A dramatic finish to the Thailand Grand Prix sprint saw rookie Pedro Acosta claim his first MotoGP victory, a result sealed by a late-race penalty for Marc Marquez. The race, a key early-season contest, was initially dominated by Marco Bezzecchi before a crash opened the door for a thrilling duel between Marquez and Acosta.
Bezzecchi had led every session leading up to the sprint, but his race ended abruptly on the second lap with a crash at Turn 8. This allowed Marquez and Acosta to battle for the lead, exchanging positions multiple times throughout the sprint. The defining moment came on the penultimate lap when Marquez, attempting to regain the lead at the final corner, forced Acosta off the racing line.
Stewards quickly investigated the incident and issued Marquez a one-position penalty, handing the win to Acosta. The decision was met with surprise from Acosta himself, who admitted he hadn’t anticipated the penalty. “I went over the finish line thinking, ‘What’s going on?’” Acosta said after the race.
Acosta Secures First Sprint Victory After Marquez Penalty!
Photo by: Steve Wobser / Getty Images
Despite the controversial finish, Acosta was gracious in victory, acknowledging the intensity of the battle. “He touched me; he touched me,” Acosta said, adding that he likely would have attempted a similar move in Marquez’s position. This win marks Acosta’s first in MotoGP and the first sprint victory for KTM since 2023.
Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez completed the podium, securing third place for Aprilia. The race began with Marquez taking the lead from pole sitter Bezzecchi, but the Italian quickly retaliated. The pair continued to trade positions before Bezzecchi’s unfortunate crash on lap two. Acosta steadily closed the gap, challenging Marquez for the lead on lap four and continuing to pressure him throughout the remainder of the sprint.
Acosta’s victory comes as a significant boost for KTM, who struggled throughout the 2025 season. The young Spaniard now leads the championship standings as the MotoGP season continues with the race tomorrow.
Acosta Happy to Match Marquez’s Pace.
Photo by: Steve Wobser / Getty Images
