A demanding start to the season in what is already looking to be one of the hottest races of the year, Luca Marini opening his 2026 points account with tenth while heartbreak struck Joan Mir as he battled tooth and claw for a fantastic fifth.

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Thai Grand Prix

MotoGP 2026

Round 1

Sunday, 1st March 2026

Thai Grand Prix, Chang International Circuit

Marini puts Honda in top ten as misfortune strikes promising Mir

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship season officially began with the 26-lap Thai Grand Prix, a physically demanding affair as temperatures approached 40°C. Undeterred and unphased, the Honda HRC Castrol duo shot off the line when the lights went out and immediately began their battle.

From 14th on the grid, Luca Marini made a near perfect start to immediately close in on his teammate and charging into the top ten. Battling for the majority of the race with the likes of Bagnaia, Binder and Ogura, the Italian paid special attention to managing his tyres in the critical ambient temperatures of the day. Picking up where he left off in 2025, Luca Marini crossed the line in tenth – leading the remaining Honda trio and sitting as the lead Honda RC213V rider in the World Championship, 11th with six points.

Joan Mir authored an incredible race, starting strongly and quickly catching the group battling for third position. His confidence was easy to see as he demonstrated his unrivalled ability on the brakes, a particularly spectacular move on Fabio Di Giannantonio promoting him to fifth. Unfortunately, disaster would strike and the 2020 MotoGP World Champion was forced to retire through no fault of his own. He leaves Thailand in 15th place overall with three points.

New frontiers are waiting at round two as the MotoGP World Championship makes a welcome return to Brazil. The Autodromo Internacional de Goiania – Aryton Senna hosting round two, a brand-new circuit for the entire grid. In 2025, Luca Marini briefly lapped on a road bike and highlighted the high speed and exciting nature of the track.

Luca Marini ¹⁰

Honda HRC Castrol

"I think the race was tough for everyone, not so much from the temperature and the physical side because this is what we train for, but you really had to manage everything with the bike to arrive to the end. After four laps we weren't able to brake as we'd like, which made the race very long as that is our strongest point normally. I made a really good start but then lost three positions on the straight quite soon after. Everyone from about fifth to 14th has a very similar pace, so if you miss something in Qualifying or early in the race you spend a lot of time catching up. But a good way to start the year, we learned a lot and know what we have to do next."

Joan Mir ³⁶

Honda HRC Castrol

"A real shame what happened today. I really enjoyed the race, I was riding really well and making some great overtakes. Then something happened which was not in our control and our race finished. We have to check properly what happened. We have to focus on the positives that we have done this race weekend and bring it to Brazil. Normally at new tracks we can be strong, I think I am a quick learner, so we will try and take advantage of that. Focusing on the positives, we showed our speed and the progress Honda have made."

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domingo, 1 de marzo de 2026