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
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
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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 15th 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.
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 10th.
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 14th.
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).
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.
David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP to lap the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track in 1:40.990 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:41.068.
Valentin Perrone, piloting his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:41.194.
MOTO3 PRACTICE
More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:
So often was the case last year, 2026 has started in the best possible way for the #22 in his new team.
Moto3’s first day is in the books at the Chang International Circuit with plenty of headlines both in and out of the directing seeding to Q2. Leading the way on his debut with his new team, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) continued on from his 2025 Practice and was the pacesetter on Friday.
Almansa got straight down to business and never found himself too far away from the top of the timesheets. The first and only rider in the 1’40s, he had just under a tenth of a second in his pocket over fellow countryman and Buriram podium finisher from 2025, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The #83 starts his second season in P2 but got very much down to business on day one. He in-turn had over a tenth of a second to the next rider, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). Watched on by new team CEO Gunther Steiner, it was a positive day for the Argentinean.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) secured fourth and was just one place ahead of his teammate Marco Morelli, who likewise made it two Argentinean riders in the top five and both directly into Q2. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) rounded out an all-KTM top six with the Brit less than half a second from Almansa’s top time.
Elsewhere, notable performances consist of Honda’s top finisher and class rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and fellow star rookie Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) as both came home in P7 and P8 respectively. Irish star Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was also impressive as he got into Q2 with 13th. The biggest name to miss out was three-time Grand Prix winner from 2025’s season David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), unable to replicate his teammate’s strong start and rooted to 16th place, having to go through Q1.
Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP26, the Italian turned a lap of 1:29.346 around the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:29.456 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 1:29.551.
2025 MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez finished the opening session in 6th with a lap time of 1:29.772 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was 7th with a 1:29.791.
fp1 motogp
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Less than a second cover the top 13 and all five manufacturers as MotoGP’s first Grand Prix weekend ignites in the Thai heat.
MotoGP 2026: blast off! Buriram welcomed the riders back to the track after testing to the point we’ve all been waiting for – bikes on track in anger. Our first in-depth looking at who’s hot and who’s not for the year ahead and in FP1, it was reflective of the test. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) laid down the gauntlet early on to give the rest of the field something to ponder going into the afternoon.
On just his third lap of FP1, ‘Bez’ set a 1’29.346s to go top of the standings and lead the way for Aprilia, picking up from where he left off in testing. Fabio DI Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the meat in an Aprilia sandwich, taking second with an improvement towards the end of the session. For Jorge Martin’s first Thai GP Aprilia weekend, it started with a small crash just ten minutes into the session at Turn 12. ‘The Martinator’ was back up and all OK, on his way to third come the chequered flag. Three Aprilias inside the top four as Buriram specialist from 2025 Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) secured fourth, one place ahead of KTM’s leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) got his season off and running with sixth at Buriram in FP1, a solid start just one place ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Pecco, just 0.019s behind Marquez, set 19 laps compared to the #93’s 21 but both harness valuable information for the afternoon’s Practice. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), who made it four manufacturers in the top ten.
Yamaha’s best representative was Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in 13thwhilst for the rookies, Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) was 16th and reigning WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was 21st.
David Alonso was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday 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 Colombian recorded a 1:35.148 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:35.160 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:35.245 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
His teammate and American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.917.
fp1-moto2
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
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
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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 15th 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.
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 10th.
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 14th.
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).
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.
David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP to lap the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track in 1:40.990 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:41.068.
Valentin Perrone, piloting his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:41.194.
MOTO3 PRACTICE
More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:
So often was the case last year, 2026 has started in the best possible way for the #22 in his new team.
Moto3’s first day is in the books at the Chang International Circuit with plenty of headlines both in and out of the directing seeding to Q2. Leading the way on his debut with his new team, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) continued on from his 2025 Practice and was the pacesetter on Friday.
Almansa got straight down to business and never found himself too far away from the top of the timesheets. The first and only rider in the 1’40s, he had just under a tenth of a second in his pocket over fellow countryman and Buriram podium finisher from 2025, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The #83 starts his second season in P2 but got very much down to business on day one. He in-turn had over a tenth of a second to the next rider, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). Watched on by new team CEO Gunther Steiner, it was a positive day for the Argentinean.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) secured fourth and was just one place ahead of his teammate Marco Morelli, who likewise made it two Argentinean riders in the top five and both directly into Q2. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) rounded out an all-KTM top six with the Brit less than half a second from Almansa’s top time.
Elsewhere, notable performances consist of Honda’s top finisher and class rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and fellow star rookie Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) as both came home in P7 and P8 respectively. Irish star Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was also impressive as he got into Q2 with 13th. The biggest name to miss out was three-time Grand Prix winner from 2025’s season David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), unable to replicate his teammate’s strong start and rooted to 16th place, having to go through Q1.
Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP26, the Italian turned a lap of 1:29.346 around the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:29.456 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 1:29.551.
2025 MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez finished the opening session in 6th with a lap time of 1:29.772 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was 7th with a 1:29.791.
fp1 motogp
More from a press release issued by MotoGP:
Less than a second cover the top 13 and all five manufacturers as MotoGP’s first Grand Prix weekend ignites in the Thai heat.
MotoGP 2026: blast off! Buriram welcomed the riders back to the track after testing to the point we’ve all been waiting for – bikes on track in anger. Our first in-depth looking at who’s hot and who’s not for the year ahead and in FP1, it was reflective of the test. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) laid down the gauntlet early on to give the rest of the field something to ponder going into the afternoon.
On just his third lap of FP1, ‘Bez’ set a 1’29.346s to go top of the standings and lead the way for Aprilia, picking up from where he left off in testing. Fabio DI Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the meat in an Aprilia sandwich, taking second with an improvement towards the end of the session. For Jorge Martin’s first Thai GP Aprilia weekend, it started with a small crash just ten minutes into the session at Turn 12. ‘The Martinator’ was back up and all OK, on his way to third come the chequered flag. Three Aprilias inside the top four as Buriram specialist from 2025 Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) secured fourth, one place ahead of KTM’s leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) got his season off and running with sixth at Buriram in FP1, a solid start just one place ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Pecco, just 0.019s behind Marquez, set 19 laps compared to the #93’s 21 but both harness valuable information for the afternoon’s Practice. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), who made it four manufacturers in the top ten.
Yamaha’s best representative was Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in 13thwhilst for the rookies, Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) was 16th and reigning WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was 21st.
David Alonso was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday 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 Colombian recorded a 1:35.148 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:35.160 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:35.245 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
His teammate and American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.917.
fp1-moto2
