In the year Marc Marquez’s 2026 MotoGP title defense got off to the worst possible start when he crashed out on the final lap of the Thai Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider qualified P2 for the 2026 season opener behind Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi. He battled with Pedro Acosta for the win in the Sprint race, but controversy ensued as KTM were adjudged to have forced the rider off the track late.
Marquez handed over the lead after being penalized for the move. The 33-year-old wanted to return to the Thai Grand Prix, but it didn’t go to plan.
Marco Bezecchi bounces back from his sprint accident to win in Thailand! 😍 Is this the beginning of the title case?
Marquez was passed by Raul Fernandez for P2 in the early stages before passing Acosta and Jorge Martin. The three Spaniards raced well, but Marquez’s race soon came to an abrupt halt.
He ended up on the side of the track with a rear tire puncture on lap 21. Marquez was lucky not to fall off his bike and was forced to retire from the race, marking a disastrous start to his 2026 campaign.
MotoGP fans have vented their anger at Michelin following Marc Marquez’s Thai Grand Prix penalty.
Almost everyone was shocked by the incident, but MotoGP fans were also frustrated with tire supplier Michelin and how such a failure could happen.
They vented their anger on X (formerly Twitter): “2 riders with Michelin tire failure. What a clown show Michelins. Hope Pirellis doesn’t get any worse,” said one angry fan.
One user asked, “The rim melted in the heat?” Is it scary? How can a rim bend like that during a race? Mind boggling stuff!” said another confused fan.
“I don’t remember seeing that in 15 years of MotoGP, especially with so many riders in one race,” said another fan.
One user said: “Man, the tires are so soft… these tires are all over the place, d— it.. and no Ducati in 5…” Another fan even called on Pirelli to replace Michelin immediately – which they will do in 2027.
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