The new MotoGP season started explosively with the sprint race held at the Buriram circuit in Thailand, which was filled with exciting overtakes, crashes, and inevitable controversies. KTM rider Pedro Acosta claimed the victory, but it was marred by a decision from race direction that penalized reigning world champion Marc Marquez for a collision, resulting in Marquez surrendering the lead in the final corner. This decision sparked protests from Ducati, who argued that the incident was merely a racing accident.

Disappointment struck for the Aprilia team as Marco Bezzecchi, who began the race from pole position, was vying for the lead alongside Marquez when he lost control and crashed out of the race. This left little satisfaction for Italian fans, as fellow riders Di Giannantonio and reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia could only secure eighth and ninth places, finishing more than five seconds behind the leader. The dramatic day's events set the stage for a thrilling long race scheduled for Sunday morning, drawing significant attention from fans and pundits alike.

The opening sprint race in Thailand serves as a reminder of the intense competition in MotoGP, with tactics, penalties, and personal rivalries shaping the outcome of the season. With the first round of races revealing the stakes and the unpredictable nature of motorcycle racing, it raises questions about how teams will adapt and respond in the upcoming longer race and throughout the season ahead. This early drama suggests that 2023 could be a year filled with highly competitive races and nail-biting outcomes for both riders and teams.