Pedro Acosta celebrated his first MotoGP victory. © APA/afp / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA

A premiere to start things off: Acosta celebrates in Thailand

The MotoGP season kicked off in Thailand on Saturday. Spaniard Pedro Acosta celebrated victory in the sprint race that opened the World Championship.

February 28, 2026

From: apa/sn

Acosta secured victory in Buriram ahead of his fellow Spaniards Marc Marquez, the defending champion, and Raul Fernandez. For the confidently riding Acosta, it was the first win of his career.

“A super sprint with Marc, I don’t quite feel like the winner yet, Marc let me past,” said Acosta, who hadn’t realized that Marc Marquez had been penalized for aggressive riding. Acosta thanked the team. “Tomorrow we want to get the real win,” he said on Servus TV.

Acosta (in front) prevailed over Marquez. © APA/afp / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA

Italian Marco Bezzecchi, one of the favorites, crashed. The Grand Prix is ​​scheduled for Sunday, starting at 9 a.m.