Bezzecchi Claims Opening Round Pole in Thailand Despite Late Incident

Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position for the 2026 MotoGP season opener at the Thai Grand Prix, outpacing Marc Marquez in qualifying despite experiencing a crash in the closing stages of the session.

MotoGP

The 2026 MotoGP campaign is set to kick off with Marco Bezzecchi on pole position at Thailand's premier motorcycle racing venue. The Italian rider's qualifying performance proved decisive, as he managed to edge out fellow competitor Marc Marquez despite a dramatic moment that saw him crash late in the session.

Bezzecchi's qualifying lap was quick enough to secure the coveted top spot on the grid, demonstrating strong pace throughout the crucial qualifying period. However, his path to pole was not without incident—a late-session crash threatened to derail what would ultimately be a successful qualifying effort for the season opener.

The crash, which occurred as Bezzecchi pushed for improved lap times, could have significantly damaged his qualifying result. Nevertheless, the damage proved inconsequential as his earlier lap times held firm against the competition, including Marquez's best efforts to dislodge him from the top of the timesheets.

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sporting Regulations

Art. B2.4.1

Art. B3.5.1

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Sporting Regulations

Article B2.4.1

FIA Source

Race Qualifying Session

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

Qualifying is the session where drivers compete to determine their starting positions for the race. It normally happens on the second day of a Grand Prix weekend, either 2-3 hours after the final practice session (FP3) or 3-4 hours after the Sprint race, depending on the event format.

Qualifying determines the race grid order - your position in qualifying decides where you start the race
Standard format: held on day two, 2-3 hours after FP3 (free practice 3)
Alternative format: held on day two, 3-4 hours after Sprint race
Timing varies based on whether the weekend includes a Sprint race or follows the traditional format

Official FIA Text

Qualifying determines Race starting grid. Standard Format: second day, 2-3 hours after FP3. Alternative Format: second day, 3-4 hours after Sprint.

qualifyinggrid positionstarting gridqualifying sessionf1 qualifying

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B3.5.1

FIA Source

Pre-Sprint & Pre-Race Parc Fermé Entry

Chapter: ARTICLE B3: PROCEDURES DURING A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

Once a car leaves the pit lane for the first time during Sprint Qualifying or Qualifying, it enters 'parc fermé' – a locked-down state where teams cannot make changes to the car. The car must stay locked down until the race or sprint actually starts. This ensures fair competition by preventing last-minute adjustments.

Cars are locked in parc fermé from first pit lane exit during Sprint Qualifying until the Sprint starts
Cars are locked in parc fermé from pit lane exit during Qualifying until the Race starts
No mechanical changes or adjustments are permitted once a car enters parc fermé
This rule applies to ensure competitive fairness and prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages

Official FIA Text

Each Car will be deemed in parc fermé from time it leaves Pit Lane for first time during Sprint Qualifying until start of Sprint, and from time it leaves Pit Lane during Qualifying until start of Race.

parc fermepit lanesprint qualifyingqualifyingcar setup

2026 Season Regulations