Bezzecchi Rewrites the Record Books with COTA Masterclass

MotoGP arrived in Texas expecting another chapter in the growing title battle instead, Marco Bezzecchi delivered another piece of history.

The Aprilia rider continued his extraordinary start to 2026 with victory at Circuit of the Americas, extending his winning streak and strengthening his grip on the championship in a performance that combined aggression, control and record-breaking consistency.

Credit: MotoGP Press

From the moment the lights went out, the intensity arrived immediately.

Pedro Acosta launched brilliantly and briefly looked set to control the opening sector, but Bezzecchi responded instantly. The Aprilia rider attacked aggressively and the pair went side-by-side through the early corners, making contact as they fought for track position.

Neither backed down.

When the dust settled, Bezzecchi emerged ahead.

Behind them, Jorge Martin had also made rapid progress and placed both factory Aprilias into podium contention before the race had even properly settled.

The opening laps carried extra significance.

Each lap Bezzecchi led pushed him closer to history and, before long, he officially surpassed the modern-era record for consecutive Grand Prix laps led another milestone in what is becoming one of the most dominant starts to a MotoGP season in recent memory.

Further back, attention shifted toward Marc Marquez.

Still carrying the consequences of Saturday’s Sprint incident, the reigning World Champion completed his Long Lap penalty early and dropped back into heavy traffic. From there, recovery became the objective.

Credit: MotoGP Press

Meanwhile, the podium battle remained alive.

Martin repeatedly pressured Acosta and eventually found a way through after the KTM rider lost momentum, creating another Aprilia one-two formation at the front.

Behind them, Ai Ogura became one of the stars of the race.

The Trackhouse rider charged through the field with aggressive but controlled overtakes and briefly looked capable of fighting for a top-four finish before a technical issue cruelly ended his progress.

The final laps produced another battle as Marc Marquez worked forward and fought through traffic to salvage valuable points.

At the front, however, nobody had an answer.

Bezzecchi crossed the line comfortably clear to secure a fifth consecutive Grand Prix victory and become only the third Italian rider to achieve the feat.

Martin completed a historic second straight Aprilia one-two, while Acosta secured another podium to stay firmly in the championship picture.

Three rounds complete.

And right now, MotoGP belongs to Aprilia.