Points for Marini, Zarco and Moreira in demanding Thai race
Chang International CircuitIn what could become one of the hottest races of the year, Luca Marini, Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira battled through to bring home a brace of points, while misfortune costs Joan Mir a top-five finish
The 2026 MotoGP World Championship season officially began with the 26-lap Thai Grand Prix, a physically demanding affair as temperatures approached 40°C.
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.
Zarco made a strong start and consistently maintained his pace throughout. The Frenchman executed a smart and measured strategy, carefully managing all the variables, as tyre degradation and extreme heat proved to be decisive factors. Ultimately, despite significant tyre drop-off, Zarco kept the situation under control and crossed the line in 11th position, collecting valuable points in the opening race of the season.
Following a positive Sprint on Saturday, Brazilian Diogo Moreira approached the Sunday race fully committed to maximise his performance. He had a strong start and consistently positioned himself in the battle for the points. Although he also felt the effects of significant tyre drop, which limited his ability to push further, but he rode cleanly and crossed the line in 13th - scoring points in his debut MotoGP Sunday race.
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 - Ayrton Senna hosting round two, a brand-new circuit for the entire grid.
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.
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.
I’m happy to finish the race and take some points, it’s a good way to start the championship. We still have many races to go, but starting the season with this level of control is positive. I tried to manage the situation from the beginning and did my best considering the huge tyre drop. I managed to bring it to a close because if I had pushed harder, I probably wouldn’t have finished. I believe in the work we’re doing, the bike is performing well, we have a good base, and we just need to adjust a few small things.
I’m happy to finish the race and take some points, it’s a good way to start the championship. We still have many races to go, but starting the season with this level of control is positive. I tried to manage the situation from the beginning and did my best considering the huge tyre drop. I managed to bring it to a close because if I had pushed harder, I probably wouldn’t have finished. I believe in the work we’re doing, the bike is performing well, we have a good base, and we just need to adjust a few small things.
It was a good race, I’m super happy. I fought with Enea, and it was fun. The tyre dropped off quite a lot, so I struggled a bit, but overall it was really good. At some point I was alone pushing, because after 12 laps, the tyre degradation was significant, but it was still a positive race for me. We’ve started the season with high motivation, and this is a learning process. I can’t wait to do more races, I’ve had so much fun this weekend!
It was a good race, I’m super happy. I fought with Enea, and it was fun. The tyre dropped off quite a lot, so I struggled a bit, but overall it was really good. At some point I was alone pushing, because after 12 laps, the tyre degradation was significant, but it was still a positive race for me. We’ve started the season with high motivation, and this is a learning process. I can’t wait to do more races, I’ve had so much fun this weekend!
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.
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.
