, thanks to the 2025 Australian GP winner’s 1:28.784.

This meant Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who was P3 in the opening half of the 15-minute dash, had work to do. And after his first attack on the second outing didn’t arrive, and neither did the second attempt, the double MotoGP World Champion was up against it with three minutes left.

Then, while 0.001s away from Fernandez’s time, a mistake came on the exit of Turn 8, meaning – if tyres and fuel load allowed – he’d have one more lap to try and penetrate the top two. A red sector was set again in Sector 1, but it was session over for Pecco. The Italian sat up and out of the lap, meaning the #63 will start the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix from P13, as compatriot Morbidelli crashed down at Turn 3, which in the end, didn’t cost the Italian a place in Q2.

From left to right with Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Q2: Bezzecchi vs Marc Marquez unfolds as 0.4s covers the top seven

The big question coming into the pole position shootout was could anyone halt Bezzecchi’s brilliant Buriram momentum? The reigning World Champion, Marc Marquez, would certainly be a chief contender in trying to stop him, but it was a scruffy opening lap from the #93, as the Aprilia Racing duo sailed to an early top two. Bezzecchi set a 1:28.914, with teammate Martin just 0.087s away.

This was all going to change very quickly though. Marc Marquez improved but it was nowhere near enough for P1, as Acosta – shadowing the 2025 title winner – got down to a 1:29.063 for P4.

Getting down to it was Bezzecchi again. The pre-qualifying favourite improved his time to bang in a 1:28.652, with Fernandez stretching his legs to leap up to P3 to make it an Aprilia 1-2-3 in Q2. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) were currently behind Acosta on the second row, meaning Marc Marquez had a mini mountain to climb from provisional P7.

That then got worse with Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) moving up to P6, as we strapped in for the final four minutes of a fantastic Q2.

In true Marc Marquez style, the shovel was out, and he was digging deep when it mattered most. Three red sectors were slammed in before the 99-time Grand Prix winner lost a small amount of margin in Sector 4, meaning it was P2 for the Ducati star. 0.035s the gap to Bezzecchi, and with Di Giannantonio improving to P4, Martin was now shuffled down to P5 on his factory RS-GP.

Turn 12, while pushing to increase his advantage, then caught out Bezzecchi. The front end cried no more as the #72 hit the deck at the final corner, but in the end, it didn’t matter. No more big moves were made in the chase for pole position in Thailand, so the much-wanted P1 grid slot was the Italian’s and Bezzecchi’s for Round 1 – but only just.

YOUR GRID FOR ROUND 1

Pole goes to Bez, but Marc Marquez is right there in P2 after a stunning late Q2 lap. Fernandez makes it two Aprilias on the front row, a lovely pair of short morning stints for the #25, as Di Giannantonio fronts the second row ahead of Martin – who claims his first top 10 in qualifying with Aprilia – and Acosta.

It’s P6 for the lead KTM star in qualifying, while Alex Marquez is forced to settle for a disappointing P7 in Q2. Eighth and ninth – the middle and outside of the third row – go to Ogura and Morbidelli, with Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) set to launch from P10, P11 and P12, respectively.

COMING UP: SPRINT TIME

0.8s split the top 12 in a blistering Q2, and now it’s time to get ready for the Tissot Sprint. 15:00 local time. You know the score. And if you don’t, then get ready for one hell of a ride. Let’s go racing in 2026, shall we?

MotoGP qualifying results!

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice At Buriram

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice At Buriram

Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Aprilia RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:29.654 to lead the 22-rider field.

Pedro Acosta was the best of the rest with a 1:29.725 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Alex Marquez was third at 1:29.828 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Ai Ogura finished the session fourth with a 1:29.841 on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.

Franco Morbidelli crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:29.972 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

fp2 motogp

Moto2: Holgado Tops Final Practice in Thailand

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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Moto2: Holgado Tops Final Practice in Thailand

Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex on the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:34.838 to lead the field of 27 riders.

Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:34.845 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

Senna Agius was third-fastest with a 1:34.946 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 11th with a best time of 1:35.300 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

fp2 moto2

Moto3: Almansa Heads Saturday Practice At Buriram

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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Moto3: Almansa Heads Saturday Practice At Buriram

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track in 1:40.922 to lead the field of 26 riders.

Leopard Racing Honda’s Adrian Fernandez was second-best with a time of 1:41.278.

Maximo Quiles, piloting his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:41.319.

fp2 moto3

Where To Ride in March 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during March 2026.

This list includes 78 opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the month of March in North America.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].

Before heading to an event, contact the organization or track and confirm that it’s going to be held as publicized.

2/28-3/1 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East Double), Willows, CA

3/1 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/1 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

3/1-2 American Supercamp, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA – Racer Camp

3/2 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

3/3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

3/5 AMA Pro American Flat Track, Royal Enfield Short Track at Daytona I, Daytona Spdwy., Daytona Beach, FL

3/6 Pro American Flat Track, Royal Enfield Short Track at Daytona II, Daytona Spdwy., Daytona Beach, FL

3/6 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

3/5-7 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, FL

3/7 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

3/7 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

3/7 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/7-8 California Superbike School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NV (All Levels)

3/7-8 California Roadrace Association (CRA CA) Series, Buttonwillow Raceway Park (Circuit Track) Buttonwillow, CA

3/7-8 N2 Track Days, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomington, GA

3/7-8 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA

3/7-8 TrackXperience Track Days, Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort, Pahrump, NV

3/8 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/8 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Firebird Motorsports Park CCW, Phoenix, AR

3/8 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 3, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

3/8 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

3/9 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

3/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

3/11-12 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/12 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

3/13 2Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/13-15 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC

3/13-15 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC (BOTH AAR & SRS)

3/14 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, Lamar County Spdwy, Barnesville, GA

3/14 Hallet Advanced Rider Training (HART) Motorcycle Lapping Day Program, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

3/14 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, Lamar County Speedway, Barnesville, GA

3/14-15 Trackdaz Track Days, Buttonwillow Rcwy Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/14-15 Pacific Track Time, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/14-15 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training, Arroyo Seco CCW, Deming, NM

3/14-15 WERA National Challenge Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

3/14-15 WERA Sportsman Series Atlantic Coastal Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

3/14-15 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

3/14-15 AMA Golden State Championship (Minis & Supermoto), Apex Kart Racing, Perris, CA

3/14-15 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, T4 KartPlex, Palmetto, FL (Round 2)

3/14-15 Precision Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

3/14-15 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX

3/14-15 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

3/15 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

3/15 XCEL Trackdays Track days, Firebird Motorsports Park, , Chandler, AZ, East Track

3/15 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

3/15 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Kids Ride and Wrench

3/17 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

3/18 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/18-19 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), POST Motorcycle Officer Update Course

3/19 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/20 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

3/20-22 Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA (CCW)

3/20-22 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

3/21 AMA Pro American Flat Track, Atlanta Short Track, Senoia Raceway, Senoia, GA

3/21 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Track Day

3/21-22 Precision Track Days, Atlanta Motorsports Park, Dawsonville, GA

3/21-22 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

3/21-22 Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) Series, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, Oklahoma

3/22 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

3/23 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/23 Performance Riding Experience (PRE) Track Days, VIRginia International Raceway (North), Alton, VA

3/23-24 California Superbike School, Streets of Willow Springs, CA (All Levels)

3/23-26 Colin Edward’s Texas Tornado Boot Camp (Dirt Track School), Pre-Austin GP Camp, 4-Day, Montgomery, TX

3/24-25 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Eagles Canyon Raceway, Decatur, TX

3/25 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

3/26 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

3/27-29 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Talent Cup, COTA, Austin, Texas

3/28 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Track Day

3/28 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Podium club, Motofest, The Podium Club at Attesa CW, Casa Grande AZ

3/28-29 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

3/28-29 California Superbike School, Buttonwillow Circuit Track, CA (All Levels)

3/28-29 Evolve GT School and Track Days, NCBIKE, Garysburg, NC

3/28-29 Performance Riding Experience (PRE) Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

3/29 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Podium club, Motofest, The Podium Club at Attesa CW, Casa Grande AZ

3/30 Carters@thetrack Track Days, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

3/30 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

3/31 Precision Track Days, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

AFT AdventureTrackers Launch 2026 Season in Daytona

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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AFT AdventureTrackers Launch 2026 Season in Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The AFT AdventureTrackers™ title contenders charge into 2026 in search of glory as the class prepares to kick off its expanded championship slate at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II on Friday, March 6. This marks the first time the class has been featured on the bill when the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, opens in Daytona.

Now entering its third season, AFT AdventureTrackers was originally devised to provide the massively popular and fast-growing Dual Adventure segment a competitive outlet to demonstrate the bikes’ wide-ranging capabilities and impressive versatility even in near-stock guise.

With a cadre of championship-caliber riders at the controls, the class has exceeded all expectations in terms of pure spectacle, as some of the series’ most notable athletes have repeatedly performed borderline miracles on these big-bore, 500-plus pound machines as they’ve tangled for checkered flags.

AFT AdventureTrackers made its high-profile debut in a showcase event on the Streets of Sturgis in 2024. Last season, the category evolved into a thrilling four-race championship tilt packed into a timeframe of less than two weeks.

During its brief existence, Dual Adventure bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, and Triumph have featured on AFT AdventureTrackers’ podiums, while decorated riders such as Dan Bromley and Jesse Janisch have logged shocking quick lap times and put on an incredible show in their heated battles for victory.

And despite its relative newness, AFT AdventureTrackers has already added to its legend off the track as well. Hearkeni ng to the earliest days of motorcycle sport, there are numerous stories of these near-stock racebikes arriving at the track fresh from dealership showrooms, being ridden down Main Street at Sturgis straight from the podium, and even making a cross-country trek from one round to the next.

This growing legend will be added to in 2026, as the class expands its footprint with a seven-round championship fight that will run from early March to late August with a $7,500 purse in play at each event.

Next Up

The Progressive AFT 2026 season begins with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.

To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack.

Following the season opener, the series travels to Senoia Raceway for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track on March 21.

To purchase tickets for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280.

MotoAmerica Twins Cup Racer Solly Mervis Also Racing In Italy

John Ulrich

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February 27, 2026

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MotoAmerica Twins Cup Racer Solly Mervis Also Racing In Italy

MotoAmerica Twins Cup racer Solly Mervis is also competing in the Italian CIV Trofeo Cup for Aprilia RS660 riders. American college student Mervis recently tested with the Revo Racing Project team in Portimao, Portugal and Jerez, Spain.

Solly said, “I had a lot of fun riding at two world-class dream tracks that a lot of people don’t get an opportunity to ride, and for that I am VERY grateful. I want to thank the REVO racing team, Felix Rodriguez Sr. and Felix Jr.; my mom and dad; and everyone who has helped me. I also thank my sponsors, Ice Barn Hockey, Iconic Motorbikes, Legendary Sportbikes, Smash My Trash, NA Graphix, Putnam Park and the Club at Putnam Park Road Course for helping me chase my dreams. I am excited to come back to MotoAmerica with my teammates on the Karns Performance team and race Daytona for the first time!”

Mervis is riding a Karns Performance Racing Suzuki GSX-8R in the MotoAmerica series.

Solly Mervis with Revo Racing riders Mattia Sorrenti on the left and Matteo Vannucci on the right. Photo courtesy Revo Racing.

Solly Mervis with his Revo Racing team crew chief Felix Rodriguez, Sr.

Suzuki Italy’s GSX-8R Champion Michel Agazzi Racing At Daytona

John Ulrich

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February 27, 2026

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Suzuki Italy’s GSX-8R Champion Michel Agazzi Racing At Daytona

Suzuki Italy’s GSX-8R Cup Champion Michel Agazzi Making MotoAmerica Debut at Daytona

Italian Racer Earns Wild Card Entry to Twins Cup Season Opener After Winning Inaugural Single-Make Championship

Brea, CA – (February 27, 2026) – In partnership with Team Hammer and Suzuki Italy, Michel Agazzi, the 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Cup Champion, will compete as a wild card entry in the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at Daytona International Speedway this March.

In 2025, Suzuki Italy launched the GSX-8R Cup—a single-make championship that quickly became a breakout success. Designed to be accessible and competitive, the series attracted both experienced riders and emerging talents across five rounds in Italy, offering significant prizes for a modest investment and putting the Suzuki GSX-8R at the center of the action.

At the fourth round at Modena Circuit, Michel Agazzi clinched the championship title. His reward? A wild card entry into the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.

A Racer’s Journey

Michel Agazzi started racing in 2019 at the age of 18, making his debut in the MotoEstate championship. He then competed in several single-brand trophies and later in CIV 300, while in 2024 he participated as a substitute in four races in the World 300 Championship and Spanish Championship.

Off the track, Michel works as an electrician and electrical designer alongside his father and brother—a family trade that keeps him grounded between race weekends.

Victory was his goal for the first edition of the Suzuki GSX-8R Cup, seeking greater consistency and less explosiveness than in previous years. However, he admits he would have been happy just to finish in the top five. Instead, he dominated the series and earned his ticket to Daytona.

The Story Behind #24

Michel has a curious story behind the number he races with. When he first started racing, he debuted with 111, derived from the position of the initials of his first and last name in the alphabet (M is the eleventh letter, A is the first).

Michel Agazzi races as #24 in the Italian CIV Series.

In 2021, he switched to number 11 when he entered the Italian 300 Championship, on the advice of his team manager who didn’t particularly like three digits. Michel thought that by winning the championship, he could eliminate another 1 the following year, but unfortunately, he was unable to triumph.

After a year away from racing, he returned with number 24 as a wild card in the CIV 300 at Imola Circuit and achieved an excellent second place. From that day on, 24 became his definitive number—and the number he’ll carry at Daytona.

Memorable Moments

Michel has several fond memories from the track: his first podium at Imola in the 300 Championship, the podium at Estoril in the Spanish Championship, and, of course, his first victory in the opening race of the GSX-8R Cup Trophy.

Team Hammer is joining forces with Suzuki Italy to make Michel’s American racing dream a reality this March at Daytona.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER

The 2026 season will mark Team Hammer’s 46th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 135 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 382 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.

MotoGP : Bezzecchi Cracks Lap Record in Thailand

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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MotoGP : Bezzecchi Cracks Lap Record in Thailand

Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:28.526. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Francesco Bagnaia’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:28.700.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:28.947 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 1:29.010 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Pedro Acosta finished the session fourth with a 1:29.185 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:29.229.

Francesco Bagnaia is 15th on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26 with a time of 1:29.824.

motogp practice

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Day one of 2026 banked, P1 bagged for Bezzecchi as the Italian leads the way to Sprint Saturday.

MotoGP’s Practice at Buriram saw most of the paddock looking at the sky just as much as they were looking at the timing screens as the persistent afternoon shower threat lingered across the entirety of the session. This made for drama as everyone pushed for lap times from the start in the pursuit of a direct Q2 placing. Staying dry until the end, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) continued to dominate with a new lap record whereas there’re surprises and shocks both in and out of the top ten.

BACK IN BEZNESS: #72 vibes on Friday

Just like in the morning, it was a strong day for Aprilia Racing’s duo of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin who were inside the top four. Bezzecchi made it a Friday clean sweep, having topped FP1 and then setting a new lap record on Friday afternoon. A 1’28.526 was quicker than what he was able to do in the test and it’s fair to say that Bez’s pace is also strongest. Perhaps the favourite tag will be attached to him. Martin was fifth at the chequered flag, marking Aprilia’s strongest first day to a season.

Marc Marquez (93) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Contrasting fortunes for Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez P2 and Bagnaia Q1

It was very much a session of two halves for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who spent a fair portion of it outside the top ten before bouncing up to fifth with 20 minutes to go. The early scare was well behind him when he jumped up the order into P2 by the end of the session. As the #93 was got up to the pointy end, it was a challenging opening day for teammate Francesco Bagnaia who could only 15^th and finds himself as the headlining name going through Q1.

DIGGIA ATTACK: P3 bagged in Buriram on Friday

More testing form was translated from pre-season to Round 1, this time in the case of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). He sat pretty at the head of the field for most of Practice before being pushed back to third late on. Just like in FP1, the #49’s best lap time was set towards the end of a stint, showing that he doesn’t just have one-lap pace but right throughout his runs.

Acosta and Binder lead KTM charge to Q2

Making it three manufacturers and four teams in the top four, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set his fastest lap of the session on his penultimate lap, 0.659s off Bezzecchi’s time. The celebrations in orange continued on the other side of the box as for the first time since Barcelona in 2025, Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder took P8 to move directly into Q2.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (49), Diogo Moreira (11) and Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Alex Marquez P6, Honda with double Q2 entry

With Martin fifth, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) clinched sixth, just ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who was Honda’s top representative. The Japanese brand had a second rider straight to Q2 with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) in 10^th.

Mixed bag at Trackhouse: Ogura crashes to take P9, Fernandez Q1-bound

Despite looking strong in P4 in the morning and bagging himself P9 and a Q2 spot, Ai Ogura’s (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) session ended early with just over two minutes remaining as he fell at Turn 7. He was all OK and will hope to redeem himself in the pole shootout on Saturday morning. Teammate Raul Fernandez couldn’t make it four Aprilias directly into Q2, taking 14^th.

Full MotoGP Practice results from Buriram!

Moto2: Gonzalez Breaks Record At Buriram

Mathilde Gasnier

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February 27, 2026

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Moto2: Gonzalez Breaks Record At Buriram

Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) road course in 1:34.501, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.591 from 2025.

Alex Escrig was second-best with a time of 1:34.625 on his Klint Racing Team Forward.

Izan Guevara did a third-fastest 1:34.686 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:35.134 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

moto2 practice

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

A brief rain shower at the end of Moto2 Practice sees drama in the top 14 race unfold, with big names missing out on the opening Friday of the season.

2025 Thai Grand Prix winner Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) topped the opening Friday of the season in a rain-hit Moto2 Practice session. Pre-season pacesetter Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team) and last year’s Valencian GP victor Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) completed a top three split by 0.185s, with Gonzalez setting a new all-time lap record – a 1:34.501. However, it was Day 1 disappointment for Friday morning’s table-topper David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team).

The Colombian ended Practice down in P22 as a quick dose of rain in Sector 1 meant improving times became impossible when it mattered most for some, as Turn 1 unfortunately caught out the unlucky Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team).

David Alonso (80) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP

Alonso will be competing in Q1 alongside a whole host of Moto2 race winners, including Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing), Deniz Öncü (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), and the Turk’s teammate Aron Canet. In other words: a stacked Q1 line-up.

Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) are two riders who don’t have to worry about Q1 on Saturday afternoon though. The 2025 Rookie of the Year and Indonesian finished P4 and P5 on Day 1 in Thailand, with Australia’s Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) sixth quickest.

Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – Pont Grup – MSI) got his rookie Moto2 season off to a great start with a P13 finish on Friday, meaning the Spaniard heads directly into the Moto2 pole position shootout at 14:05 local time, with Q1 going green at 13:40.

Moto2 Practice results!

MotoGP: Bezzecchi On pole Position In Thailand

February 27, 2026

Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.