P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The first penalty of the 2026 MotoGP season has been awarded after Thai Grand Prix practice
Gresini Ducati MotoGP substitute Michele Pirro was penalized in the 2026 season for impeding teammate Alex Marquez during practice at the Thai Grand Prix. Due to an injury to Fermin Aldeguer, Gresini enlisted long-time Ducati MotoGP test rider Pirro for the season opener at Buriram. Last year’s top rookie, Aldeguer, sustained a femur fracture in a training mishap and is anticipated to return in Brazil. Pirro has been filling in for the team since the Buriram test, where the incident with Marquez occurred. The penalty protocol for the 2026 MotoGP season was released on Thursday, featuring changes like prohibiting bike restarts on the circuit and revised rules on overtaking under yellow flags. Riders must now return a position within the next sector if overtaking under yellow flags, facing a long lap penalty for non-compliance.
