Buriram Test: Alex Marquez Snatch Top on Timesheet

The engines roared to life at the Chang International Circuit as the highly anticipated Buriram Test kicked off! While the morning session belonged to the methodical defending champion, the afternoon sun witnessed a “Gresini Takeover” as Alex Marquez blazed a trail to the top of the timesheets.

Despite the searing Thai heat and a pair of red flags, the first day of testing provided a clear glimpse into the 2026 hierarchy: the Ducatis are still the benchmark, the rookies are feeling the burn, and Marc Marquez is—well—being Marc Marquez.

The morning began with pristine conditions, allowing Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia to remind the paddock why he wears the #1 plate. The Ducati Lenovo captain clocked a smooth 1:29.678 to lead the early charge.

However, the cameras were glued to his new teammate, Marc Marquez. In classic “93” fashion, the Spaniard pushed his factory Ducati to the absolute edge, resulting in two low-side crashes at Turn 12 and Turn 5. Unfazed, the eight-time champ walked away stable and returned to the pits, treating the spills as part of his data-gathering ritual.

As track temperatures spiked between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the session turned into a war of attrition. Two red flags interrupted the flow due to track surface issues, but once the green light returned, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing Team) sent a message to the field.

Clocking a blistering 1:29.262, the younger Marquez brother edged out Pecco’s morning time to claim the “King of Day 1” title.

The 2026 rookie class found the Chang International Circuit to be a harsh teacher.

• Diogo Moreira (LCR Honda): The Brazilian sensation was the standout “new boy,” clocking a respectable 1:30.953 to finish 11th. Being just 1.691s off the lead on day one is a massive statement.
• Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha): The Turkish WorldSBK legend had a steeper learning curve, finishing 21st (+2.312s). Transitioning the Yamaha M1 through Buriram’s technical sectors remains a work in progress for the “Stoprak.”

While heavyweights Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Jorge Martin (Aprilia) looked comfortable back in their respective saddles, one seat remained occupied by a substitute. Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing) remains sidelined following left thigh surgery. Veteran test rider Michele Pirro is currently handling the data-logging duties for the squad until the Spaniard is fit to return.

Top 10 of Buriram Test Day 1

Up Next: Day 2, Session 1 kicks off tomorrow at 10:00 AM (Thailand Time).

Credit Photo : BRIC