Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP

Opening round in Buriram proves a struggle for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team

In extremely hot conditions at the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship in Buriram, Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu faced a demanding race, with both riders and their machinery appearing to suffer more from the heat and tyre drop than their direct competitors.

GRAND PRIX OF THAILAND

RACE

17th

TOPRAK RAZGATLIOGLU

18th

JACK MILLER

In the first full race for the 2026 Yamaha YZR-M1 machine, powered by the new V4 engine, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders battled extreme heat and tyre management issues in demanding conditions.

Despite crossing the line disappointed with their final positions, both Razgatlıoğlu and Miller remain focused on analysing the valuable data collected and continuing the development of the new package.

The attention now shifts to the Brazilian Grand Prix, where the team aims to start fresh with renewed motivation and build on the lessons learned in Buriram.

GINO BORSOI
Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP

We knew Sunday was going to be difficult. During the tests we already struggled, and that was confirmed again in the race. On the positive side, the Sprint showed that we are capable of maintaining a fairly competitive rhythm, so that’s something we can build on.

Today the main issue was the high temperature, which affected everyone, but it seemed to impact us a little more. We have to accept that this is our starting point. We’re confident that we can improve from here as we move into the next races.

TOPRAK RAZGATLIOGLU
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider

It was my first full race in MotoGP and, of course, I was hoping for a better result. But it was a long and very demanding race — 26 laps in that kind of heat is physically tough.

We had some clear issues with rear grip, especially as the race went on, but I’m not looking to put the blame anywhere else. I know I still have a lot to learn, and at the same time we know Yamaha is working hard to improve the package.

Grip was quite limited throughout the race, and it seemed to be a common situation for all Yamaha riders, as we were running close together. Now we focus on the next race. I know I will give my best, and I know the whole team will do the same.

JACK MILLER
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider

Obviously it wasn’t the race we were hoping for. Overall, the bike itself didn’t feel bad over the distance and physically I felt fine, but from the very beginning I understood we had an issue with the rear tyre. I tried to manage it as best as I could — short-shifting, being smooth, waiting to pick the bike up on the exits — but as the laps went on it became more and more difficult.

In the end the tyre was completely worn in the centre and on the straights I couldn’t use more than about a quarter throttle. It was a tough situation to manage.

Still, it was our first full race with the V4. It didn’t go the way we wanted, but the important thing is that all four bikes finished and we gathered a lot of information. It’s a base to build from, and there’s plenty of room to improve as we head to Brazil.”