Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Set to Tackle 2026 Journey with Thai GP Season Kick-Off
Following last weekend's Buriram MotoGP Official Test, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins return to the Chang International Circuit to commence the 2026 MotoGP season with this weekend's Grand Prix of Thailand.
Buriram (Thailand), 26th February 2026
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are prepared for racing action at the Chang International Circuit this weekend. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are keen to start the 2026 journey with the first of twenty-two MotoGP rounds.
The MotoGP paddock visited the Chang track six times before. El Diablo's best result here was in his first Thai premier class race in 2019, when he secured second place. The number-20 rider always receives a lot of support from local fans, and he is looking forward to riding in front of them again at the season opener.
Following the winter break and the 2026 preseason testing, Rins is excited to greet the MotoGP fans at the track again. The Spaniard has used the last three months for training in order to be top fit for this weekend. He has ridden in Thailand five times before (he missed the 2023 event due to injury) and achieved his best result there in 2019, securing fifth in the MotoGP class.
The Chang International Circuit opened in 2014, and MotoGP made its debut there in 2018. The circuit is located about 410km northeast of the country's capital, Bangkok, and is close to the town of Buriram. Many riders and fans are excited by the Chang track's 4.55km layout that includes a 1km longest straight and five left and seven right turns.
The Grand Prix of Thailand is held in the GMT+7 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 10:45-11:30 local track time and Practice will be held from 15:00-16:00. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40, and the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, followed by the 13-lap Sprint that starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 10:40-10:50 and the 26-lap Race starts at 15:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI Sport Manager, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
"The Grand Prix of Thailand marks the real start of our journey, and we can't wait to feel the incredible atmosphere Buriram always creates. The preseason tests showed us challenging aspects, and the aligned feedback from the riders gives us a clear direction to work towards. There's a lot of hard work ahead. Our aim this week is to make the most of the current package and gather as much data as possible in a Grand Prix setting."
FABIO QUARTARARO Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
"The preseason is over, and we are starting the new season. We learned a lot in testing – there were some tough moments, but also some good steps – and now it's time to build onto the base we have established. I really like Thailand, this track, and the fans here. I will do my best!"
ÁLEX RINS Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
"After a long wait, it’s time to go racing again! The tests showed us where we can push and develop more as well as where we need to work. The direction is pretty clear. There’s always a great vibe in Thailand, and I’m sure the fans worldwide are excited that MotoGP is back. I’m ready to begin this journey!"
Sport Manager, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP