Italy’s Marco Bezzecchi received the opening race of the MotoGP season with a flawless efficiency in Thailand, as defending champion Marc Marquez retired late on.

Aprilia rider Bezzecchi began on pole and by no means regarded again as he stormed into an enormous lead earlier than sealing victory by greater than 5 seconds.

KTM’s Spanish rider Pedro Acosta adopted up Saturday’s dash race victory by coming second, whereas compatriot Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse completed third.

Bezzecchi’s victory got here after he crashed out of the dash race on the second lap.

“Yesterday was a small mistake with an enormous consequence, so it was vital right this moment to attempt to bounce again,” mentioned Bezzecchi.

“My tempo was good with the medium [rear tyre], we labored tremendous nicely all weekend, so I knew that I may very well be quick if I used to be in entrance. So I attempted my all to make a very good begin and the bike was good.”

Ducati’s Marquez exited the race with 5 laps to go after struggling a sort puncture whereas in fourth place.

The Spaniard, who’s chasing a record-equalling eighth title this season, was closing in on Acosta and Fernandez however broken his tyre after working broad, ending hopes of a podium end.

Earlier this week Marquez mentioned he was nonetheless recovering from a shoulder harm that pressured him to overlook the ultimate 4 races of final season.

Bezzecchi was quickest in all three observe periods and set a brand new observe report in qualifying, whereas this was his third-straight grand prix victory – having received the ultimate two races in 2025.

Bezzecchi’s Aprilia team-mate and 2024 champion Jorge Martin got here fourth, whereas Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura completed fifth.

Final yr’s runner-up Alex Marquez didn’t end the race after a late crash, whereas 2022 and 2023 world champion Francesco Bagnaia completed ninth.