Argomenti trattati
The opening practice session at the Chang International Circuit produced a headline moment when Marco Bezzecchi lapped faster than anyone had before at Buriram. Riding the Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tyres, Bezzecchi posted a best lap of 1:28.526, eclipsing the previous all-time benchmark. The session unfolded under a tentative sky, with teams monitoring an afternoon shower threat that influenced strategy and track evolution.
Conditions stayed dry for the critical runs, allowing riders to push late in the session in search of a direct Q2 berth. As timing screens flashed and pit crews hustled, several manufacturers and teams showed competitive pace. While Bezzecchi emerged as the clear pacesetter, the leaderboard revealed both expected contenders and notable surprises, setting the scene for sprint qualifying and the rest of the race weekend.
Top performers and the new benchmark
Bezzecchi’s lap of 1:28.526 left the field chasing, shaving time off what had stood as the fastest lap around the circuit. Close behind, Marc Marquez posted a 1:28.947 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26, confirming the Ducati’s pace despite a mixed session earlier on. Rounding out the top three was Fabio Di Giannantonio, who clocked a 1:29.010 on the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati, translating solid testing form into competitive practice speed.
Other notable lap times
Further down the order, Pedro Acosta impressed with a 1:29.185 aboard the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16, while Jorge Martin put the second Aprilia inside the top five with a 1:29.229. These results meant three manufacturers—Aprilia, Ducati and KTM—were well represented at the sharp end. The distribution of quick laps suggested that tyre choices, chassis setup and late-session runs were decisive factors in producing the fastest times.
Big names under pressure and surprises
Not every headline rider enjoyed a smooth start to the weekend. Francesco Bagnaia, a rider typically associated with front-row performances, found himself outside the top ten with a best of 1:29.824, which left him slated for Q1 rather than a direct Q2 entry. This outcome underscored how thin the margins are and how weather concerns and traffic can conspire to disrupt lap-building for even the most experienced competitors.
How weather and strategy influenced the session
The forecast for a possible shower had teams split between early aggression and a wait-and-see approach. That uncertainty heightened the importance of timing a clear lap; riders who waited for improved track conditions often found grip levels changed as the session progressed. For some teams, including those running new setups after pre-season testing, that gamble paid off. For others, such as several Yamaha entries, the margin for error proved unforgiving and left them facing a slower path through qualifying.
Q2 qualifiers and team performances
Alongside Bezzecchi, the list of riders heading straight to Q2 included Marquez, Di Giannantonio, Acosta and Martin, while alex marquez secured sixth place for BK8 Gresini Racing. Honda achieved a double Q2 presence thanks to Joan Mir and Johann Zarco, who finished inside the top ten. KTM celebrated a strong showing as Brad Binder joined Acosta in the Q2 group, highlighting the marque’s progress since previous events.
Incidents and what to watch next
Trackhouse riders experienced mixed fortune: Ai Ogura claimed a Q2 slot but high-sided at Turn 7 with only minutes remaining, a reminder of the fine line between a fast lap and a race-ending mistake. His teammate Raul Fernandez missed a direct Q2 berth, putting extra pressure on him to navigate Q1. As the weekend moves toward sprint qualifying and the pole shootout, teams will refine race setups and tyre plans while addressing any issues exposed during practice.
Looking ahead
Bezzecchi’s performance establishes him as a rider to watch, but practice times are an early snapshot rather than a full prediction. The combination of evolving weather, tyre management and strategic choices across Sprint Saturday means the order can still shift dramatically. Expect tight margins, tactical tyre calls, and more late-session fireworks as the grid battles for advantageous starting positions.