Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez and Ducati had a difficult start to the 2026 MotoGP season as the defending champion failed to finish at the Thailand Grand Prix.
Marquez qualified P2 in Buriram, but could not get the launch off the start as he did in the Sprint race, allowing Marco Bezzecchi to hold onto his lead. The Aprilia rider would not relinquish his lead as Bezzecchi claimed a dominant victory.
Pedro Acosta leads the championship for the first time in his career after his P2 in Thailand. Will he be a genuine contender this season?
Let us know in the comments below!
Meanwhile, Marquez struggled to keep up with the RS-GPs, as he was passed by Raul Fernandez, and then later Jorge Martin and KTM’s Pedro Acosta. He produced some excellent racing with his fellow Spaniards until disaster struck on lap 21.
Marquez suffered a rear tyre puncture as he entered turn four. The rim of the Michelin rubber exploded as the 33-year-old hit the kerb. He was lucky not to be thrown off the bike as he ground to a halt and retired from the race.
Sylvain Guintoli saw Marc Marquez in ‘deep trouble’ at the Thailand Grand Prix
Had Marquez not suffered the puncture, he likely could have fought for a podium, as he was keeping pace with Martin and Acosta. However, Ducati were struggling to combat the Aprilia on track, as the RS-GP’s stability and raw speed had the beat of the Desmosedici.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the highest-ranked Ducati in P6, 16 seconds behind Bezzecchi. Speaking via TNT Sports (01/03, 8:57 am) after the race, Sylvain Guintoli saw Marquez was in ‘deep trouble’ during the race as the Borgo Panigale outfit struggled to beat their Italian rivals.
“It didn’t work out, they look weak,” he said. “I mean, when you think about how they dominated last season, for example, they really look on the back foot.
“For Marc Marquez, the only chance that he had was to get that start and he got that wheelie, the back popped, so he wasn’t able to get first into turn one. And after that, for a few laps, he was in real trouble. He was in deep trouble. He was getting overtaken, he was under pressure.
“So he started to put it all back together after five, six, seven laps, the pace started to come to him, and that’s what we’ve seen a little bit last year. But last year he had an advantage. This year, when that pace came, he was sort of on par to fight for the podium.
“They’ve made a step down and Aprilia’s definitely made a step up, and KTM as well.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Should Marc Marquez be worried about Ducati after the Thailand Grand Prix?
Of course, only one race weekend has passed in 2026 and there are still 42 races to run. Ducati and Marquez have plenty of time to make up ground and get back on track.
For the defending champion, his physical condition will be his biggest concern. Marquez was still not ‘comfortable’ with his right shoulder after the Thailand Grand Prix, admitting that he is not quite at 100% fitness.
When he has fully recovered, the 33-year-old will be difficult to beat. But Aprilia have definitely taken a step forward, and as Buriram showed, they will prove to be tough competition.
Francesco Bagnaia says Ducati are not the fastest ‘anymore’ after the Thailand GP, hinting that Aprilia have now risen to the front. The Borgo Panigale outfit might have a big job on their hands to return to the front.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
