Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight were the stars of the show as round one of the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) wound up at Phillip Island on Sunday, November 22.
Their victories in the two SW-Motech Superbike races were at opposite ends of the intensity spectrum: rookie Roulstone (Motocity Honda) catapulting from third on the final lap to win race two, and then an imperious Voight putting the field to the sword in race three.
Voight was the overall round winner with his 1-4-1 scorecard, and he’ll take a 6pt (68 to 62) lead over Roulstone into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28, followed by Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha, 56pts).
“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,”said Voight.“My pace was great, and in race two I got close to the lap record I set two years ago.
“I was a bit of a softie in race two in the mixed condittions, but I was also thinking about the championship. Overall, a fantastic start to the year.”
The Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes also concluded their race one programs at Phillip Island today, with Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) the victors – Simpson’s by just millimetres over Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) in a grandstand finish.
The SW-Motech Superbike top three: (L to R) Roulstone, Dunker and Voight. Photo courtesy ASBK
SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE
Light drizzle played its part in both 11-lap SW-Motech Superbike races today – at the start of this morning’s and at the tail end of the second.
After riders flirted with wets in the first, slicks were hastily fitted after the sighting lap, and it was defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) who got the best of the start as he attempted to win an amazing 21st Superbike race on at Phillip Island.
He led until the final lap, with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) applying the initial pressure before Waters was swamped by Dunker (turn two) and Roulstone (turn four) on the final lap.
Roulstone then performed a slick move on Dunker after the exit of turn 10 to win his maiden ASBK Superbike race in just his second start.
Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Allerton, Anthony West (DesmoSport Ducati), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati).
Josh Waters (1) leading Glenn Allerton (14) and Cameron Dunker (3) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Voight was unstoppable in race two, breaking ranks from the start without even allowing the pack to place a modicum of pressure on him.
And once he reeled off a searing 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his 1:30.790 circuit benchmark – the issue was beyond doubt.
After building such a huge gap, he had the scope to keep his powder dry as the drizzle hit in the final few laps. It was Voight’s third Superbike win at Phillip Island in just seven starts.
Meanwhile, there was plenty of jockeying going on behind with Roulstone, West, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and Waters all spending time in the top three.
Roulstone ran off on lap eight to fall back to seventh, but he rallied to finish the race in fourth behind Voight, Nahlous and Dunker.
West was fifth from Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha).
After round one of five, Waters is fourth in the standings on 50pts from Nahlous (47pts), West (45pts), Allerton (42pts) and Jones (42pts).
KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN
The final Kawasaki Supersport/Superport Next Gen race was declared wet, but it was like a dry affair as the leading riders put on their combative faces from the outset of the 10-lapper.
And what an epic finish, with Olly Simpson (DesmoSport) drafting past fellow Ducati rider Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal) at the death knell to win by just 0.001 seconds.
About 30 seconds earlier, Simpson looked to have scuppered his chances of winning when he nearly crashed at turn nine, with Toparis immediately seizing his opportunity to hit the lead.
But Simpson wasn’t done, and he quickly regrouped to score a pulsating victory – his second of the weekend.
Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was only a whisker behind in third from early race leader Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Will Nassif (Gow Racing Yamaha), race two winner Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and rookie Ghage Plowman (Yamaha).
After round one, Tamburini leads the Supersport class on 69pts from Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 54pts) and Scott Nicholson (TeamBWR Yamaha, 39pts), and in Supersport Next Gen it’s Simpson (70pts) from Edwards (61pts) and Nelson (56pts).
Race and Road Supersport 300 race start at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Morning drizzle provided Sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 battle – but that was only of minor nuisance value for Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.
It was the South Aussie’s third win at Phillip Island in the last nine races, as she leapfrogged up to third in the Supersport 300 standings on 52pts ahead of round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28. Tyler King (Kawasaki, 55pts) leads the battle of the fast-twitch brigade from Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 54pts).
Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) was second in race three from Simpson – completing a trio of third places for the reigning No. 2 – with Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha), Tom Nicolson (Kawasaki) and Jake Senior (Yamaha) in positions 4-6 among the 27 finishers.
Nauta and King, who won races one and two respectively, were well back in 18th and 11th respectively.
Nauta (48pts) is fifth in the standings, behind O’Brien (49pts) and ahead of Senior (45pts).
Tara Morrison (95) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
For more information on the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
Buriram Test: Bezzecchi beats lap record to lead Ogura in Thailand.
Aprilia shine as pre-season concludes, with Marc Marquez edged down to third heading into Thai GP week.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was under lap record pace on the final day of 2026 pre-season, setting a 1’28.668 at Buriram to close out testing with the fastest ever lap of the venue, be it the official race weekend record or not. Next up it’s Ai Ogura putting Trackhouse MotoGP Team into second, 0.097 off ‘Bez’, with the top three completed by Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) despite a third tumble in two days for the #93. Rider ok. With such a show of force from Aprilia and plenty to write home about, we can’t wait for next weekend. Here’s how testing concluded!
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse MotoGP Team
Pre-season is done for Aprilia and it may be their best yet. Bezzecchi undertook a long run, led for most of the afternoon before firing in an all-time lap record in the final 15 minutes. A 1’28.668 is a major benchmark ahead of next weekend’s Grand Prix and with an average lap time of 1’30.454 after 20 laps, is the #72 in the strongest position for 2026? Both Bezzecchi and teammate Jorge Martin trialled rear aero variations, perhaps to use both at certain points throughout the year. It was P8 for Martin as the 2024 World Champion returns in earnest, and his reports on how he feels getting back to it were overwhelmingly positive.
Meanwhile, MotoGP Team pairing Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez checked out some back-to-back testing of Aprilia’s rear aero too. Both were up inside the top ten on the combined times with less than an hour and a half of pre-season to go but the gauntlet was laid down in the final 30 minutes in Ogura’s time attack, 0.097s from Bezzecchi in P2. We make that most likely the third ever fastest lap of the track. Fernandez was 11th but all four Aprilias look competitive as 2026 looms.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Ducati Lenovo Team, BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
It’s felt like the great debate of MotoGP’s 2026 pre-season: 2024 aero vs 2025 aero at Ducati. Straight out the box this morning having been second on day one, Marc Marquez topped the morning session and was spotted with the older of the aero variations, along with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. It was a slow start for the reigning Champion in the afternoon as illness plagues him and when he did go out, he crashed at Turn 3 – but rider OK. Pecco was in great form, knocking eight tenths off his time from day one, and once Marquez headed back out too, he finished third and only just pipped Bagnaia in fourth.
If there was Tower of Champions for testing, it’d have gone to Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). Comfortably clear in Malaysia, Thailand welcomed him to the top on day one and he was 5th on day two. He was also with the 2024 aero package as he follows the factory team suit. It perhaps didn’t conclude in the best way for the #73, who fell at Turn 9 but was all OK and did head back out. Stand-in teammate Michele Pirro improved his time and finished in 22nd.
Keeping up their solid pre-season, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio worked methodically on the final day of testing. Morbidelli left it late to go out in the afternoon but when he did, he finished seventh and whilst over one lap he’s quick, race pace may not be there. It wasn’t all straightforward for ‘Diggia’, with the #49 experiencing tech problems in the morning before finishing in ninth after setting his fastest lap in the last half an hour during his time attack. In contrary to Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio has strong pace but he suffered over one lap during the Buriram test.
Pedro Acosta (37) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3
Completing the top six and making it three manufacturers towards the sharp end of the order, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ends the test much higher up than Day 1. Eight tenths quicker on Sunday as well and getting a Grand Prix simulation bagged, hard yards in high heat brought positivity. For teammate Brad Binder, the South African struggled but did put in a fast lap late on to move up to P12 with encouraging improvements over one lap coming at the end.
Having been the best KTM on day one, Maverick Viñales didn’t improve in outright one lap speed on Sunday, taking P15 overall. He seems to be preferring the 2025 package, whereas the other three RC-16s are on the latest spec. Teammate Enea Bastianini likewise didn’t leap up the timesheets although he did improve, taking a tenth or so off his time from the opening day. But that’s one-lap speed and racing is a far more complex game, so KTM will be interesting to watch come lights out.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Honda HRC Castrol, CASTROL Honda LCR and Pro Honda LCR
It was a quieter day for Honda on Day 2, but the positivity continues and they end the test in the top ten. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) rocketed himself up into P10 by the final chequered flag of the day whilst Luca Marini, who was the fastest Honda for the majority of the day, ultimately took 13th. The pair were just under 0.8s off the pace of Bezzecchi at the top but head into 2026 in a strong position.
Elsewhere for the Japanese manufacturer, Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) spun some laps with Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) as they finished 14th and 19th respectively. Zarco worked on consistently controlling of the bike from one lap to another whilst Moreira’s goals were to learn from his rivals – where better to start than your teammate?
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
For Yamaha, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) did a long run before lunch and set an average lap time in the low 1’32s before going all-out for a time attack in the closing ten minutes. The Aussie got Yamaha into the 1’29s with a 1’29.701. Along with Grand Prix simulations, he and rookie teammate Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP had on Saturday. For Razgatlioglu, his final day didn’t start well with technical issues and in the end, the Turkish rider just missed out getting into the 1’30s.
Whilst it’s been far from the ideal start to 2026, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was their second-fastest rider on day two of testing in Thailand and able to join Miller in the 1’29s with just 0.029s splitting them both. Teammate Alex Rins was able to improve too and ended the test with his one-lap blast putting him around half a second from Miller. The all-new V4-powered Yamaha YZR-M1 is just that – all new – so they’ll be looking to move further and further forward as the first race weekend of the season approaches.
That’s next weekend, so get ready and strap in for the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The first pole, Tissot Sprint win and Grand Prix victory of the year are soon on offer – and pre-season has revealed plenty of storylines set to unfold. Don’t miss it!
More from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Racing:
Alex closes pre-season with a top5, Pirro back to the family.
Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Alex Marquez 5th – 1’28.961 (+0.293s): “Aside from the crash, which happened during the race simulation, it was a positive test. Yesterday we had the fastest time, today we were very close to the top. We’re not at 10/10 yet, but compared to yesterday we’ve already made a big step forward in confidence with the bike. Compared to last year, I feel more ready to fight for important results, but this year there will be many riders at top level and it will be a great challenge. I don’t feel pressure, I feel confidence and I can’t wait to start.”
Crash in FP4 – Turn 9 – Rider OK
Michele Pirro (51) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Michele Pirro 22nd – 1’31.777 (+3.109s): “Obviously, I’m sorry to be here as a replacement for an injured rider. That said, we worked hard over these two days; the track is new to me and I didn’t have the chance to push in a time attack. In any case, I’m very happy to be back with Team Gresini after so many years. We’ll work throughout the weekend to help Ducati and Team Gresini.”
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team:
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team ends the 2026 pre-season with confidence.
Positive feelings for Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who end the official MotoGP winter test in Thailand in seventh and ninth place respectively in the combined classification over the two days.
At the Chang International Circuit, the official MotoGP winter tests came to an end, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team also completed Day 2 with positive feelings and confidence ahead of the start of the 2026 season. Franco Morbidelli finished the final day of testing in seventh place, while Fabio Di Giannantonio secured ninth place.
Franco Morbidelli (21) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
It was a positive day for Morbidelli, who continued on Day 2 the work started on the first day of testing. Franco confirmed the good feeling with his Ducati Desmosedici GP, as shown by his time attack. On the second day of testing, the Italian-Brazilian rider improved his best reference time compared to Day 1. Morbidelli completed 61 laps overall, with a best laptime of 1’29”071, which placed him seventh both in the combined classification for the day and in the overall classification across the two days of testing.
Di Giannantonio also completed a positive Day 2, during which he carried out a race simulation with encouraging feedback. Fabio continued working on the updates to his Ducati Desmosedici GP and proved to be competitive in the time attack as well – in the afternoon he topped the timesheets, finishing the session in the Top3. The rider from Rome – who improved his laptime both from Day 1 to Day 2 and from the morning to the afternoon session – completed 68 laps overall. His fastest laptime was 1’29”173, which placed him ninth in both today’s combined classification and the overall classification across the two days of testing.
With the Buriram tests, the MotoGP winter comes to an end, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be back on track in a few days for the Thailand Grand Prix, which will kick off the 2026 season from February 27th to March 1st.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “Long testing days! And this one in Buriram was the hardest of my life because I tried so many things. But I am very happy about that, because we worked very well with the team, we could do everything we had in mind and in our work plan. In terms of speed, it wasn’t our best test because we tried so many things and it was difficult to find the perfect lap and rhythm. But I am happy with the base setup for the first race, it seems that the final one is the same as Sepang, and it’s a huge step. We arrive to the first race with a lot of clear ideas, feeling confident and great with the team. I’m fully confident that we can do a good job with the package we have. We are ready for the season!”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive pre-season: we worked very well during these five days of testing; we cleared out many things. In this Buriram test, we understood few more things about the new bike, that is a bit smoother, quicker and faster on the straight, it gives a better comfort. We were able to improve the feeling step by step throughout the days. On this track, I was four tenths quicker than last year, that is positive. For the start of the season, we can be competitive, we had a good speed, even though the rivals were fast. But we are there.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Honda HRC Castrol conclude pre-season testing in Thailand.
Just as quickly as it began, Joan Mir and Luca Marini have wrapped up the Buriram Test and now all attentions turn to the opening race of 2026. Honda HRC looking to make the most of the few days between the test and the race for final improvements.
Hot and humid conditions continued steadily throughout the second day of testing in Buriram, a final chance to acclimatise before the first race of the year. These conditions allowed the Honda HRC Castrol squad to run through a comprehensive testing plan to put everything in place for the 2026 season.
Concluding the Buriram Test as the tenth fastest rider on the second day and just over half a second off the quickest rider of the day, Joan Mir continued his strong form on the Honda RC213V. Top Honda throughout the Buriram Test, the 2020 World Champion was hoping for some more overall speed after a very competitive end to 2025 and a positive first test in Sepang but he remains confident Honda HRC’s engineers will find a few cards up their sleeves before the lights go out.
Diligently working until the very last moment, Luca Marini completed the last day of the last test in 13th and less than two tenths off his Honda HRC Castrol teammate. Throughout both the Sepang and Buriram Tests, the #10 has been able to post competitive times and consistently be within a second of the fastest rider. Times will be tight when the lights go out on Saturday and Sunday, but the Italian is confident in picking up where he left off and challenging for the top positions.
It’s time to put our learnings to the test as the newest MotoGP World Championship season is set to begin on Friday, February 27 at the Chang International Circuit when the bikes roll out for Free Practice 1.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Joan Mir: “We have had a pre-season with a lot of potential, but of course you’re always wanting more as a rider. This track for us, but especially me, has been more difficult than the last few circuits. The grip wasn’t quite there for us, and it was there for some other guys, so we spent a lot of the test playing with the geometry of the bike. There are a couple of options with the direction of the bike to try and make ourselves more competitive. We have a few days for everyone to find a couple more solutions before we go racing, so let’s make the most of it and be competitive when the racing starts.”
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini: “The bike has improved a lot with the engine, the aero and the braking phase and we have to be pleased with this. Everyone has worked hard over the winter and these two tests and I know they will keep working hard throughout the year. We need to stay focused on the things we are missing to go faster, just a little more time to improve these parts. I am looking forward to the race to see where everyone really is, Qualifying will be very important in this first race so we need to prepare well for it. I think our potential is easily in the top seven, maybe even more if we can find a few things with the bike in these next few days.”
More from a press release issued by KTM Tech3:
Final Preparations Complete: Red Bull KTM Tech3 set for 2026 MotoGP™ season opener.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 head into the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship with valuable mileage and data secured, logging a combined total of 248 laps across the two-day pre-season test at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.
The intensive programme allowed Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini to further refine their KTM RC16 machines ahead of next week’s Thailand Grand Prix at the same venue.
Following a positive opening test in Sepang, the team arrived in Buriram with a comprehensive schedule of test items. Working across both sides of the garage, the focus centred on optimising base set-up, validating components introduced in Malaysia, and consolidating key configuration directions for the season opener.
On day one, Viñales set the eighth fastest time after a late improvement on his final run, while Bastianini concluded the session in 16th as he continued to build confidence with his race package at the 4.554km circuit.
The second and final day of running saw the riders complete race simulations alongside dedicated Time Attack laps, as the team worked through its final race-weekend configurations, building a clearer picture of its race package ahead of the first round. Viñales concluded the day in P14, with Bastianini in P18.
With the pre-season programme now complete, Red Bull KTM Tech3 conclude the Buriram Test with Viñales 15th overall and Bastianini 18th. The team will now focus on analysing the data gathered across all five days of winter testing, with attention turning to the opening race of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Buriram. Photo courtesy KTM Tech3.
Maverick Viñales:“It was a busy test because we needed to confirm many items and make sure we have the right direction. On the second day we concentrated a lot on the race simulations and recovered important information for both the Sprint and the full race distance. We weren’t able to put it all together for Time Attack today, so I couldn’t put in a representative lap, but the Sprint simulation felt quite good and I was consistent. For the longer distance we still need to improve the balance of the bike and tyre management, but we now have a clear direction. Physically I feel strong — I completed a full race distance and a Sprint run without any issues, so that’s a big positive heading into the first weekend.”
Enea Bastianini (23) at Buriram. Photo courtesy KTM Tech3.
Enea Bastianini:“To be honest, we have to take some positives and some negatives from this test, but we still need to improve in several areas. We tried different set-ups over the two days to understand where we are losing time, and the new chassis at the end of the test was a good solution for me. I have more references compared to last year, which helps, but we need to stay focused and analyse everything carefully before the race. I will be working hard over the next few days and the goal now is to put everything together next weekend.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Mananger:“The Buriram test marks the end of an intensive winter preparation for us. We know that this is a circuit that doesn’t necessarily suit our bike that well, but we used the time on track efficiently to make positive steps forward. Over these two days we confirmed the configurations for both riders — Maverick completed a full race simulation and Sprint run with different set-ups, which gave us a clear understanding of the direction to take. On Enea’s side, he used the time to evaluate several combinations and found a better package towards the end of the test. The outright positions are not the full picture of the work completed, but the important thing is that we now have a lot of data we can analyse and make final changes to the bike before heading into the first race. Job done for the winter — now the championship begins.”
More from a press release issued by CASTROL HONDA LCR:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco has completed the second and final day of testing at the Buriram Circuit, finishing 14th on the combined standings.
The Frenchman and his crew have wrapped up the Buriram Test with improved initial feelings on the bike and have found adjustments that will help deliver solid performance.
In the afternoon, Zarco completed a race simulation and shared positive feedback.
Having gathered valuable data and made effective changes, and after 157 useful laps, both Zarco and his crew are now ready for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season, scheduled for next week here in Thailand.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco 14th – (1’29.467):“We have a much clearer path now. From the start of the test, the bike showed great potential, although I initially struggled to ride smoothly and feel comfortable. Today we found some solutions that helped me, and it feels great to finish like this. I can’t wait to start the Grand Prix. We still have a few days to prepare and be ready, because with this bike we can achieve strong results this year. We’ll see!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Long-run focus for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP on final day of Sepang testing.
A productive final day in Sepang for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, with both riders focusing on longer runs throughout the session. While the new project still requires a steep learning curve, clear progress and improvements were visible in every outing, allowing the team to head to next week‘s season opener with confidence.
Gino Borsoi – Team Manager:“All in all, it was an interesting day and we‘re particularly pleased for Jack, who set a good time. We tried many different solutions and completed several long runs, and the race pace is encouraging. We know we are still missing something, but we‘re satisfied with the level we‘ve reached with the package we currently have. We‘ll use the race weekend to continue improving the set-up. We‘ve closed the gap to the front group, and what makes me happiest is that Jack gave us very positive feedback about the bike‘s behaviour. As for Toprak, we were able to narrow down our working direction and better understand what works and what doesn‘t. Even though many people expect a big result from him straight away, we know he needs time to adapt and learn, and we also need to fully understand his requirements. At the end of the day, I saw him optimistic.”
Jack Miller (43) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Jack Miller:“Today was busy and tough — I‘ll definitely sleep well tonight. We completed two long runs of around 20 laps each, and that‘s part of the process when you‘re working with a new motorcycle, trying to understand it and develop it. We know there are clear areas we need to improve, but overall I feel good on the bike and I can feel it getting better step by step. That‘s encouraging, and I‘m looking forward to going racing. We‘re aware that this track is a challenging one for us, especially with the long straights, but we have a clear plan for the first updates and everyone is pushing hard. I‘m pushing the guys, and at the same time trying to give them the most precise feedback possible to shorten the development process. Handling-wise I feel comfortable, and I firmly believe the engineers are doing everything they can. Considering this bike was basically built six months ago, being around a second off on a single lap shows we‘re moving in the right direction.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“Today my focus was on race simulation work and also on riding behind Jack. I think I understood much more about the bike and I‘m starting to understand these tyres better as well. The more I ride, the more comfortable I feel. I know I still have a lot to improve, also mentally. When I was riding behind Jack and saw how much he leaned on the front tyre, I was sure he was going to crash. But then I saw how smoothly he carried the corner, and I realised it‘s my mind that needs to adapt and trust these tyres more. I was able to do six or seven laps on the same set of tyres with consistent lap times, which is positive. I‘m looking forward to continuing this learning process.”
More from a press release issued by Pro Honda LCR:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira has completed a positive and productive second and final day of testing at the Buriram Circuit, finishing 19th on the combined standings.
From the early laps this morning, Moreira posted a strong lap time, just one second off the top, demonstrating both speed and adaptability to the bike.
In the afternoon, the Brazilian rider and his crew made solid progress, completing a race simulation with positive feedback and notable improvements.
With a wealth of data and high motivation, and after 148 laps, Moreira and the Pro Honda LCR team wrap up the Buriram Test and are now prepared for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season, scheduled for next week here in Thailand.
Diogo Moreira (11) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Pro Honda LCR
Diogo Moreira 19th – (1’29.920):“I’m really happy with how the test went. We’ve made significant progress since yesterday and are almost ready to kick off the season! There’s still work to be done, but we’re much closer now. The team and I have done a great job together, and I want to thank them for their support, they give me a lot of confidence, and we have great communication. In terms of pace, we still have room to improve, and I’m excited to get started at the Grand Prix next week.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Complete 2026 Preseason Testing in Thailand.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team concluded their 2026 preseason testing programme on Day 2 of the Buriram MotoGP Official Test. Riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins wrapped up the day in 17th and 20th place respectively in the Day 2 and overall Buriram Test rankings.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins returned to the Chang International Circuit today for the final day of 2026 preseason testing. They completed their testing schedules and took 17th and 20th place respectively in the Day 2 and the combined Buriram MotoGP Official Test results.
With the 2026 MotoGP season due to start in one week’s time, the teammates made the most of today’s two riding sessions (Session 1 from 10:00-13:00 GMT +7 and Session 2 from 13:20-17:30) and worked diligently to find a good base set-up.
Quartararo got another 55 laps in on Day 2. He clocked a 1’30.206s in the morning session, which had him take 17th place in the Session 1 results. In the afternoon, he dipped under the 1’30s mark. His 1’29.701s, set in the final stages, had him rank 9th in the Session 2 results and 17th in the combined Day 2 rankings, 1.033s off today’s top time.
Rins completed 54 laps on Day 2. His 1’30.234s best morning time put him in 18th position in the Session-1 timesheets. He wrapped up Session 2 in 16th place with a 1’30.122s. This time has the Spaniard rank 20th in today’s overall classifications, 1.454s from the fastest rider.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will be back in action at the Chang track from 27 February – 1 March to kick off the 2026 MotoGP season with the Grand Prix of Thailand.
Massimo Meregalli:“These last two days have been a bit tougher than the previous test days in Sepang, but we got some good information. We are still at the beginning of this new project, and ups and downs are a part of the process. Up to this test, we had spent all our time on evaluating components. Here, we started working on the set-ups for the first time. We discovered some limits, but also some opportunities. The riders all have their own way of describing things, but they are all giving the same feedback – this is very important for us. This gives us a clear direction to work towards, and we believe we will be able to gradually improve the performance throughout the season.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“We are in the process of figuring out how the new bike works compared to the previous one. We need a bit more time. Hopefully, we will make more steps in the coming months. In terms of pace, we still need to improve. We will work hard on this. My finger is not fully healed yet at the moment, but I will be fine for the first race.”
Alex Rins (42) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins:“The test and the preseason have been completed. We need to keep working. I tried to give my best feedback to the engineers to improve the bike. Physically, I’m feeling super strong. I did a really good preseason in terms of the gym, so I’m ready for the season.”
ARLINGTON, Texas – The seventh round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship signified the annual visit of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for Military Appreciation Night inside AT&T Stadium. A captivating night of racing produced a pair of first-time winners, as 450SMX Class points leader Hunter Lawrence finally seized control of the spotlight with an impressive breakthrough victory for Honda HRC Progressive. The Australian outlasted each of his championship rivals to assert his hold of the red plate.
Hunter Lawrence Breaks Through for First Career Monster Energy Supercross Victory on Night of Firsts in Arlington.
The 450SMX Class Main Event started with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine of Cooper Webb and the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki of Ken Roczen side-by-side exiting the first turn, as Webb was able to edge out Roczen for the holeshot only to give up the lead to the German as they fought for position on the opening lap. Lawrence slotted behind them into third, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac started outside the top 10 in 11th place. Roczen was able to keep Webb at bay and grabbed hold of the race lead. Soon the lead trio settled in while Tomac made an incredible charge up to fourth within the first couple laps to set the stage for a thrilling fight for victory. As Webb pursued Roczen he made a small bobble, which allowed Lawrence to pass for third. Shortly thereafter, Lawrence surged onto Roczen’s rear fender and applied pressure for the lead with about 13 minutes to go, which allowed the top four to move within two seconds of one another. Roczen withstood the attack and the top four once again settled in through the middle of the 20 Minute + 1 Lap race.
As the race approached its final six minutes the action picked up once more as Lawrence mounted another attack and got alongside Roczen in the whoops, only to be halted by a slower rider. Lawrence didn’t relent and made a pass stick moments later. Webb then got by Roczen for second, only to have Tomac surge by both Roczen and Webb to move from fourth to second. Webb was forced off the track in the process, which allowed Roczen to reclaim third. However, Webb made another pass to regain podium position.
Lawrence opened up a healthy lead with his pass on Roczen and was forced to deal with a brief push from Tomac with two minutes to go. Lawrence responded and carried on to a long-awaited victory by 2.8 seconds over Tomac, with Webb in third and Roczen fourth.
Lawrence’s win came in his 26th premier class start, inside the same venue of his first 250SMX Class victory during the 2021 season. He became the season’s fifth different winner in seven races and moved out to a four-point lead over Tomac. Webb is third, 16 points out of the lead, with Roczen fourth, 18 points back.
After four runner-up finishes in the first six races, Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence broke through for his first premier class victory. Photo courtesy SMX
Hunter Lawrence – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s cool, but we’ve got a lot of racing left. I’m happy to tick that little box. It’s a huge thank you to my team and everyone that’s around me. We’ve got an amazing group and that’s really the most valuable thing in my program. It takes a whole village to move mountains.
“Even when you get a sixth place it’s really tough, but man how cool it was racing against all those boys. Me and Kenny [Roczen] had some awesome back-and-forth, Coop [Webb] was right there, Eli [Tomac] was right there. It’s pretty cool racing with the sport’s legends. Awesome.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac overcame a start outside the top 10 to bring home a hard-fought second place finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Eli Tomac – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“[The first lap] absolutely saved my race. I was happy to make some moves there and just happened to find openings that allowed me to pass two or three guys at a time. Somehow by Lap 2 or 3 I could see the front of the race and knew I was okay. What a difficult track tonight. I fought to the end as much as I could. Second was all we had tonight.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb grabbed the holeshot and stayed in the thick of the fight for victory en route to a third place result. Photo courtesy SMX.
Cooper Webb – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It was a fun race, for sure, but I’m honestly a little bummed. I was pretty nice and should have been more aggressive with [Roczen] and maybe gotten the pass [for the lead] earlier. It was a sick race with all of us four bunched up there. I tried to make the pass on [Roczen for second] and Eli [Tomac] ended up getting me and ran me off the track, then Kenny got back by me. I kind of lost the tow of [the leaders]. I’m bummed at myself. I saw a few openings I should have taken and I didn’t. I was too patient tonight. Overall, we’ll take it.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Eli Tomac, Hunter Lawrence, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy SMX.
Pierce Brown Opens Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class with Maiden Win.
The anticipated opening race of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class Championship was equally exciting and got underway with Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda out front for the holeshot in his first race since he underwent surgery in November to repair two fractured and displaced vertebrae in his neck and upper back. The reigning 250SMX World Champion from Japan was followed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Pierce Brown and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Daxton Bennick, while Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, a title favorite, started deep inside the top 20 after he fell in the first turn and collected multiple contenders.
Shimoda sprinted out to a lead of more than three seconds and stabilized his advantage through the opening portion of the race until an unexpected sequence changed the complexion of the race. Red medical lights were displayed as Shimoda approached the finish line, which required him to not jump any obstacle until cleared. As he rolled through to begin the next lap, both Brown and Bennick completed the obstacles at normal race pace, with no apparent lights displayed, which allowed Brown to not only overcome the deficit but also make the pass for the lead. Shimoda resumed full pace in second and fought back but was unable to get by Brown as Bennick pursued from third. Shimoda’s pursuit of Brown and the lead continued throughout the remainder of the 15 Minute + 1 Lap race and while the Honda rider appeared to be faster at times, he was unable to attempt a pass. With less than one minute to go Shimoda made one final push and dove under Brown with an inside line but was unable to sustain the momentum, which allowed Brown to pull away to victory.
Brown took the checkered flag by 2.4 seconds over Shimoda, with Bennick right behind in third. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker, who was involved in the first-turn incident with Davies, finished fourth, while Davies impressed with a resilient come-from-behind fifth place result. For Brown, it not only signified his first Supercross victory in 33 starts, but it also came one year after he crashed out of the lead of the 2025 Eastern Divisional opener and suffered a fractured vertebra, which sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Brown’s win has put him atop the Eastern Divisional standings, with a three-point lead over Shimoda and a five-point advantage over Bennick. It will mark the first time Brown has ever carried the red plate.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Pierce Brown captured an emotional first career Supercross win to open the Eastern Divisional Championship. Photo courtesy SMX.
Pierce Brown – 1st Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I don’t even know where to start. There were so many nights where I didn’t think this would be possible. Missing a year, especially with the injury I had, it’s pretty degrading. It’s a scary thing to come back from and there were a lot of doubts. I’m just thankful I never stopped fighting. Every day this offseason we put our best foot forward. Wow. This is…amazing.”
An anticipated return to action from injury for Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda resulted in a holeshot, multiple laps led, and a runner-up finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Jo Shimoda – 2nd Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I saw the red [medical] light come on and you’re not supposed to jump that, so I don’t know what happened. We’ll review it. Overall, it was a good one for me. I felt rusty all day, to be honest, but my adrenaline kicked in for the race. It’s a good way to start.”
Daxton Bennick captured a third career podium finish in his debut race with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Photo courtesy SMX.
Daxton Bennick – 3rd Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I turned a pretty bad day into a good day. I thought if I could be top five [in the main event] that’d be good for me. I struggled all day, but I’m pumped to come away with a podium. I dug deep in that race. We’ll keep digging this week and come out swinging next weekend.”
Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Jo Shimoda, Pierce Brown, and Daxton Bennick. Photo courtesy SMX.
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, February 28, for the eighth race of the season from legendary Daytona International Speedway and the 56th running of the Daytona Supercross in Florida. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Nicolo Bulega won the World Superbike Race Two Sunday afternoon at rainy Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, the Italian won the 22-lap race by 11.336 seconds.
Axel Bassani was the runner-up on his Bimota by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini, and Alvaro Bautista was third on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucciwent from 10th on the grid to 6th at the finish on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
American Garrett Gerloff crossed the finish line 10th on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Nicolo Bulega leads the championship with 62 points, 20 ahead of Axel Bassani who has 42 points. Yari Montella is third with 26 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM World Superbike Championship:
PERFECTION DOWN UNDER: Bulega completes Australian hat-trick, Bautista takes first Barni Ducati podium.
The #11 topped all but one session throughout the weekend as he made the perfect start to his 2026 title quest
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) repeated his 2025 success at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit by claiming a hat-trick to start the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in stunning fashion. The #11 mastered the rain in Race 2 for the Australian Round to make it three from three at the season-opener, finishing ahead of Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team).
Nicolo Bulega (11) won the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
WET RACE DRAMA: Chaos from lights out
Bulega got a great start in the wet conditions as he held the lead from pole position, pulling out a gap of over a second ahead of Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), who charged into the provisional podium places from the second row. Bassani was also looking to make moves, while teammate Alex Lowes struggled in the early laps, dropping to fifth. Although he stabilised his pace, the #22 crashed out on Lap 19 at Turn 1. On Lap 4, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) passed Bassani to move into the podium places.
Alvaro Bautista (19) during the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
TAKING HOME THE PODIUM: Bautista on the rostrum for the first time as an Independent rider
Sam Lowes was running in the podium places but crashed out on Lap 6 at Turn 3, with the #14 walking away from the spill but he was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following that crash. There, he was diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and contusions to his right hand and left ankle. That crash promoted Bassani back into the podium places, although he was some six seconds behind Montella in second. That settled down the podium places, until Montella fell at Turn 9 on Lap 16, as he lost the rear of his bike. That promoted Bassani into second and teammate Bautista into third place. Bulega’s 23rd WorldSBK win moved him ahead of Marco Melandri in terms of Italian riders with the most wins, while he’s also gone level with Troy Corser and Jonathan Rea for Phillip Island wins, with eight. Bassani’s rostrum meant it was just the second time he’s had two podiums in a round, coming after Magny-Cours in 2022, while Bimota’s three podiums mean they are already only one behind their 2025 tally. Bautista became the second-oldest rider to take a WorldSBK podium at 41 years, 3 months and 1 day old; only Max Biaggi (44 years, 1 month, 7 days old) was older.
MACKENZIE’S BEST RESULT: P4 for the Brit
Bautista had to fend off Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Action Racing) for P4 before Sam Lowes’ crash, with the #95 settling for P4 from 13th on the grid and his best WorldSBK result as he once again showed his wet weather prowess. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) took Yamaha’s best result of the weekend as he took P5, comfortably his best showing of the weekend.
OLIVEIRA’S LATEST COMEBACK: P21 to P7 for the #88
There was a big battle between Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), teammate Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) over P6. Petrucci came out on top ahead of Portuguese star Oliveira, who had to fight back from 21st on the grid again after his late tech problem in the Tissot Superpole Race demoted him from the top nine. However, the #88 was able to climb through the field to secure P7, finishing 0.473s ahead of Lecuona in eighth.
BALDASSARRI PENALISED: ‘Balda’ fights back for P9
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was unable to hit the high notes of Race 1. The #34 was penalised with a double Long Lap Penalty for a jump start, but ‘Balda’ was able to fight back to claim P9, less than a second away from Lecuona. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top ten, although he was some 15 seconds back from the Italian ahead of him.
SCORING POINTS: All finishers take home rewards from Race 2
Tetsuta Nagashima (Honda HRC) claimed P11 ahead of rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing), with the Italian more than six seconds back from the Japanese rider. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) scored points with 13th ahead of teammate Stefano Manzi in 14th, while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was the last classified rider; meaning all riders who finished the race scored points.
RETIREMENTS FROM RACE 2: Rato, Vickers and Vierge join the Lowes brothers
Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was the first victim of the conditions when he highsided on the exit of Turn 4, retiring from the race. Ryan Vickers (Honda HRC) brought his machine into the pits to retire in the first half of the race, while Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed out at Turn 2 on Lap 13.
The top six from WorldSBK Race 2, full results here:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +11.336s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +17.790s
Albert Arenas won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. The AS BLU CRU Yamaha YZF-R9 rider won the 18-lap race by 4.937 seconds.
His teammate Aldi Mahendra was second, and Matteo Ferrari got third on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished 24th on his ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros 820RR.
Albert Arenas leads the championship with 38 points, 7 ahead of Jaume Masia who has 31 points. Matteo Ferrari is third with 26 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM WorldSuperbike:
PODIUM DEBUTANTS: Arenas takes maiden WorldSSP win ahead of Mahendra and Ferrari on podium for the first time.
For the first time since Phillip Island back in 2001, three riders have taken their maiden podium at once.
The FIM Supersport World Championship’s opening salvo at the Australian Round has concluded! WorldSSP’s first round of 2026 opened the campaign on a high note, promising a shootout of a season to come! Race 2 brought rain for the first time of the weekend Down Under, featuring a wet track at lights out. Several riders chose wisely, opting for slicks and enabling them to sail ahead of the rest of the pack, who had to return to pit lane to discard their rain tyres. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) prevailed for his first WorldSSP win and his first win since his Moto3 Austrian GP victory. 2024 WorldSSP300 Champions Aldi Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) became Indonesia’s first podium finisher in WorldSSP. Rounding out the trio of first-time podium finishers, Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) brings his country of Italy its 260th WorldSSP podium.
ARENAS ON TOP: Becomes Spain’s seventh WorldSSP race winner
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) fired off from lights out for the holeshot, followed into Turn 1 by Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing). As the laps piled up and the track dried up, the order changed dramatically. Aldi Mahendra’s decision to use slick tyres paid off early; despite his back-of-grid start, he didn’t show a lick of fear of the wet conditions as he was up into P4 after a single lap. By Lap 2, the Indonesian had taken P1 from Oncu. Albert Arenas caught up to the pair, and the trio of Yamaha riders sparred at the front of the pack before Arenas and Mahendra had put more than 11 seconds between themselves and Oncu as the Spaniard and the Indonesian both came prepared on slick tyres. Oncu later ducked into pit lane on Lap 6 to change to slicks, but it was too little too late to challenge for the rostrum spots and had to settle for P5 at the head of all the riders who had to pit. Despite starting back in P11, Matteo Ferrari found himself sailing up the grid as he came equipped with slick tyres. While by then he was unable to catch the pair in front of him, he took a proud P3 finish for his maiden podium.
Albert Arenas won the WSSP Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
TOUGH LUCK FOR #77: The Swiss rider suffers a tech issue from P4
Andrea Giombini (Motozoo by Madforce Dubai) was the last clever rider to have equipped the slicks, and he was rewarded with a P4 finish, 39 seconds ahead of Oncu. The result comes as a clear improvement from Giombini’s previous best result of P21, set in Race 1 earlier this weekend. Dominique Aegerter (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) was another beneficiary of a clever tyre selection; despite starting in P23, he settled into P4, a huge improvement on his Race 1 P23. Unfortunately for the Swiss rider, he suffered a tech issue in the final moments. The result means he finished outside the points in both races at Phillip Island.
GARCIA CAPITALIZES: The Spaniard climbs six positions for sixth place
Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) played his hand well, climbing from P12 to finish P6. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was battling among the front of the riders who needed to pit. A big moment in Lap 5’s Turn 2 saw him lose speed, resulting in a still-positive P7.
MAHIAS RECOVERS POINTS: The Frenchman will take eight points from Race 2
Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) pitted on Lap 5 and rode to a P8 finish, 1.430s behind Zaccone. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) finished as the top Kawasaki after Aegerter’s tech issue, snagging a P9 to salvage two top ten finishes from an off-pace opening weekend for the team. He did well to recover from a Minimum Pit Time Infringement penalty of 0.160s. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) was mired farther down the pack than he enjoyed in Race 1; this time around, he had to change tyres and was only able to salvage P10 from the rain-affected contest.
Nicolo Bulega won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday afternoon at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, the Italian won the 10-lap race by 2.752 seconds.
Axel Bassani was the runner-up on his Bimota by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini, and Alex Lowes was right behind his teammate in third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished 6th on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci finished his race 10th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
Nicolo Bulega leads the championship with 37 points, 11 ahead of Yari Montella who has 26 points. Axel Bassani is third with 22 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM Superbike World Championship:
DRAMATIC BATTLE: Bulega fights back for P1 in the Superpole Race, Bassani takes his first Bimota podium.
Bulega doubled up in Australia with victory in the 10-lap race, with rain falling which made it a chaotic affair
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it two from two in the Australian Round in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, but it was anything but simple for the #11. After losing ground at the start at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, finishing ahead of Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) who claimed his first podium for Bimota and his first rostrum in 939 days. Teammate Alex Lowes completed the rostrum.
Teammates Axel Bassini and Alex Lowes finished 2nd and 3th of the Superpole race. Photo courtesy WSBK.
MONTELLA LEADS, BULEGA DROPS: Off to a dramatic start…
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) got the holeshot as lights went out as he stormed into the lead, while polesitter Bulega dropped down to fourth on the opening lap. The #5 looked to build a gap over the chasing pack, but Alex Lowes closed the gap over the second lap as he chased Bimota’s first win in 26 years. At the start of Lap 4, Bulega got ahead of Alex Lowes at Turn 1 to move into second, after passing Bassani at the same corner the lap before. On Lap 4, Bulega barged his way ahead of Montella at Turn 10 to take the lead, while white flags were showing for spots of rain in Sectors 2 and 3 at the same time.
BASSANI CHASES BULEGA: The #11 holds on as ‘El Bocia’ returns to the rostrum
The drops of rain coincided with Bassani gaining on Bulega, after he got ahead of his teammate, gaining multiple tenths on the #11 across the final two sectors. Bulega was able to hold on heading on to Lap 7, while Montella ran wide at Turn 1 as he dropped out of the podium battle. At the front, on Lap 8, Bulega built up a lead of over a second to Bassani as he claimed his second win of the weekend and 22nd in WorldSBK, putting him level with Marco Melandri. Bassani took his first podium for Bimota with second, while Alex Lowes held on from Montella to make it a double Bimota podium for the first time since Race 2 at Estoril in 1988, when Stephane Mertens beat Davide Tardozzi.
SECOND ROW START IN RACE 2: Montella fourth ahead of Sam Lowes and Gerloff
Montella was classified in fourth, just 0.022s behind the #22 as he finished in fourth, although he did lead a lap in WorldSBK for the first time. He finished four tenths clear of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in fifth as the Brit secured a second row start for Race 2 this afternoon. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) had been in the podium fight but Montella’s error at Turn 1 in the second half of the race cost them time.
Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) battled from the fourth row to finish in seventh ahead of Race 1 podium finisher Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven), while Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was ninth. The #7 lost a huge chunk of time on the opening lap at Turn 1, but fought his way back through the field to secure a third-row start, with Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) just missing out in P10. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had been in that fight after starting 21st on the grid but he hit drama on the last lap, dropping from the top nine to 18th place.
VIERGE DOESN’T TAKE THE START: Technical problem hinders the #97
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) did not take part in the race. He had been due to line up from ninth, but a technical issue on the bike forced him into the pits, with the Spanish rider unable to start the race. With Petrucci finishing tenth in the Superpole Race, he will line up from the same position in Race 2, with Vierge dropping from ninth to P11.
The top nine from the WorldSBK Superpole Race, full results here:
Racer Jim Still died February 14th at age 73. He was best known for racing with the We’re Human Too WERA National Endurance team, which he formed with partner Kurt Hall in 1989. In 1990 the team was renamed Hall ‘N Still Racing.
Larry Lawrence posted this on his Rider Files Facebook page on November 3rd, 2011:
In 1989 the WERA National Endurance team We’re Human Too was formed by Jim Still and Kurt Hall. The name was a play on the team that Hall raced for, The Human Race Team. In this photo (seen above) from Turn Five at Road Atlanta, both principals of We’re Human Too are shown. Jim Still is leading on the We’re Human Too Suzuki (No. 60) ahead of Team Suzuki Endurance rider Mike Smith (No. 2) and Kurt Hall on the Human Race Team Yamaha (No. 1). If I remember correctly Hall once told me that Suzuki contingency money was such that they could actually turn a profit if the team had consistent top results. It did, winning the Mediumweight Production class in the 1989 WERA National Endurance Series. When Hall left The Human Race Team the next year and moved to Team Suzuki, the link with The Human Race Team was gone and We’re Human Too became Hall ‘N Still Racing.
Jim Still’s sister, Mary Still, posted this tribute on February 17th, 2026:
A Tribute to My Big Brother, Jim
Jim was my big brother – and he was an extraordinary person in more ways than I can express.
There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t do. Whatever he set his mind to, he pursued with determination and mastered with excellence. Whether it was repairing a car engine, racing cars, cooking an unbelievable meal, playing tennis or riding motorcycles, Jim didn’t just try – he perfected. He never stopped learning, never stopped improving, until he reached the very top of whatever he attempted.
But what defined Jim most was not just his talent – it was his strength.
He was always the strong one. The one who made sure everyone else was okay. The one who carried responsibility without complaint. His family could rest easier because Jim was there – steady, capable, and protective.
His greatest devotion was to his wife, Debbie and to his children. Jim accepted nothing short of complete care and security for them. He worked tirelessly to ensure they were provided for and protected. If there was one mission that stood above all others in his life, it was making sure they were cared for. His love for them was constant, unwavering, and evident in everything he did.
Jim showed his love in action. Every Thanksgiving, after spending hours carefully preparing and perfecting each dish, he would personally deliver dinner to his mother, brothers, and sister. He didn’t do anything halfway. Every recipe was perfected. Every detail mattered. His love was conveyed not through words alone, but through devotion – through giving his very best.
When we were kids, we decided gift-giving was too difficult. So instead, we exchanged five dollars – often the very same five-dollar bill – back and forth. It was simple, funny, and perfectly us. That small tradition says so much about our bond: uncomplicated, steady, and full of quiet affection.
In his illness, Jim was remarkable. He refused to complain. He refused to burden others, even when his suffering was great. Somehow, no matter what he was enduring, he kept going. He put others first. He carried his pain with dignity and strength.
Jim valued his privacy, and we respected that. With the weight of so many responsibilities on his shoulders, he needed his quiet moments. Yet even in his solitude, his presence was deeply felt by all of us.
Jim will continue to inspire me. His drive for excellence. His devotion to family. His quiet strength. His perseverance. He set a standard – to do our best, to care deeply, and to stand strong for the people we love.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, we are urged not to grieve as those without hope. We mourn, but we do so with a hope that brings comfort instead of despair. Because of that promise, this is not goodbye forever.
The 2026 season is officially underway for Bodie Paige and Jake Paige, as the brothers opened their Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup campaign with the first official test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
This season, the Paige brothers are racing both the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup and the full MotoAmerica series.
Saturday action concludes with a familiar duo on top – but plenty of stories continue to build ahead of race action.
Day 1 is in the books at the Buriram Test and it’s 2025 runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who tops the timesheets with a 1:29.262 in Thailand. Hot on his heels despite two crashes it’s reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), 0.129 in arrears, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) just taking third as he edged out Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi by just 0.011. It was a tight fight for that P3 as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) lurked only another 0.005 back too.
Here’s what we saw on Saturday – on the timesheets and beyond.
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group
BK8 GRESINI RACING MOTOGP, PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM, DUCATI LENOVO TEAM
Alex Marquez continued working out which aero package he prefers, and took that P1. His full-time teammate in the box, Fermin Aldeguer, is out injured and replaced by Michele Pirro, with the Italian completing the running 3.3s off Marquez but putting in some valuable track time.
After the highs of Sepang, Marc Marquez didn’t have it all his own way on Day 1 at Buriram. Two crashes for the reigning World Champion saw the first half of his day spent in the gravel or in the box. The first one was a fast one at the final corner as he was braking on the kerbs whilst the second was a small get-off at Turn 5, but rider ok. He also got back out there and finished the day in P2 on the combined times in somewhat classic style #93 bounce back.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was P12 but continued his positive pre-season form and was seen smiling throughout the day in the box. In the red corner there was more debate about the 2025 aero vs the 2024 package as well as different variations of the 2025 one itself. There’s now one day to decide…
From the blue of Gresini to the fluorescent yellow of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducatis. Fabio Di Giannantonio was up inside the top three for the majority of the day whilst Franco Morbidelli left it late to replicate what he showed in Sepang and pull off a leapfrog. The #21 jumped up the order into the top three in the closing 20 minutes, taking the chequered flag in third. Ninth at the conclusion of day one for ‘Diggia’ but with both riders strong throughout testing, there’re exciting times ahead for VR46.
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
APRILIA RACING & TRACKHOUSE MOTOGP TEAM
Aprilia’s pre-season has been the highlight of many within the MotoGP paddock and day one was no exception. Bezzecchi took fourth whilst teammate Jorge Martin was less than four tenths off the #72 despite riding the RS-GP at Buriram for the first time, ending the day in P13. Bezzecchi had a small crash on his way back to the pits but was perfectly OK. They had the latest spec of rear aero which was featured at Sepang as well as some new air ducts – but with a slightly different objective: to channel air to go around the riders legs.
Like in Bezzecchi and Martin’s garage, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) also had the latest spec of rear aero on his RS-GP. The 2025 Australian GP winner put in a fast run at the end of the day too, moving up into the top three originally before concluding the day in sixth. Teammate Ai Ogura likes Buriram, the place of his debut in MotoGP last year and thus his best result of the season but did struggle to match the #25. Ogura back-to-back tested the rear aero with the one seen in Valencia last season, confirming which direction he wants to go in. 15th at the flag, expect the Japanese star to make bigger moves on the final day tomorrow.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
CASTROL HONDA LCR, HONDA HRC CASTROL & PRO HONDA LCR
Leading Honda’s charge, a mighty effort from Zarco saw the Frenchman climb up the order to fifth with a flying lap putting him just 0.205s away from Alex Marquez in P1. It wasn’t all smooth for Zarco – literally – though, as he said he struggled with consistent control of the bike as it evolved from one lap to another. Elsewhere, teammate Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) continued to adapt to his new MotoGP environment and said it’s all about the fast corners. A challenging day in the soaring heat, he was 20th at the end of it all but expect his time to drop significantly if all goes well on day two; he stated he has homework to do and plans to watch other riders’ lines.
Despite only having one bike available after a technical issue, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) was right in the thick of it once again, backing up Zarco’s pace and confirming Honda’s progress. He clinched seventh on the timesheets and confirmed that for him and teammate Luca Marini, there’ll be some aero-related items to try on day two before getting into the Grand Prix weekend.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING & RED BULL KTM TECH3
KTM’s charge on Saturday was led by Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in eighth place. He was using the latest aero seen for the first time at Sepang, seemingly smaller than their previous incarnation. Teammate Enea Bastianini followed the same method of working as his teammate but struggled to match his pace as yet, finishing in P16.
There were small improvements made by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he finished 10th at the end of play on day one, stating that his day went “great”. He also used the smaller aero from Sepang but teammate Pedro Acosta left it until later in the day to make the switch to it. The #37 was the third-best KTM though and after the highs of Sepang where he was fourth and the best in orange, he finished day one in 13th – work to do for The Shark.
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP & PRIMA PRAMAC YAMAHA MOTOGP TEAM
The adaptation period is very much continuing at Yamaha as they seek to find their way forwards with the V4. Fresh from a quick trip to Adelaide to welcome the Australian city onto MotoGP’s calendar from 2027, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the best of the Yamahas in 17th and just over a second adrift of Alex Marquez’s top time. Teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu had a modified handlebar as well as a tweaked seat unit. Like in Sepang, there were no stegosaurus wings on the rear of the YZR-M1 due to height restrictions. Ergonomics are vital for ‘El Turco’, the tallest rider on the grid; the triple WorldSBK Champion was 21st on the opening day.
Unfortunately for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), it was not a day one to remember. He wasn’t impressed with the performance of the bike out on track, showing his anger in the box as well as a clear signal to the bike itself. ‘El Diablo’ also had chassis variations to try as well as the latest swingarm at his disposal. On the other side of his box, Alex Rins was behind the 2021 World Champion but was less than a tenth of a second away; the Spaniard had a different chassis available to him that wasn’t seen on his teammate’s side but both had the latest spec aero. They finished the day in 18th and 19th respectively with just one more day remaining to get the bike in the best of shape possible.
There’s another whole day of track action to come before pre-season concludes, but the countdown is very much on now. Join us for Sunday from Buriram as the final test day gets underway – half an hour earlier than first scheduled from 9:30am (UTC+7) local time! Check out the full RESULTS HERE.
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46:
Positive first day of Official MotoGP test for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which is in third place with Franco Morbidelli and in ninth with Fabio Di Giannantonio at Buriram.
At the Chang International Circuit, the last Official MotoGP winter test got underway, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team had a solid Day 1 despite the very high temperatures. Franco Morbidelli finished the first day in third place, while Fabio Di Giannantonio ended in ninth place.
Consistent Day 1 for Morbidelli, who continued in Buriram the work started during the Sepang test. On the Thai track, Franco also focused on the setup of his Ducati Desmosedici GP, completing 59 laps overall. The heat did not slow down the Italian-Brazilian rider, who set a 1’29”451 as his best time of the day, a lap that secured him third place in the combined classification.
A solid day as well for Di Giannantonio, who worked on the updates to his Ducati: Fabio focused on confirming the work carried out during the Sepang test also in Buriram, where the first race of the season will take place. The rider from Rome ended Day 1 in ninth place in the combined classification after completing 66 laps overall, with a best time of 1’29”643.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will return to the track tomorrow for the second and final day of MotoGP collective testing in Buriram before the start of the season, which will kick off with the Thai Grand Prix, scheduled from February 27th to March 1st.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “I’m much happier today than in Malaysia test. Today it wasn’t an easy day, but we were able to stick to the plan and try everything we had in the plan. I’ve never been very quick on this track, but it seems we found a way to go fast here too, and it’s very important. The feeling with the bike is good, we tried many things and some of them were an improvement on the bike. The goal is to put all the things together to get the best package possible, so let’s see if we can start to prepare the race weekend already. Tomorrow we will also try the new aero once again, let’s see if we can use it for the first race.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive day, we tried to adapt the setup to this track. We went back and forth with some setting solutions in terms of electronics and chassis, and it went well. We were able to adapt very well to the track and to the different tyres as well. I like the new aero package, it’s a bit different in some areas. The plan for tomorrow is to continue working on the setup but also doing a race simulation. We will try some time attacks in the morning. I feel well, I look forward to starting the season, we are fast. The test started well, and this is giving me even more will to start and more confidence.”
More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco finished 5th on Saturday at the Buriram Test.
After completing 74 laps, Johann Zarco and the team had a solid day on Thai soil, as today marked the first of the two scheduled testing days before next week’s race.
It was a steady day where hard work paid off in the end, with the #5 rider securing 5th place.
However, there is still room for improvement, as the rider admits to missing some feeling to fully push. Tomorrow will be another chance to search for it.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco 5th – (1:29.467):“It was a tough day, as I struggled a bit at the start. By the end, we managed to be fast and set a good lap time, but we still need to improve to feel more comfortable. We know the bike is competitive, but we need to find its full potential and the right setup. It’s a work in progress. We are looking for that ‘really good feeling’, we’ll see tomorrow!”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Marini and Mir find their rhythm at the Buriram Test.
The last chance to experiment without the pressures of a race weekend for the Honda HRC Castrol squad as the Buriram Test commences, Joan Mir and Luca Marini positive after the first day on track.
The penultimate test of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship pre-season began at the Chang International Circuit, the Honda HRC Castrol team resuming their work from the previous outing in Sepang. Time between tests gave Honda HRC’s engineers the perfect opportunity to assess the data gathered, the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix racing arriving in Thailand with several new ideas.
Joan Mir put in a best lap of 1’29.494 on his final run of the day to go seventh overall and end within a quarter of a second of Alex Marquez, fastest of the first day. Still working on the setup of his Honda RC213V, the #36 was left content with the time he achieved but is aiming to complete more laps tomorrow.
Ending the morning session in third place, Luca Marini remained within half a second of the top times throughout the entirety of the day. A total of 60 laps produced a best time of 1’29.774 for the Italian and saw him end in 12th as 0.9s split the top 16. Improving rear grip remains Marini’s main focus for the last day of the Buriram Test.
Now just a single day of testing awaits, a final chance to gather data and prepare the plan for the opening Grand Prix of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship season.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“A good day overall but maybe not as straight forward as I was expecting because we had a few things to work on between the two bikes we have here. It lost us a bit of time in the morning, but after that we focused and got through a lot for a really positive part of the day. Our package isn’t perfect, but we can make a good lap time alone with it, so this is positive for the first day here. More tomorrow as we try a few final items and then turn an eye to the race.”
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini: “Another step compared to the last test, improving a little bit more and more. Friday practice is where it matters, but I am satisfied with what we have done so far and what items we have been able to get through. Everyone worked well today as we chase our main target – more rear grip. Everything else is in a good position, especially when we compare to where we were one year ago.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Take P18 and P19 on Day 1 of Testing in Thailand.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins started the two-day Buriram MotoGP Official Test by getting a solid number of laps in and preparing for the upcoming Grand Prix of Thailand (27 February – 1 March). The teammates ended Day 1 in 18th and 19th place respectively in the overall rankings.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team sprung to action today at the Chang International Circuit for the two-day Buriram MotoGP Official Test. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins completed the first day in 18th and 19th place respectively in the overall timesheets.
The Buriram Test Day 1 consisted of two riding sessions: Session 1 from 10:00-13:00 GMT +7 and Session 2 from 13:20-18:00.
The team was in high spirits having Quartararo back in the garage after he sustained a finger injury at the Sepang Test two weeks’ prior. The Frenchman was fully motivated to get back to work and ran a total of 67 laps on Day 1. His fastest lap was a 1’30.507s (Session 2), which put him in 18th place in the combined Session 1 + Session 2 timesheets, 1.245s from the top.
Rins enjoyed a productive outing. As the Chang International Circuit will be hosting the opening GP of the season next week, he and his crew are fully focused on bike set-ups. He completed 64 laps over the course of the first day. His best lap of 1’30.512s (Session 2) had him rank 19th in the Day 1 classifications, 1.250s from first.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back at the Chang track tomorrow from 09:30-13:00 GMT +7 and 13:20-17:30 to wrap up 2026 preseason testing.
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“It was a long day. We will try to figure out something to improve a bit more tomorrow. Yamaha know the list of priorities and what they have to do. I just focus on providing feedback on what it is we need. Today we changed quite a lot on the bike. Tomorrow, I want to keep the same bike and do some runs in a row with the same base set-up.”
Alex Rins (42) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins: “With the parts – chassis, swingarm, etc. – already decided on, we focused on settings today, trying to understand the bike better and to see where we can improve. It was a productive day. We need to keep working, and Yamaha will keep working to give us further updates, and like this, we can improve a bit more.”
More from a press release issued by Pro Honda LCR:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira finished 20th on the opening day of the Buriram test.
After completing 75 laps, Diogo Moreira and the crew had a consistent day on Thai soil, learning the track and continuing his adaptation to the category on a different layout.
The rider admitted to noticing improvements and is working hard to find the best balance on the bike.
On Sunday, a race simulation is planned ahead of next week’s race, and both the rider and the crew are fully determined to make the most of the day and finish the test in the best way possible.
Diogo Moreira (11) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Pro Honda LCR.
Diogo Moreira 20th – (1:30.953):“Coming here is nice for me; it’s a different layout. It’s been a positive day, and we need to keep this up. Tomorrow, we’ll try to keep improving. It’s difficult to find the lines, and that’s why today I followed some rivals to learn from them. We’re working hard. Everything will come in time; the important thing is to improve day by day. Tomorrow, we’ll focus on the race simulation. Let’s see how it goes!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP begins final two days of testing at Buriram Circuit ahead of Thailand season opener.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP completed a full testing programme on Day 1, with Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu evaluating multiple set-ups and technical solutions on their respective machines. The focus was not on single-lap performance, but on identifying the most effective base setting ahead of tomorrow‘s second test day and next week‘s season-opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
Jack Miller (43) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller:“It was a decent day. We worked through different chassis options and several set-ups, and overall the bike is working reasonably well. I‘m quite happy with our base setting, especially as the chassis feels like a clear step forward compared to Malaysia. Sector 1 and Sector 2 are still our weak points at the moment, which was expected, but in Sector 3 and 4 I feel strong, particularly with the tyre allocation we have here. There‘s still work to do and we know we‘re not going to find 10 km/h overnight, but in general I‘m enjoying the bike and we have a clear direction for tomorrow.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“I‘m still in a learning phase and adapting to this bike, but I can see progress in many areas. The biggest challenge at the moment is understanding the rear tyre, while I feel more comfortable with the front. That said, I don‘t yet have the confidence to fully lean on it the way I used to with the Pirelli. I‘m trying to improve corner by corner, and tomorrow I would like to attempt a sprint-style simulation and maybe also a fast lap like Jack did today — he did a very good job. Step by step, we‘re moving forward.”
Harrison Voight has landed the first major blow in the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK), easily winning today’s season opener at Phillip Island.
The Queenslander put his McMartin Racing Ducati into the lead from the outset, with his speed and work rate then proving to be an irresistible combination as he eased his way to victory ahead of Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) and Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) – three of Australia’s young circuit racing tyros on the one SW-Motech Superbike podium.
In a spectacular day of ASBK action, Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared Kawasaki Supersport victories, while New Zealander Tyler King (Kawasaki) got the job done in a manic Race and Road Supersport 300 race..
Meanwhile, Aussie Oli Bayliss (Triumph) kept the crowd on its toes with his first world Supersport (WorldSSP) podium after a brilliant third place. He’s the first Australan to finish top three in a WorldSSP race since Ant West at Jerez in 2017.
Tickets are still avalable for a huge Sunday of racing at Phillip Island, or they can be purchased at the gate.
The SW-Motech Superbike pack gets underway. Photo courtesy ASBK.
SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE
Could this be the first sod turned in a changing of the SW-Motech Superbike guard?
It was a crushing victory for Voight, who checked out from the start en route to a second Superbike success at Phillip Island in just his sixth race.
While the 19-year-old was producing a masterful front-running performance, it was a bumper battle for second place with Superbike rookie and former Moto3 rider Roulstone and Dunker providing most of the heart-stopping moments as Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) kept a watching brief in his normal free-flowing manner.
Defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), in recovery mode after running off at turn four on lap two, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and polesitter Ant West (DesmoSport Ducati) eventually latched onto the back of the group to make it a six-way freight train.
The pecking order didn’t change much, though, with Roulstone flashing across the line in second position, 2.932sec behind Voight and just a whisker ahead of Dunker, Waters, Jones and Nahlous.
For Waters, in particular, the result was semi-seismic: the first time he had finished off a Phillip Island ASBK podium since round one of the 2022 championship!
West, Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha) completed the top 10 in the 11-lapper.
Races two and three will be held at 9:45am and 1:40pm on Sunday.
The SW-Motech Superbike race one podium: (L to R): Roulstone, Voight and Dunker. Photo courtesy ASBK
KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT
The Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen riders delivered two fiercely contested races to kickstart the 2026 season, with Simpson and evergreen Italian Tamburini the winners.
Simpson’s margin in the opening 10-lapper was a wafer thin 0.075sec over polesitter Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), while Tamburini took maximum advantage of some late squabbling in race two to prevail by nearly a second over Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki).
With the pressure meter dialled up to maximum, the third places were shared by Edwards and Simpson under brilliant Phillip Island sunshine.
Across the two separate championships – Supersport and the fledgling Supersport Next Gen class – Tamburini (1-1) finished Saturday ahead of Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track, 2-2) and 2025 Supersport 300 champion Scott Nicholson (TeamBWR Yamaha, 5-5) in Supersport, and in Supersport Next Gen Simpson (1-2) enjoyed the most profitable harvest from Edwards (3-1) and Nelson (2-3).
Race three is at 11:25am on Sunday.
Kawasaki Supersport Race 1 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
Another hyper Race and Road Supersport 300 race, with the leading combatants going hammer and tongs for the whole eight laps.
This time, it was King who enjoyed the Trans-Tasman bragging rights after a frenzied multi-bike lunge across the finish line, turning the tables on race one winner Nauta.
Just 0.593sec separated the top 11, with reigning No. 2 Jordy Simpson seizing the final spot on the podium ahead of Rossi McAdam, Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien – all on Yamahas.
Lincoln Knight (Yamaha), who finished on the tail of the 11-bike rolling scrum battling for race honours, set the fastest lap of the race – a 1:48.742.
Race three is at 9:10am on Sunday morning to complete round one of five in the 2026 championship.
Tyler King was today’s Race and Road Supersport 300 winner. Photo courtesy ASBK
For more information on the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
Jacob Roulstone (112) and Mike Jones (46) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight were the stars of the show as round one of the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) wound up at Phillip Island on Sunday, November 22.
Their victories in the two SW-Motech Superbike races were at opposite ends of the intensity spectrum: rookie Roulstone (Motocity Honda) catapulting from third on the final lap to win race two, and then an imperious Voight putting the field to the sword in race three.
Voight was the overall round winner with his 1-4-1 scorecard, and he’ll take a 6pt (68 to 62) lead over Roulstone into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28, followed by Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha, 56pts).
“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,”said Voight.“My pace was great, and in race two I got close to the lap record I set two years ago.
“I was a bit of a softie in race two in the mixed condittions, but I was also thinking about the championship. Overall, a fantastic start to the year.”
The Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes also concluded their race one programs at Phillip Island today, with Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) the victors – Simpson’s by just millimetres over Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) in a grandstand finish.
The SW-Motech Superbike top three: (L to R) Roulstone, Dunker and Voight. Photo courtesy ASBK
SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE
Light drizzle played its part in both 11-lap SW-Motech Superbike races today – at the start of this morning’s and at the tail end of the second.
After riders flirted with wets in the first, slicks were hastily fitted after the sighting lap, and it was defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) who got the best of the start as he attempted to win an amazing 21st Superbike race on at Phillip Island.
He led until the final lap, with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) applying the initial pressure before Waters was swamped by Dunker (turn two) and Roulstone (turn four) on the final lap.
Roulstone then performed a slick move on Dunker after the exit of turn 10 to win his maiden ASBK Superbike race in just his second start.
Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Allerton, Anthony West (DesmoSport Ducati), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati).
Josh Waters (1) leading Glenn Allerton (14) and Cameron Dunker (3) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Voight was unstoppable in race two, breaking ranks from the start without even allowing the pack to place a modicum of pressure on him.
And once he reeled off a searing 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his 1:30.790 circuit benchmark – the issue was beyond doubt.
After building such a huge gap, he had the scope to keep his powder dry as the drizzle hit in the final few laps. It was Voight’s third Superbike win at Phillip Island in just seven starts.
Meanwhile, there was plenty of jockeying going on behind with Roulstone, West, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and Waters all spending time in the top three.
Roulstone ran off on lap eight to fall back to seventh, but he rallied to finish the race in fourth behind Voight, Nahlous and Dunker.
West was fifth from Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha).
After round one of five, Waters is fourth in the standings on 50pts from Nahlous (47pts), West (45pts), Allerton (42pts) and Jones (42pts).
KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN
The final Kawasaki Supersport/Superport Next Gen race was declared wet, but it was like a dry affair as the leading riders put on their combative faces from the outset of the 10-lapper.
And what an epic finish, with Olly Simpson (DesmoSport) drafting past fellow Ducati rider Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal) at the death knell to win by just 0.001 seconds.
About 30 seconds earlier, Simpson looked to have scuppered his chances of winning when he nearly crashed at turn nine, with Toparis immediately seizing his opportunity to hit the lead.
But Simpson wasn’t done, and he quickly regrouped to score a pulsating victory – his second of the weekend.
Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was only a whisker behind in third from early race leader Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Will Nassif (Gow Racing Yamaha), race two winner Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and rookie Ghage Plowman (Yamaha).
After round one, Tamburini leads the Supersport class on 69pts from Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 54pts) and Scott Nicholson (TeamBWR Yamaha, 39pts), and in Supersport Next Gen it’s Simpson (70pts) from Edwards (61pts) and Nelson (56pts).
Race and Road Supersport 300 race start at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Morning drizzle provided Sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 battle – but that was only of minor nuisance value for Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.
It was the South Aussie’s third win at Phillip Island in the last nine races, as she leapfrogged up to third in the Supersport 300 standings on 52pts ahead of round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28. Tyler King (Kawasaki, 55pts) leads the battle of the fast-twitch brigade from Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 54pts).
Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) was second in race three from Simpson – completing a trio of third places for the reigning No. 2 – with Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha), Tom Nicolson (Kawasaki) and Jake Senior (Yamaha) in positions 4-6 among the 27 finishers.
Nauta and King, who won races one and two respectively, were well back in 18th and 11th respectively.
Nauta (48pts) is fifth in the standings, behind O’Brien (49pts) and ahead of Senior (45pts).
Tara Morrison (95) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK.
For more information on the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Buriram Test: Bezzecchi beats lap record to lead Ogura in Thailand.
Aprilia shine as pre-season concludes, with Marc Marquez edged down to third heading into Thai GP week.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was under lap record pace on the final day of 2026 pre-season, setting a 1’28.668 at Buriram to close out testing with the fastest ever lap of the venue, be it the official race weekend record or not. Next up it’s Ai Ogura putting Trackhouse MotoGP Team into second, 0.097 off ‘Bez’, with the top three completed by Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) despite a third tumble in two days for the #93. Rider ok. With such a show of force from Aprilia and plenty to write home about, we can’t wait for next weekend. Here’s how testing concluded!
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse MotoGP Team
Pre-season is done for Aprilia and it may be their best yet. Bezzecchi undertook a long run, led for most of the afternoon before firing in an all-time lap record in the final 15 minutes. A 1’28.668 is a major benchmark ahead of next weekend’s Grand Prix and with an average lap time of 1’30.454 after 20 laps, is the #72 in the strongest position for 2026? Both Bezzecchi and teammate Jorge Martin trialled rear aero variations, perhaps to use both at certain points throughout the year. It was P8 for Martin as the 2024 World Champion returns in earnest, and his reports on how he feels getting back to it were overwhelmingly positive.
Meanwhile, MotoGP Team pairing Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez checked out some back-to-back testing of Aprilia’s rear aero too. Both were up inside the top ten on the combined times with less than an hour and a half of pre-season to go but the gauntlet was laid down in the final 30 minutes in Ogura’s time attack, 0.097s from Bezzecchi in P2. We make that most likely the third ever fastest lap of the track. Fernandez was 11th but all four Aprilias look competitive as 2026 looms.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Ducati Lenovo Team, BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
It’s felt like the great debate of MotoGP’s 2026 pre-season: 2024 aero vs 2025 aero at Ducati. Straight out the box this morning having been second on day one, Marc Marquez topped the morning session and was spotted with the older of the aero variations, along with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. It was a slow start for the reigning Champion in the afternoon as illness plagues him and when he did go out, he crashed at Turn 3 – but rider OK. Pecco was in great form, knocking eight tenths off his time from day one, and once Marquez headed back out too, he finished third and only just pipped Bagnaia in fourth.
If there was Tower of Champions for testing, it’d have gone to Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). Comfortably clear in Malaysia, Thailand welcomed him to the top on day one and he was 5th on day two. He was also with the 2024 aero package as he follows the factory team suit. It perhaps didn’t conclude in the best way for the #73, who fell at Turn 9 but was all OK and did head back out. Stand-in teammate Michele Pirro improved his time and finished in 22nd.
Keeping up their solid pre-season, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio worked methodically on the final day of testing. Morbidelli left it late to go out in the afternoon but when he did, he finished seventh and whilst over one lap he’s quick, race pace may not be there. It wasn’t all straightforward for ‘Diggia’, with the #49 experiencing tech problems in the morning before finishing in ninth after setting his fastest lap in the last half an hour during his time attack. In contrary to Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio has strong pace but he suffered over one lap during the Buriram test.
Pedro Acosta (37) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3
Completing the top six and making it three manufacturers towards the sharp end of the order, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ends the test much higher up than Day 1. Eight tenths quicker on Sunday as well and getting a Grand Prix simulation bagged, hard yards in high heat brought positivity. For teammate Brad Binder, the South African struggled but did put in a fast lap late on to move up to P12 with encouraging improvements over one lap coming at the end.
Having been the best KTM on day one, Maverick Viñales didn’t improve in outright one lap speed on Sunday, taking P15 overall. He seems to be preferring the 2025 package, whereas the other three RC-16s are on the latest spec. Teammate Enea Bastianini likewise didn’t leap up the timesheets although he did improve, taking a tenth or so off his time from the opening day. But that’s one-lap speed and racing is a far more complex game, so KTM will be interesting to watch come lights out.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Honda HRC Castrol, CASTROL Honda LCR and Pro Honda LCR
It was a quieter day for Honda on Day 2, but the positivity continues and they end the test in the top ten. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) rocketed himself up into P10 by the final chequered flag of the day whilst Luca Marini, who was the fastest Honda for the majority of the day, ultimately took 13th. The pair were just under 0.8s off the pace of Bezzecchi at the top but head into 2026 in a strong position.
Elsewhere for the Japanese manufacturer, Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) spun some laps with Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) as they finished 14th and 19th respectively. Zarco worked on consistently controlling of the bike from one lap to another whilst Moreira’s goals were to learn from his rivals – where better to start than your teammate?
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
For Yamaha, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) did a long run before lunch and set an average lap time in the low 1’32s before going all-out for a time attack in the closing ten minutes. The Aussie got Yamaha into the 1’29s with a 1’29.701. Along with Grand Prix simulations, he and rookie teammate Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP had on Saturday. For Razgatlioglu, his final day didn’t start well with technical issues and in the end, the Turkish rider just missed out getting into the 1’30s.
Whilst it’s been far from the ideal start to 2026, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was their second-fastest rider on day two of testing in Thailand and able to join Miller in the 1’29s with just 0.029s splitting them both. Teammate Alex Rins was able to improve too and ended the test with his one-lap blast putting him around half a second from Miller. The all-new V4-powered Yamaha YZR-M1 is just that – all new – so they’ll be looking to move further and further forward as the first race weekend of the season approaches.
That’s next weekend, so get ready and strap in for the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The first pole, Tissot Sprint win and Grand Prix victory of the year are soon on offer – and pre-season has revealed plenty of storylines set to unfold. Don’t miss it!
More from a press release issued by BK8 Gresini Racing:
Alex closes pre-season with a top5, Pirro back to the family.
Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Alex Marquez 5th – 1’28.961 (+0.293s): “Aside from the crash, which happened during the race simulation, it was a positive test. Yesterday we had the fastest time, today we were very close to the top. We’re not at 10/10 yet, but compared to yesterday we’ve already made a big step forward in confidence with the bike. Compared to last year, I feel more ready to fight for important results, but this year there will be many riders at top level and it will be a great challenge. I don’t feel pressure, I feel confidence and I can’t wait to start.”
Crash in FP4 – Turn 9 – Rider OK
Michele Pirro (51) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Michele Pirro 22nd – 1’31.777 (+3.109s): “Obviously, I’m sorry to be here as a replacement for an injured rider. That said, we worked hard over these two days; the track is new to me and I didn’t have the chance to push in a time attack. In any case, I’m very happy to be back with Team Gresini after so many years. We’ll work throughout the weekend to help Ducati and Team Gresini.”
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team:
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team ends the 2026 pre-season with confidence.
Positive feelings for Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who end the official MotoGP winter test in Thailand in seventh and ninth place respectively in the combined classification over the two days.
At the Chang International Circuit, the official MotoGP winter tests came to an end, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team also completed Day 2 with positive feelings and confidence ahead of the start of the 2026 season. Franco Morbidelli finished the final day of testing in seventh place, while Fabio Di Giannantonio secured ninth place.
Franco Morbidelli (21) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
It was a positive day for Morbidelli, who continued on Day 2 the work started on the first day of testing. Franco confirmed the good feeling with his Ducati Desmosedici GP, as shown by his time attack. On the second day of testing, the Italian-Brazilian rider improved his best reference time compared to Day 1. Morbidelli completed 61 laps overall, with a best laptime of 1’29”071, which placed him seventh both in the combined classification for the day and in the overall classification across the two days of testing.
Di Giannantonio also completed a positive Day 2, during which he carried out a race simulation with encouraging feedback. Fabio continued working on the updates to his Ducati Desmosedici GP and proved to be competitive in the time attack as well – in the afternoon he topped the timesheets, finishing the session in the Top3. The rider from Rome – who improved his laptime both from Day 1 to Day 2 and from the morning to the afternoon session – completed 68 laps overall. His fastest laptime was 1’29”173, which placed him ninth in both today’s combined classification and the overall classification across the two days of testing.
With the Buriram tests, the MotoGP winter comes to an end, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be back on track in a few days for the Thailand Grand Prix, which will kick off the 2026 season from February 27th to March 1st.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “Long testing days! And this one in Buriram was the hardest of my life because I tried so many things. But I am very happy about that, because we worked very well with the team, we could do everything we had in mind and in our work plan. In terms of speed, it wasn’t our best test because we tried so many things and it was difficult to find the perfect lap and rhythm. But I am happy with the base setup for the first race, it seems that the final one is the same as Sepang, and it’s a huge step. We arrive to the first race with a lot of clear ideas, feeling confident and great with the team. I’m fully confident that we can do a good job with the package we have. We are ready for the season!”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive pre-season: we worked very well during these five days of testing; we cleared out many things. In this Buriram test, we understood few more things about the new bike, that is a bit smoother, quicker and faster on the straight, it gives a better comfort. We were able to improve the feeling step by step throughout the days. On this track, I was four tenths quicker than last year, that is positive. For the start of the season, we can be competitive, we had a good speed, even though the rivals were fast. But we are there.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Honda HRC Castrol conclude pre-season testing in Thailand.
Just as quickly as it began, Joan Mir and Luca Marini have wrapped up the Buriram Test and now all attentions turn to the opening race of 2026. Honda HRC looking to make the most of the few days between the test and the race for final improvements.
Hot and humid conditions continued steadily throughout the second day of testing in Buriram, a final chance to acclimatise before the first race of the year. These conditions allowed the Honda HRC Castrol squad to run through a comprehensive testing plan to put everything in place for the 2026 season.
Concluding the Buriram Test as the tenth fastest rider on the second day and just over half a second off the quickest rider of the day, Joan Mir continued his strong form on the Honda RC213V. Top Honda throughout the Buriram Test, the 2020 World Champion was hoping for some more overall speed after a very competitive end to 2025 and a positive first test in Sepang but he remains confident Honda HRC’s engineers will find a few cards up their sleeves before the lights go out.
Diligently working until the very last moment, Luca Marini completed the last day of the last test in 13th and less than two tenths off his Honda HRC Castrol teammate. Throughout both the Sepang and Buriram Tests, the #10 has been able to post competitive times and consistently be within a second of the fastest rider. Times will be tight when the lights go out on Saturday and Sunday, but the Italian is confident in picking up where he left off and challenging for the top positions.
It’s time to put our learnings to the test as the newest MotoGP World Championship season is set to begin on Friday, February 27 at the Chang International Circuit when the bikes roll out for Free Practice 1.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
Joan Mir: “We have had a pre-season with a lot of potential, but of course you’re always wanting more as a rider. This track for us, but especially me, has been more difficult than the last few circuits. The grip wasn’t quite there for us, and it was there for some other guys, so we spent a lot of the test playing with the geometry of the bike. There are a couple of options with the direction of the bike to try and make ourselves more competitive. We have a few days for everyone to find a couple more solutions before we go racing, so let’s make the most of it and be competitive when the racing starts.”
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini: “The bike has improved a lot with the engine, the aero and the braking phase and we have to be pleased with this. Everyone has worked hard over the winter and these two tests and I know they will keep working hard throughout the year. We need to stay focused on the things we are missing to go faster, just a little more time to improve these parts. I am looking forward to the race to see where everyone really is, Qualifying will be very important in this first race so we need to prepare well for it. I think our potential is easily in the top seven, maybe even more if we can find a few things with the bike in these next few days.”
More from a press release issued by KTM Tech3:
Final Preparations Complete: Red Bull KTM Tech3 set for 2026 MotoGP™ season opener.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 head into the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship with valuable mileage and data secured, logging a combined total of 248 laps across the two-day pre-season test at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.
The intensive programme allowed Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini to further refine their KTM RC16 machines ahead of next week’s Thailand Grand Prix at the same venue.
Following a positive opening test in Sepang, the team arrived in Buriram with a comprehensive schedule of test items. Working across both sides of the garage, the focus centred on optimising base set-up, validating components introduced in Malaysia, and consolidating key configuration directions for the season opener.
On day one, Viñales set the eighth fastest time after a late improvement on his final run, while Bastianini concluded the session in 16th as he continued to build confidence with his race package at the 4.554km circuit.
The second and final day of running saw the riders complete race simulations alongside dedicated Time Attack laps, as the team worked through its final race-weekend configurations, building a clearer picture of its race package ahead of the first round. Viñales concluded the day in P14, with Bastianini in P18.
With the pre-season programme now complete, Red Bull KTM Tech3 conclude the Buriram Test with Viñales 15th overall and Bastianini 18th. The team will now focus on analysing the data gathered across all five days of winter testing, with attention turning to the opening race of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Buriram. Photo courtesy KTM Tech3.
Maverick Viñales:“It was a busy test because we needed to confirm many items and make sure we have the right direction. On the second day we concentrated a lot on the race simulations and recovered important information for both the Sprint and the full race distance. We weren’t able to put it all together for Time Attack today, so I couldn’t put in a representative lap, but the Sprint simulation felt quite good and I was consistent. For the longer distance we still need to improve the balance of the bike and tyre management, but we now have a clear direction. Physically I feel strong — I completed a full race distance and a Sprint run without any issues, so that’s a big positive heading into the first weekend.”
Enea Bastianini (23) at Buriram. Photo courtesy KTM Tech3.
Enea Bastianini:“To be honest, we have to take some positives and some negatives from this test, but we still need to improve in several areas. We tried different set-ups over the two days to understand where we are losing time, and the new chassis at the end of the test was a good solution for me. I have more references compared to last year, which helps, but we need to stay focused and analyse everything carefully before the race. I will be working hard over the next few days and the goal now is to put everything together next weekend.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Mananger:“The Buriram test marks the end of an intensive winter preparation for us. We know that this is a circuit that doesn’t necessarily suit our bike that well, but we used the time on track efficiently to make positive steps forward. Over these two days we confirmed the configurations for both riders — Maverick completed a full race simulation and Sprint run with different set-ups, which gave us a clear understanding of the direction to take. On Enea’s side, he used the time to evaluate several combinations and found a better package towards the end of the test. The outright positions are not the full picture of the work completed, but the important thing is that we now have a lot of data we can analyse and make final changes to the bike before heading into the first race. Job done for the winter — now the championship begins.”
More from a press release issued by CASTROL HONDA LCR:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco has completed the second and final day of testing at the Buriram Circuit, finishing 14th on the combined standings.
The Frenchman and his crew have wrapped up the Buriram Test with improved initial feelings on the bike and have found adjustments that will help deliver solid performance.
In the afternoon, Zarco completed a race simulation and shared positive feedback.
Having gathered valuable data and made effective changes, and after 157 useful laps, both Zarco and his crew are now ready for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season, scheduled for next week here in Thailand.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco 14th – (1’29.467):“We have a much clearer path now. From the start of the test, the bike showed great potential, although I initially struggled to ride smoothly and feel comfortable. Today we found some solutions that helped me, and it feels great to finish like this. I can’t wait to start the Grand Prix. We still have a few days to prepare and be ready, because with this bike we can achieve strong results this year. We’ll see!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Long-run focus for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP on final day of Sepang testing.
A productive final day in Sepang for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, with both riders focusing on longer runs throughout the session. While the new project still requires a steep learning curve, clear progress and improvements were visible in every outing, allowing the team to head to next week‘s season opener with confidence.
Gino Borsoi – Team Manager:“All in all, it was an interesting day and we‘re particularly pleased for Jack, who set a good time. We tried many different solutions and completed several long runs, and the race pace is encouraging. We know we are still missing something, but we‘re satisfied with the level we‘ve reached with the package we currently have. We‘ll use the race weekend to continue improving the set-up. We‘ve closed the gap to the front group, and what makes me happiest is that Jack gave us very positive feedback about the bike‘s behaviour. As for Toprak, we were able to narrow down our working direction and better understand what works and what doesn‘t. Even though many people expect a big result from him straight away, we know he needs time to adapt and learn, and we also need to fully understand his requirements. At the end of the day, I saw him optimistic.”
Jack Miller (43) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Jack Miller:“Today was busy and tough — I‘ll definitely sleep well tonight. We completed two long runs of around 20 laps each, and that‘s part of the process when you‘re working with a new motorcycle, trying to understand it and develop it. We know there are clear areas we need to improve, but overall I feel good on the bike and I can feel it getting better step by step. That‘s encouraging, and I‘m looking forward to going racing. We‘re aware that this track is a challenging one for us, especially with the long straights, but we have a clear plan for the first updates and everyone is pushing hard. I‘m pushing the guys, and at the same time trying to give them the most precise feedback possible to shorten the development process. Handling-wise I feel comfortable, and I firmly believe the engineers are doing everything they can. Considering this bike was basically built six months ago, being around a second off on a single lap shows we‘re moving in the right direction.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“Today my focus was on race simulation work and also on riding behind Jack. I think I understood much more about the bike and I‘m starting to understand these tyres better as well. The more I ride, the more comfortable I feel. I know I still have a lot to improve, also mentally. When I was riding behind Jack and saw how much he leaned on the front tyre, I was sure he was going to crash. But then I saw how smoothly he carried the corner, and I realised it‘s my mind that needs to adapt and trust these tyres more. I was able to do six or seven laps on the same set of tyres with consistent lap times, which is positive. I‘m looking forward to continuing this learning process.”
More from a press release issued by Pro Honda LCR:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira has completed a positive and productive second and final day of testing at the Buriram Circuit, finishing 19th on the combined standings.
From the early laps this morning, Moreira posted a strong lap time, just one second off the top, demonstrating both speed and adaptability to the bike.
In the afternoon, the Brazilian rider and his crew made solid progress, completing a race simulation with positive feedback and notable improvements.
With a wealth of data and high motivation, and after 148 laps, Moreira and the Pro Honda LCR team wrap up the Buriram Test and are now prepared for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season, scheduled for next week here in Thailand.
Diogo Moreira (11) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Pro Honda LCR
Diogo Moreira 19th – (1’29.920):“I’m really happy with how the test went. We’ve made significant progress since yesterday and are almost ready to kick off the season! There’s still work to be done, but we’re much closer now. The team and I have done a great job together, and I want to thank them for their support, they give me a lot of confidence, and we have great communication. In terms of pace, we still have room to improve, and I’m excited to get started at the Grand Prix next week.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Complete 2026 Preseason Testing in Thailand.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team concluded their 2026 preseason testing programme on Day 2 of the Buriram MotoGP Official Test. Riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins wrapped up the day in 17th and 20th place respectively in the Day 2 and overall Buriram Test rankings.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins returned to the Chang International Circuit today for the final day of 2026 preseason testing. They completed their testing schedules and took 17th and 20th place respectively in the Day 2 and the combined Buriram MotoGP Official Test results.
With the 2026 MotoGP season due to start in one week’s time, the teammates made the most of today’s two riding sessions (Session 1 from 10:00-13:00 GMT +7 and Session 2 from 13:20-17:30) and worked diligently to find a good base set-up.
Quartararo got another 55 laps in on Day 2. He clocked a 1’30.206s in the morning session, which had him take 17th place in the Session 1 results. In the afternoon, he dipped under the 1’30s mark. His 1’29.701s, set in the final stages, had him rank 9th in the Session 2 results and 17th in the combined Day 2 rankings, 1.033s off today’s top time.
Rins completed 54 laps on Day 2. His 1’30.234s best morning time put him in 18th position in the Session-1 timesheets. He wrapped up Session 2 in 16th place with a 1’30.122s. This time has the Spaniard rank 20th in today’s overall classifications, 1.454s from the fastest rider.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will be back in action at the Chang track from 27 February – 1 March to kick off the 2026 MotoGP season with the Grand Prix of Thailand.
Massimo Meregalli:“These last two days have been a bit tougher than the previous test days in Sepang, but we got some good information. We are still at the beginning of this new project, and ups and downs are a part of the process. Up to this test, we had spent all our time on evaluating components. Here, we started working on the set-ups for the first time. We discovered some limits, but also some opportunities. The riders all have their own way of describing things, but they are all giving the same feedback – this is very important for us. This gives us a clear direction to work towards, and we believe we will be able to gradually improve the performance throughout the season.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“We are in the process of figuring out how the new bike works compared to the previous one. We need a bit more time. Hopefully, we will make more steps in the coming months. In terms of pace, we still need to improve. We will work hard on this. My finger is not fully healed yet at the moment, but I will be fine for the first race.”
Alex Rins (42) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins:“The test and the preseason have been completed. We need to keep working. I tried to give my best feedback to the engineers to improve the bike. Physically, I’m feeling super strong. I did a really good preseason in terms of the gym, so I’m ready for the season.”
Adding to the excitement of the annual visit to AT&T Stadium was the Military Appreciation Race, with provided a patriotic atmosphere for the event. Photo courtesy SMX.
ARLINGTON, Texas – The seventh round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship signified the annual visit of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for Military Appreciation Night inside AT&T Stadium. A captivating night of racing produced a pair of first-time winners, as 450SMX Class points leader Hunter Lawrence finally seized control of the spotlight with an impressive breakthrough victory for Honda HRC Progressive. The Australian outlasted each of his championship rivals to assert his hold of the red plate.
Hunter Lawrence Breaks Through for First Career Monster Energy Supercross Victory on Night of Firsts in Arlington.
The 450SMX Class Main Event started with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine of Cooper Webb and the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki of Ken Roczen side-by-side exiting the first turn, as Webb was able to edge out Roczen for the holeshot only to give up the lead to the German as they fought for position on the opening lap. Lawrence slotted behind them into third, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac started outside the top 10 in 11th place. Roczen was able to keep Webb at bay and grabbed hold of the race lead. Soon the lead trio settled in while Tomac made an incredible charge up to fourth within the first couple laps to set the stage for a thrilling fight for victory. As Webb pursued Roczen he made a small bobble, which allowed Lawrence to pass for third. Shortly thereafter, Lawrence surged onto Roczen’s rear fender and applied pressure for the lead with about 13 minutes to go, which allowed the top four to move within two seconds of one another. Roczen withstood the attack and the top four once again settled in through the middle of the 20 Minute + 1 Lap race.
As the race approached its final six minutes the action picked up once more as Lawrence mounted another attack and got alongside Roczen in the whoops, only to be halted by a slower rider. Lawrence didn’t relent and made a pass stick moments later. Webb then got by Roczen for second, only to have Tomac surge by both Roczen and Webb to move from fourth to second. Webb was forced off the track in the process, which allowed Roczen to reclaim third. However, Webb made another pass to regain podium position.
Lawrence opened up a healthy lead with his pass on Roczen and was forced to deal with a brief push from Tomac with two minutes to go. Lawrence responded and carried on to a long-awaited victory by 2.8 seconds over Tomac, with Webb in third and Roczen fourth.
Lawrence’s win came in his 26th premier class start, inside the same venue of his first 250SMX Class victory during the 2021 season. He became the season’s fifth different winner in seven races and moved out to a four-point lead over Tomac. Webb is third, 16 points out of the lead, with Roczen fourth, 18 points back.
After four runner-up finishes in the first six races, Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence broke through for his first premier class victory. Photo courtesy SMX
Hunter Lawrence – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s cool, but we’ve got a lot of racing left. I’m happy to tick that little box. It’s a huge thank you to my team and everyone that’s around me. We’ve got an amazing group and that’s really the most valuable thing in my program. It takes a whole village to move mountains.
“Even when you get a sixth place it’s really tough, but man how cool it was racing against all those boys. Me and Kenny [Roczen] had some awesome back-and-forth, Coop [Webb] was right there, Eli [Tomac] was right there. It’s pretty cool racing with the sport’s legends. Awesome.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac overcame a start outside the top 10 to bring home a hard-fought second place finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Eli Tomac – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“[The first lap] absolutely saved my race. I was happy to make some moves there and just happened to find openings that allowed me to pass two or three guys at a time. Somehow by Lap 2 or 3 I could see the front of the race and knew I was okay. What a difficult track tonight. I fought to the end as much as I could. Second was all we had tonight.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb grabbed the holeshot and stayed in the thick of the fight for victory en route to a third place result. Photo courtesy SMX.
Cooper Webb – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It was a fun race, for sure, but I’m honestly a little bummed. I was pretty nice and should have been more aggressive with [Roczen] and maybe gotten the pass [for the lead] earlier. It was a sick race with all of us four bunched up there. I tried to make the pass on [Roczen for second] and Eli [Tomac] ended up getting me and ran me off the track, then Kenny got back by me. I kind of lost the tow of [the leaders]. I’m bummed at myself. I saw a few openings I should have taken and I didn’t. I was too patient tonight. Overall, we’ll take it.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Eli Tomac, Hunter Lawrence, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy SMX.
Pierce Brown Opens Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class with Maiden Win.
The anticipated opening race of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class Championship was equally exciting and got underway with Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda out front for the holeshot in his first race since he underwent surgery in November to repair two fractured and displaced vertebrae in his neck and upper back. The reigning 250SMX World Champion from Japan was followed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Pierce Brown and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Daxton Bennick, while Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, a title favorite, started deep inside the top 20 after he fell in the first turn and collected multiple contenders.
Shimoda sprinted out to a lead of more than three seconds and stabilized his advantage through the opening portion of the race until an unexpected sequence changed the complexion of the race. Red medical lights were displayed as Shimoda approached the finish line, which required him to not jump any obstacle until cleared. As he rolled through to begin the next lap, both Brown and Bennick completed the obstacles at normal race pace, with no apparent lights displayed, which allowed Brown to not only overcome the deficit but also make the pass for the lead. Shimoda resumed full pace in second and fought back but was unable to get by Brown as Bennick pursued from third. Shimoda’s pursuit of Brown and the lead continued throughout the remainder of the 15 Minute + 1 Lap race and while the Honda rider appeared to be faster at times, he was unable to attempt a pass. With less than one minute to go Shimoda made one final push and dove under Brown with an inside line but was unable to sustain the momentum, which allowed Brown to pull away to victory.
Brown took the checkered flag by 2.4 seconds over Shimoda, with Bennick right behind in third. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker, who was involved in the first-turn incident with Davies, finished fourth, while Davies impressed with a resilient come-from-behind fifth place result. For Brown, it not only signified his first Supercross victory in 33 starts, but it also came one year after he crashed out of the lead of the 2025 Eastern Divisional opener and suffered a fractured vertebra, which sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Brown’s win has put him atop the Eastern Divisional standings, with a three-point lead over Shimoda and a five-point advantage over Bennick. It will mark the first time Brown has ever carried the red plate.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Pierce Brown captured an emotional first career Supercross win to open the Eastern Divisional Championship. Photo courtesy SMX.
Pierce Brown – 1st Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I don’t even know where to start. There were so many nights where I didn’t think this would be possible. Missing a year, especially with the injury I had, it’s pretty degrading. It’s a scary thing to come back from and there were a lot of doubts. I’m just thankful I never stopped fighting. Every day this offseason we put our best foot forward. Wow. This is…amazing.”
An anticipated return to action from injury for Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda resulted in a holeshot, multiple laps led, and a runner-up finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Jo Shimoda – 2nd Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I saw the red [medical] light come on and you’re not supposed to jump that, so I don’t know what happened. We’ll review it. Overall, it was a good one for me. I felt rusty all day, to be honest, but my adrenaline kicked in for the race. It’s a good way to start.”
Daxton Bennick captured a third career podium finish in his debut race with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Photo courtesy SMX.
Daxton Bennick – 3rd Place – Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I turned a pretty bad day into a good day. I thought if I could be top five [in the main event] that’d be good for me. I struggled all day, but I’m pumped to come away with a podium. I dug deep in that race. We’ll keep digging this week and come out swinging next weekend.”
Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Jo Shimoda, Pierce Brown, and Daxton Bennick. Photo courtesy SMX.
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, February 28, for the eighth race of the season from legendary Daytona International Speedway and the 56th running of the Daytona Supercross in Florida. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Axel Bassani (47) and Sam Lowes (14) during the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
Nicolo Bulega won the World Superbike Race Two Sunday afternoon at rainy Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, the Italian won the 22-lap race by 11.336 seconds.
Axel Bassani was the runner-up on his Bimota by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini, and Alvaro Bautista was third on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucciwent from 10th on the grid to 6th at the finish on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
American Garrett Gerloff crossed the finish line 10th on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Nicolo Bulega leads the championship with 62 points, 20 ahead of Axel Bassani who has 42 points. Yari Montella is third with 26 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM World Superbike Championship:
PERFECTION DOWN UNDER: Bulega completes Australian hat-trick, Bautista takes first Barni Ducati podium.
The #11 topped all but one session throughout the weekend as he made the perfect start to his 2026 title quest
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) repeated his 2025 success at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit by claiming a hat-trick to start the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in stunning fashion. The #11 mastered the rain in Race 2 for the Australian Round to make it three from three at the season-opener, finishing ahead of Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team).
Nicolo Bulega (11) won the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
WET RACE DRAMA: Chaos from lights out
Bulega got a great start in the wet conditions as he held the lead from pole position, pulling out a gap of over a second ahead of Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), who charged into the provisional podium places from the second row. Bassani was also looking to make moves, while teammate Alex Lowes struggled in the early laps, dropping to fifth. Although he stabilised his pace, the #22 crashed out on Lap 19 at Turn 1. On Lap 4, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) passed Bassani to move into the podium places.
Alvaro Bautista (19) during the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
TAKING HOME THE PODIUM: Bautista on the rostrum for the first time as an Independent rider
Sam Lowes was running in the podium places but crashed out on Lap 6 at Turn 3, with the #14 walking away from the spill but he was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following that crash. There, he was diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and contusions to his right hand and left ankle. That crash promoted Bassani back into the podium places, although he was some six seconds behind Montella in second. That settled down the podium places, until Montella fell at Turn 9 on Lap 16, as he lost the rear of his bike. That promoted Bassani into second and teammate Bautista into third place. Bulega’s 23rd WorldSBK win moved him ahead of Marco Melandri in terms of Italian riders with the most wins, while he’s also gone level with Troy Corser and Jonathan Rea for Phillip Island wins, with eight. Bassani’s rostrum meant it was just the second time he’s had two podiums in a round, coming after Magny-Cours in 2022, while Bimota’s three podiums mean they are already only one behind their 2025 tally. Bautista became the second-oldest rider to take a WorldSBK podium at 41 years, 3 months and 1 day old; only Max Biaggi (44 years, 1 month, 7 days old) was older.
MACKENZIE’S BEST RESULT: P4 for the Brit
Bautista had to fend off Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Action Racing) for P4 before Sam Lowes’ crash, with the #95 settling for P4 from 13th on the grid and his best WorldSBK result as he once again showed his wet weather prowess. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) took Yamaha’s best result of the weekend as he took P5, comfortably his best showing of the weekend.
OLIVEIRA’S LATEST COMEBACK: P21 to P7 for the #88
There was a big battle between Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), teammate Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) over P6. Petrucci came out on top ahead of Portuguese star Oliveira, who had to fight back from 21st on the grid again after his late tech problem in the Tissot Superpole Race demoted him from the top nine. However, the #88 was able to climb through the field to secure P7, finishing 0.473s ahead of Lecuona in eighth.
BALDASSARRI PENALISED: ‘Balda’ fights back for P9
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was unable to hit the high notes of Race 1. The #34 was penalised with a double Long Lap Penalty for a jump start, but ‘Balda’ was able to fight back to claim P9, less than a second away from Lecuona. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top ten, although he was some 15 seconds back from the Italian ahead of him.
SCORING POINTS: All finishers take home rewards from Race 2
Tetsuta Nagashima (Honda HRC) claimed P11 ahead of rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing), with the Italian more than six seconds back from the Japanese rider. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) scored points with 13th ahead of teammate Stefano Manzi in 14th, while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was the last classified rider; meaning all riders who finished the race scored points.
RETIREMENTS FROM RACE 2: Rato, Vickers and Vierge join the Lowes brothers
Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was the first victim of the conditions when he highsided on the exit of Turn 4, retiring from the race. Ryan Vickers (Honda HRC) brought his machine into the pits to retire in the first half of the race, while Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed out at Turn 2 on Lap 13.
The top six from WorldSBK Race 2, full results here:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +11.336s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +17.790s
WSSP Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
Albert Arenas won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. The AS BLU CRU Yamaha YZF-R9 rider won the 18-lap race by 4.937 seconds.
His teammate Aldi Mahendra was second, and Matteo Ferrari got third on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished 24th on his ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros 820RR.
Albert Arenas leads the championship with 38 points, 7 ahead of Jaume Masia who has 31 points. Matteo Ferrari is third with 26 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM WorldSuperbike:
PODIUM DEBUTANTS: Arenas takes maiden WorldSSP win ahead of Mahendra and Ferrari on podium for the first time.
For the first time since Phillip Island back in 2001, three riders have taken their maiden podium at once.
The FIM Supersport World Championship’s opening salvo at the Australian Round has concluded! WorldSSP’s first round of 2026 opened the campaign on a high note, promising a shootout of a season to come! Race 2 brought rain for the first time of the weekend Down Under, featuring a wet track at lights out. Several riders chose wisely, opting for slicks and enabling them to sail ahead of the rest of the pack, who had to return to pit lane to discard their rain tyres. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) prevailed for his first WorldSSP win and his first win since his Moto3 Austrian GP victory. 2024 WorldSSP300 Champions Aldi Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) became Indonesia’s first podium finisher in WorldSSP. Rounding out the trio of first-time podium finishers, Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) brings his country of Italy its 260th WorldSSP podium.
ARENAS ON TOP: Becomes Spain’s seventh WorldSSP race winner
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) fired off from lights out for the holeshot, followed into Turn 1 by Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing). As the laps piled up and the track dried up, the order changed dramatically. Aldi Mahendra’s decision to use slick tyres paid off early; despite his back-of-grid start, he didn’t show a lick of fear of the wet conditions as he was up into P4 after a single lap. By Lap 2, the Indonesian had taken P1 from Oncu. Albert Arenas caught up to the pair, and the trio of Yamaha riders sparred at the front of the pack before Arenas and Mahendra had put more than 11 seconds between themselves and Oncu as the Spaniard and the Indonesian both came prepared on slick tyres. Oncu later ducked into pit lane on Lap 6 to change to slicks, but it was too little too late to challenge for the rostrum spots and had to settle for P5 at the head of all the riders who had to pit. Despite starting back in P11, Matteo Ferrari found himself sailing up the grid as he came equipped with slick tyres. While by then he was unable to catch the pair in front of him, he took a proud P3 finish for his maiden podium.
Albert Arenas won the WSSP Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
TOUGH LUCK FOR #77: The Swiss rider suffers a tech issue from P4
Andrea Giombini (Motozoo by Madforce Dubai) was the last clever rider to have equipped the slicks, and he was rewarded with a P4 finish, 39 seconds ahead of Oncu. The result comes as a clear improvement from Giombini’s previous best result of P21, set in Race 1 earlier this weekend. Dominique Aegerter (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) was another beneficiary of a clever tyre selection; despite starting in P23, he settled into P4, a huge improvement on his Race 1 P23. Unfortunately for the Swiss rider, he suffered a tech issue in the final moments. The result means he finished outside the points in both races at Phillip Island.
GARCIA CAPITALIZES: The Spaniard climbs six positions for sixth place
Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) played his hand well, climbing from P12 to finish P6. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was battling among the front of the riders who needed to pit. A big moment in Lap 5’s Turn 2 saw him lose speed, resulting in a still-positive P7.
MAHIAS RECOVERS POINTS: The Frenchman will take eight points from Race 2
Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) pitted on Lap 5 and rode to a P8 finish, 1.430s behind Zaccone. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) finished as the top Kawasaki after Aegerter’s tech issue, snagging a P9 to salvage two top ten finishes from an off-pace opening weekend for the team. He did well to recover from a Minimum Pit Time Infringement penalty of 0.160s. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) was mired farther down the pack than he enjoyed in Race 1; this time around, he had to change tyres and was only able to salvage P10 from the rain-affected contest.
WSBK Race start at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK
Nicolo Bulega won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday afternoon at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, the Italian won the 10-lap race by 2.752 seconds.
Axel Bassani was the runner-up on his Bimota by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini, and Alex Lowes was right behind his teammate in third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished 6th on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci finished his race 10th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
Nicolo Bulega leads the championship with 37 points, 11 ahead of Yari Montella who has 26 points. Axel Bassani is third with 22 points.
More from a press release issued by FIM Superbike World Championship:
DRAMATIC BATTLE: Bulega fights back for P1 in the Superpole Race, Bassani takes his first Bimota podium.
Bulega doubled up in Australia with victory in the 10-lap race, with rain falling which made it a chaotic affair
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it two from two in the Australian Round in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, but it was anything but simple for the #11. After losing ground at the start at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, finishing ahead of Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) who claimed his first podium for Bimota and his first rostrum in 939 days. Teammate Alex Lowes completed the rostrum.
Teammates Axel Bassini and Alex Lowes finished 2nd and 3th of the Superpole race. Photo courtesy WSBK.
MONTELLA LEADS, BULEGA DROPS: Off to a dramatic start…
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) got the holeshot as lights went out as he stormed into the lead, while polesitter Bulega dropped down to fourth on the opening lap. The #5 looked to build a gap over the chasing pack, but Alex Lowes closed the gap over the second lap as he chased Bimota’s first win in 26 years. At the start of Lap 4, Bulega got ahead of Alex Lowes at Turn 1 to move into second, after passing Bassani at the same corner the lap before. On Lap 4, Bulega barged his way ahead of Montella at Turn 10 to take the lead, while white flags were showing for spots of rain in Sectors 2 and 3 at the same time.
BASSANI CHASES BULEGA: The #11 holds on as ‘El Bocia’ returns to the rostrum
The drops of rain coincided with Bassani gaining on Bulega, after he got ahead of his teammate, gaining multiple tenths on the #11 across the final two sectors. Bulega was able to hold on heading on to Lap 7, while Montella ran wide at Turn 1 as he dropped out of the podium battle. At the front, on Lap 8, Bulega built up a lead of over a second to Bassani as he claimed his second win of the weekend and 22nd in WorldSBK, putting him level with Marco Melandri. Bassani took his first podium for Bimota with second, while Alex Lowes held on from Montella to make it a double Bimota podium for the first time since Race 2 at Estoril in 1988, when Stephane Mertens beat Davide Tardozzi.
SECOND ROW START IN RACE 2: Montella fourth ahead of Sam Lowes and Gerloff
Montella was classified in fourth, just 0.022s behind the #22 as he finished in fourth, although he did lead a lap in WorldSBK for the first time. He finished four tenths clear of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in fifth as the Brit secured a second row start for Race 2 this afternoon. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) had been in the podium fight but Montella’s error at Turn 1 in the second half of the race cost them time.
Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) battled from the fourth row to finish in seventh ahead of Race 1 podium finisher Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven), while Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was ninth. The #7 lost a huge chunk of time on the opening lap at Turn 1, but fought his way back through the field to secure a third-row start, with Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) just missing out in P10. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had been in that fight after starting 21st on the grid but he hit drama on the last lap, dropping from the top nine to 18th place.
VIERGE DOESN’T TAKE THE START: Technical problem hinders the #97
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) did not take part in the race. He had been due to line up from ninth, but a technical issue on the bike forced him into the pits, with the Spanish rider unable to start the race. With Petrucci finishing tenth in the Superpole Race, he will line up from the same position in Race 2, with Vierge dropping from ninth to P11.
The top nine from the WorldSBK Superpole Race, full results here:
At Road Atlanta in 1989, Jim Still on the We're Human Too Suzuki Katana (60) leads Mike Smith on a Team Suzuki Endurance (2) GSX-R1100 and Kurt Hall on a Human Race Team Yamaha (1) FZ1000. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
Racer Jim Still died February 14th at age 73. He was best known for racing with the We’re Human Too WERA National Endurance team, which he formed with partner Kurt Hall in 1989. In 1990 the team was renamed Hall ‘N Still Racing.
Larry Lawrence posted this on his Rider Files Facebook page on November 3rd, 2011:
In 1989 the WERA National Endurance team We’re Human Too was formed by Jim Still and Kurt Hall. The name was a play on the team that Hall raced for, The Human Race Team. In this photo (seen above) from Turn Five at Road Atlanta, both principals of We’re Human Too are shown. Jim Still is leading on the We’re Human Too Suzuki (No. 60) ahead of Team Suzuki Endurance rider Mike Smith (No. 2) and Kurt Hall on the Human Race Team Yamaha (No. 1). If I remember correctly Hall once told me that Suzuki contingency money was such that they could actually turn a profit if the team had consistent top results. It did, winning the Mediumweight Production class in the 1989 WERA National Endurance Series. When Hall left The Human Race Team the next year and moved to Team Suzuki, the link with The Human Race Team was gone and We’re Human Too became Hall ‘N Still Racing.
Jim Still’s sister, Mary Still, posted this tribute on February 17th, 2026:
A Tribute to My Big Brother, Jim
Jim was my big brother – and he was an extraordinary person in more ways than I can express.
There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t do. Whatever he set his mind to, he pursued with determination and mastered with excellence. Whether it was repairing a car engine, racing cars, cooking an unbelievable meal, playing tennis or riding motorcycles, Jim didn’t just try – he perfected. He never stopped learning, never stopped improving, until he reached the very top of whatever he attempted.
But what defined Jim most was not just his talent – it was his strength.
He was always the strong one. The one who made sure everyone else was okay. The one who carried responsibility without complaint. His family could rest easier because Jim was there – steady, capable, and protective.
His greatest devotion was to his wife, Debbie and to his children. Jim accepted nothing short of complete care and security for them. He worked tirelessly to ensure they were provided for and protected. If there was one mission that stood above all others in his life, it was making sure they were cared for. His love for them was constant, unwavering, and evident in everything he did.
Jim showed his love in action. Every Thanksgiving, after spending hours carefully preparing and perfecting each dish, he would personally deliver dinner to his mother, brothers, and sister. He didn’t do anything halfway. Every recipe was perfected. Every detail mattered. His love was conveyed not through words alone, but through devotion – through giving his very best.
When we were kids, we decided gift-giving was too difficult. So instead, we exchanged five dollars – often the very same five-dollar bill – back and forth. It was simple, funny, and perfectly us. That small tradition says so much about our bond: uncomplicated, steady, and full of quiet affection.
In his illness, Jim was remarkable. He refused to complain. He refused to burden others, even when his suffering was great. Somehow, no matter what he was enduring, he kept going. He put others first. He carried his pain with dignity and strength.
Jim valued his privacy, and we respected that. With the weight of so many responsibilities on his shoulders, he needed his quiet moments. Yet even in his solitude, his presence was deeply felt by all of us.
Jim will continue to inspire me. His drive for excellence. His devotion to family. His quiet strength. His perseverance. He set a standard – to do our best, to care deeply, and to stand strong for the people we love.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, we are urged not to grieve as those without hope. We mourn, but we do so with a hope that brings comfort instead of despair. Because of that promise, this is not goodbye forever.
Jake Paige (15) and Qabil Irfan (14) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Moto4 Asia Talent Cup.
The 2026 season is officially underway for Bodie Paige and Jake Paige, as the brothers opened their Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup campaign with the first official test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
This season, the Paige brothers are racing both the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup and the full MotoAmerica series.
Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Dorna
Saturday action concludes with a familiar duo on top – but plenty of stories continue to build ahead of race action.
Day 1 is in the books at the Buriram Test and it’s 2025 runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who tops the timesheets with a 1:29.262 in Thailand. Hot on his heels despite two crashes it’s reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), 0.129 in arrears, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) just taking third as he edged out Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi by just 0.011. It was a tight fight for that P3 as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) lurked only another 0.005 back too.
Here’s what we saw on Saturday – on the timesheets and beyond.
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group
BK8 GRESINI RACING MOTOGP, PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM, DUCATI LENOVO TEAM
Alex Marquez continued working out which aero package he prefers, and took that P1. His full-time teammate in the box, Fermin Aldeguer, is out injured and replaced by Michele Pirro, with the Italian completing the running 3.3s off Marquez but putting in some valuable track time.
After the highs of Sepang, Marc Marquez didn’t have it all his own way on Day 1 at Buriram. Two crashes for the reigning World Champion saw the first half of his day spent in the gravel or in the box. The first one was a fast one at the final corner as he was braking on the kerbs whilst the second was a small get-off at Turn 5, but rider ok. He also got back out there and finished the day in P2 on the combined times in somewhat classic style #93 bounce back.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was P12 but continued his positive pre-season form and was seen smiling throughout the day in the box. In the red corner there was more debate about the 2025 aero vs the 2024 package as well as different variations of the 2025 one itself. There’s now one day to decide…
From the blue of Gresini to the fluorescent yellow of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducatis. Fabio Di Giannantonio was up inside the top three for the majority of the day whilst Franco Morbidelli left it late to replicate what he showed in Sepang and pull off a leapfrog. The #21 jumped up the order into the top three in the closing 20 minutes, taking the chequered flag in third. Ninth at the conclusion of day one for ‘Diggia’ but with both riders strong throughout testing, there’re exciting times ahead for VR46.
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
APRILIA RACING & TRACKHOUSE MOTOGP TEAM
Aprilia’s pre-season has been the highlight of many within the MotoGP paddock and day one was no exception. Bezzecchi took fourth whilst teammate Jorge Martin was less than four tenths off the #72 despite riding the RS-GP at Buriram for the first time, ending the day in P13. Bezzecchi had a small crash on his way back to the pits but was perfectly OK. They had the latest spec of rear aero which was featured at Sepang as well as some new air ducts – but with a slightly different objective: to channel air to go around the riders legs.
Like in Bezzecchi and Martin’s garage, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) also had the latest spec of rear aero on his RS-GP. The 2025 Australian GP winner put in a fast run at the end of the day too, moving up into the top three originally before concluding the day in sixth. Teammate Ai Ogura likes Buriram, the place of his debut in MotoGP last year and thus his best result of the season but did struggle to match the #25. Ogura back-to-back tested the rear aero with the one seen in Valencia last season, confirming which direction he wants to go in. 15th at the flag, expect the Japanese star to make bigger moves on the final day tomorrow.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
CASTROL HONDA LCR, HONDA HRC CASTROL & PRO HONDA LCR
Leading Honda’s charge, a mighty effort from Zarco saw the Frenchman climb up the order to fifth with a flying lap putting him just 0.205s away from Alex Marquez in P1. It wasn’t all smooth for Zarco – literally – though, as he said he struggled with consistent control of the bike as it evolved from one lap to another. Elsewhere, teammate Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) continued to adapt to his new MotoGP environment and said it’s all about the fast corners. A challenging day in the soaring heat, he was 20th at the end of it all but expect his time to drop significantly if all goes well on day two; he stated he has homework to do and plans to watch other riders’ lines.
Despite only having one bike available after a technical issue, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) was right in the thick of it once again, backing up Zarco’s pace and confirming Honda’s progress. He clinched seventh on the timesheets and confirmed that for him and teammate Luca Marini, there’ll be some aero-related items to try on day two before getting into the Grand Prix weekend.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING & RED BULL KTM TECH3
KTM’s charge on Saturday was led by Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in eighth place. He was using the latest aero seen for the first time at Sepang, seemingly smaller than their previous incarnation. Teammate Enea Bastianini followed the same method of working as his teammate but struggled to match his pace as yet, finishing in P16.
There were small improvements made by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he finished 10th at the end of play on day one, stating that his day went “great”. He also used the smaller aero from Sepang but teammate Pedro Acosta left it until later in the day to make the switch to it. The #37 was the third-best KTM though and after the highs of Sepang where he was fourth and the best in orange, he finished day one in 13th – work to do for The Shark.
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP & PRIMA PRAMAC YAMAHA MOTOGP TEAM
The adaptation period is very much continuing at Yamaha as they seek to find their way forwards with the V4. Fresh from a quick trip to Adelaide to welcome the Australian city onto MotoGP’s calendar from 2027, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the best of the Yamahas in 17th and just over a second adrift of Alex Marquez’s top time. Teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu had a modified handlebar as well as a tweaked seat unit. Like in Sepang, there were no stegosaurus wings on the rear of the YZR-M1 due to height restrictions. Ergonomics are vital for ‘El Turco’, the tallest rider on the grid; the triple WorldSBK Champion was 21st on the opening day.
Unfortunately for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), it was not a day one to remember. He wasn’t impressed with the performance of the bike out on track, showing his anger in the box as well as a clear signal to the bike itself. ‘El Diablo’ also had chassis variations to try as well as the latest swingarm at his disposal. On the other side of his box, Alex Rins was behind the 2021 World Champion but was less than a tenth of a second away; the Spaniard had a different chassis available to him that wasn’t seen on his teammate’s side but both had the latest spec aero. They finished the day in 18th and 19th respectively with just one more day remaining to get the bike in the best of shape possible.
There’s another whole day of track action to come before pre-season concludes, but the countdown is very much on now. Join us for Sunday from Buriram as the final test day gets underway – half an hour earlier than first scheduled from 9:30am (UTC+7) local time! Check out the full RESULTS HERE.
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46:
Positive first day of Official MotoGP test for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which is in third place with Franco Morbidelli and in ninth with Fabio Di Giannantonio at Buriram.
At the Chang International Circuit, the last Official MotoGP winter test got underway, and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team had a solid Day 1 despite the very high temperatures. Franco Morbidelli finished the first day in third place, while Fabio Di Giannantonio ended in ninth place.
Consistent Day 1 for Morbidelli, who continued in Buriram the work started during the Sepang test. On the Thai track, Franco also focused on the setup of his Ducati Desmosedici GP, completing 59 laps overall. The heat did not slow down the Italian-Brazilian rider, who set a 1’29”451 as his best time of the day, a lap that secured him third place in the combined classification.
A solid day as well for Di Giannantonio, who worked on the updates to his Ducati: Fabio focused on confirming the work carried out during the Sepang test also in Buriram, where the first race of the season will take place. The rider from Rome ended Day 1 in ninth place in the combined classification after completing 66 laps overall, with a best time of 1’29”643.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will return to the track tomorrow for the second and final day of MotoGP collective testing in Buriram before the start of the season, which will kick off with the Thai Grand Prix, scheduled from February 27th to March 1st.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “I’m much happier today than in Malaysia test. Today it wasn’t an easy day, but we were able to stick to the plan and try everything we had in the plan. I’ve never been very quick on this track, but it seems we found a way to go fast here too, and it’s very important. The feeling with the bike is good, we tried many things and some of them were an improvement on the bike. The goal is to put all the things together to get the best package possible, so let’s see if we can start to prepare the race weekend already. Tomorrow we will also try the new aero once again, let’s see if we can use it for the first race.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive day, we tried to adapt the setup to this track. We went back and forth with some setting solutions in terms of electronics and chassis, and it went well. We were able to adapt very well to the track and to the different tyres as well. I like the new aero package, it’s a bit different in some areas. The plan for tomorrow is to continue working on the setup but also doing a race simulation. We will try some time attacks in the morning. I feel well, I look forward to starting the season, we are fast. The test started well, and this is giving me even more will to start and more confidence.”
More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
Castrol Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco finished 5th on Saturday at the Buriram Test.
After completing 74 laps, Johann Zarco and the team had a solid day on Thai soil, as today marked the first of the two scheduled testing days before next week’s race.
It was a steady day where hard work paid off in the end, with the #5 rider securing 5th place.
However, there is still room for improvement, as the rider admits to missing some feeling to fully push. Tomorrow will be another chance to search for it.
Johann Zarco (5) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.
Johann Zarco 5th – (1:29.467):“It was a tough day, as I struggled a bit at the start. By the end, we managed to be fast and set a good lap time, but we still need to improve to feel more comfortable. We know the bike is competitive, but we need to find its full potential and the right setup. It’s a work in progress. We are looking for that ‘really good feeling’, we’ll see tomorrow!”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Marini and Mir find their rhythm at the Buriram Test.
The last chance to experiment without the pressures of a race weekend for the Honda HRC Castrol squad as the Buriram Test commences, Joan Mir and Luca Marini positive after the first day on track.
The penultimate test of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship pre-season began at the Chang International Circuit, the Honda HRC Castrol team resuming their work from the previous outing in Sepang. Time between tests gave Honda HRC’s engineers the perfect opportunity to assess the data gathered, the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix racing arriving in Thailand with several new ideas.
Joan Mir put in a best lap of 1’29.494 on his final run of the day to go seventh overall and end within a quarter of a second of Alex Marquez, fastest of the first day. Still working on the setup of his Honda RC213V, the #36 was left content with the time he achieved but is aiming to complete more laps tomorrow.
Ending the morning session in third place, Luca Marini remained within half a second of the top times throughout the entirety of the day. A total of 60 laps produced a best time of 1’29.774 for the Italian and saw him end in 12th as 0.9s split the top 16. Improving rear grip remains Marini’s main focus for the last day of the Buriram Test.
Now just a single day of testing awaits, a final chance to gather data and prepare the plan for the opening Grand Prix of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship season.
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“A good day overall but maybe not as straight forward as I was expecting because we had a few things to work on between the two bikes we have here. It lost us a bit of time in the morning, but after that we focused and got through a lot for a really positive part of the day. Our package isn’t perfect, but we can make a good lap time alone with it, so this is positive for the first day here. More tomorrow as we try a few final items and then turn an eye to the race.”
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini: “Another step compared to the last test, improving a little bit more and more. Friday practice is where it matters, but I am satisfied with what we have done so far and what items we have been able to get through. Everyone worked well today as we chase our main target – more rear grip. Everything else is in a good position, especially when we compare to where we were one year ago.”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Take P18 and P19 on Day 1 of Testing in Thailand.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins started the two-day Buriram MotoGP Official Test by getting a solid number of laps in and preparing for the upcoming Grand Prix of Thailand (27 February – 1 March). The teammates ended Day 1 in 18th and 19th place respectively in the overall rankings.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team sprung to action today at the Chang International Circuit for the two-day Buriram MotoGP Official Test. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins completed the first day in 18th and 19th place respectively in the overall timesheets.
The Buriram Test Day 1 consisted of two riding sessions: Session 1 from 10:00-13:00 GMT +7 and Session 2 from 13:20-18:00.
The team was in high spirits having Quartararo back in the garage after he sustained a finger injury at the Sepang Test two weeks’ prior. The Frenchman was fully motivated to get back to work and ran a total of 67 laps on Day 1. His fastest lap was a 1’30.507s (Session 2), which put him in 18th place in the combined Session 1 + Session 2 timesheets, 1.245s from the top.
Rins enjoyed a productive outing. As the Chang International Circuit will be hosting the opening GP of the season next week, he and his crew are fully focused on bike set-ups. He completed 64 laps over the course of the first day. His best lap of 1’30.512s (Session 2) had him rank 19th in the Day 1 classifications, 1.250s from first.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back at the Chang track tomorrow from 09:30-13:00 GMT +7 and 13:20-17:30 to wrap up 2026 preseason testing.
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo:“It was a long day. We will try to figure out something to improve a bit more tomorrow. Yamaha know the list of priorities and what they have to do. I just focus on providing feedback on what it is we need. Today we changed quite a lot on the bike. Tomorrow, I want to keep the same bike and do some runs in a row with the same base set-up.”
Alex Rins (42) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Alex Rins: “With the parts – chassis, swingarm, etc. – already decided on, we focused on settings today, trying to understand the bike better and to see where we can improve. It was a productive day. We need to keep working, and Yamaha will keep working to give us further updates, and like this, we can improve a bit more.”
More from a press release issued by Pro Honda LCR:
Pro Honda LCR rider Diogo Moreira finished 20th on the opening day of the Buriram test.
After completing 75 laps, Diogo Moreira and the crew had a consistent day on Thai soil, learning the track and continuing his adaptation to the category on a different layout.
The rider admitted to noticing improvements and is working hard to find the best balance on the bike.
On Sunday, a race simulation is planned ahead of next week’s race, and both the rider and the crew are fully determined to make the most of the day and finish the test in the best way possible.
Diogo Moreira (11) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Pro Honda LCR.
Diogo Moreira 20th – (1:30.953):“Coming here is nice for me; it’s a different layout. It’s been a positive day, and we need to keep this up. Tomorrow, we’ll try to keep improving. It’s difficult to find the lines, and that’s why today I followed some rivals to learn from them. We’re working hard. Everything will come in time; the important thing is to improve day by day. Tomorrow, we’ll focus on the race simulation. Let’s see how it goes!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP begins final two days of testing at Buriram Circuit ahead of Thailand season opener.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP completed a full testing programme on Day 1, with Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu evaluating multiple set-ups and technical solutions on their respective machines. The focus was not on single-lap performance, but on identifying the most effective base setting ahead of tomorrow‘s second test day and next week‘s season-opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
Jack Miller (43) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller:“It was a decent day. We worked through different chassis options and several set-ups, and overall the bike is working reasonably well. I‘m quite happy with our base setting, especially as the chassis feels like a clear step forward compared to Malaysia. Sector 1 and Sector 2 are still our weak points at the moment, which was expected, but in Sector 3 and 4 I feel strong, particularly with the tyre allocation we have here. There‘s still work to do and we know we‘re not going to find 10 km/h overnight, but in general I‘m enjoying the bike and we have a clear direction for tomorrow.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu:“I‘m still in a learning phase and adapting to this bike, but I can see progress in many areas. The biggest challenge at the moment is understanding the rear tyre, while I feel more comfortable with the front. That said, I don‘t yet have the confidence to fully lean on it the way I used to with the Pirelli. I‘m trying to improve corner by corner, and tomorrow I would like to attempt a sprint-style simulation and maybe also a fast lap like Jack did today — he did a very good job. Step by step, we‘re moving forward.”
Voight (29) put the hammer down early and cleared out. Photo courtesy ASBK
Harrison Voight has landed the first major blow in the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK), easily winning today’s season opener at Phillip Island.
The Queenslander put his McMartin Racing Ducati into the lead from the outset, with his speed and work rate then proving to be an irresistible combination as he eased his way to victory ahead of Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) and Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) – three of Australia’s young circuit racing tyros on the one SW-Motech Superbike podium.
In a spectacular day of ASBK action, Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared Kawasaki Supersport victories, while New Zealander Tyler King (Kawasaki) got the job done in a manic Race and Road Supersport 300 race..
Meanwhile, Aussie Oli Bayliss (Triumph) kept the crowd on its toes with his first world Supersport (WorldSSP) podium after a brilliant third place. He’s the first Australan to finish top three in a WorldSSP race since Ant West at Jerez in 2017.
Tickets are still avalable for a huge Sunday of racing at Phillip Island, or they can be purchased at the gate.
The SW-Motech Superbike pack gets underway. Photo courtesy ASBK.
SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE
Could this be the first sod turned in a changing of the SW-Motech Superbike guard?
It was a crushing victory for Voight, who checked out from the start en route to a second Superbike success at Phillip Island in just his sixth race.
While the 19-year-old was producing a masterful front-running performance, it was a bumper battle for second place with Superbike rookie and former Moto3 rider Roulstone and Dunker providing most of the heart-stopping moments as Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) kept a watching brief in his normal free-flowing manner.
Defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), in recovery mode after running off at turn four on lap two, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and polesitter Ant West (DesmoSport Ducati) eventually latched onto the back of the group to make it a six-way freight train.
The pecking order didn’t change much, though, with Roulstone flashing across the line in second position, 2.932sec behind Voight and just a whisker ahead of Dunker, Waters, Jones and Nahlous.
For Waters, in particular, the result was semi-seismic: the first time he had finished off a Phillip Island ASBK podium since round one of the 2022 championship!
West, Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha) completed the top 10 in the 11-lapper.
Races two and three will be held at 9:45am and 1:40pm on Sunday.
The SW-Motech Superbike race one podium: (L to R): Roulstone, Voight and Dunker. Photo courtesy ASBK
KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT
The Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen riders delivered two fiercely contested races to kickstart the 2026 season, with Simpson and evergreen Italian Tamburini the winners.
Simpson’s margin in the opening 10-lapper was a wafer thin 0.075sec over polesitter Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), while Tamburini took maximum advantage of some late squabbling in race two to prevail by nearly a second over Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki).
With the pressure meter dialled up to maximum, the third places were shared by Edwards and Simpson under brilliant Phillip Island sunshine.
Across the two separate championships – Supersport and the fledgling Supersport Next Gen class – Tamburini (1-1) finished Saturday ahead of Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track, 2-2) and 2025 Supersport 300 champion Scott Nicholson (TeamBWR Yamaha, 5-5) in Supersport, and in Supersport Next Gen Simpson (1-2) enjoyed the most profitable harvest from Edwards (3-1) and Nelson (2-3).
Race three is at 11:25am on Sunday.
Kawasaki Supersport Race 1 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy ASBK
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
Another hyper Race and Road Supersport 300 race, with the leading combatants going hammer and tongs for the whole eight laps.
This time, it was King who enjoyed the Trans-Tasman bragging rights after a frenzied multi-bike lunge across the finish line, turning the tables on race one winner Nauta.
Just 0.593sec separated the top 11, with reigning No. 2 Jordy Simpson seizing the final spot on the podium ahead of Rossi McAdam, Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien – all on Yamahas.
Lincoln Knight (Yamaha), who finished on the tail of the 11-bike rolling scrum battling for race honours, set the fastest lap of the race – a 1:48.742.
Race three is at 9:10am on Sunday morning to complete round one of five in the 2026 championship.
Tyler King was today’s Race and Road Supersport 300 winner. Photo courtesy ASBK
For more information on the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
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