The 2025 MotoGP season kicks off with great anticipation as the inaugural Thailand Grand Prix takes center stage this weekend at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram. This historic event not only marks the first time Thailand hosts the season opener but also showcases local talent as Somkiat Chantra becomes the first Thai rider to participate at this level.
Somkiat Chantra, 26, is reveling in his debut on home soil, feeling the pressure but also excitement. "It's amazing, it's like a dream come true," he said, highlighting the privilege of racing for his fans. Known by his nickname "Kong,” Chantra will compete alongside his French teammate Johann Zarco from the Honda-LCR team.
With the opening practice session already underway, eyes are glued to the track where established names are also striving for victory. Notably absent from the grid is reigning champion Jorge Martin of the Aprilia Racing team, who is sidelined due to injuries from pre-season testing. Following multiple fractures from crashes, Martin expressed his disappointment, stating, "The blows are always hard, but when they come one after another, the impact is multiplied," emphasizing the physical and mental toll of the circumstances.
The absence of Martin is a significant blow, as he was the victor at the Thailand GP two years ago. The Aprilia team will feature replacements Lorenzo Savadori and Marco Bezzecchi, seeking to uphold the team’s competitive spirit without their number one rider. Martin's team principal, Massimo Rivola, expressed concern for his star rider's well-being, confirming he will miss at least the Thai and Argentine Grands Prix. Rivola stated, "He won’t race… his condition is not good at the moment," stressing the importance of recovery.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, racing for the Ducati factory team, showed promising speed during testing, leading the free practice sessions. He topped the timesheets with an impressive lap time of 1:29.423. Marquez commented on his readiness for the upcoming fights, saying, "Of course I feel ready to fight for the championship." Partnered with Francesco Bagnaia, the duo is set for what many anticipate will be a fierce competition. Bagnaia echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are here for the championship," underlining the dedication and ambition within the Ducati team.
During testing leading up to the Grand Prix, Marquez and Bagnaia displayed superior performance, strategizing and adapting to the changes from the previous season’s GP24 bike. Experts perceive this new configuration as pivotal at the start of this lengthy season, leading to speculation about their on-track rivalry.
Apart from rivalries between seasoned champions, the grid showcases various changes. Jack Miller returns to the paddock with optimism, having switched teams from KTM to the newly branded Pramac Yamaha for this season. Miller highlighted his excitement for the new combination, stating, “I’m more optimistic after the initial shakedown of the bike,” reflecting on how participating with different manufacturers can boost confidence and performance.
Chantra’s debut is also set against the backdrop of heightened pressure from the home crowd, likely to motivate him through the initial challenges. He is aware of the expectations but maintains high hopes, expressing, "I cannot image the pressure ... especially when the fans push you to do your best, it’s overwhelming, positive, and intense at the same time."
This weekend’s schedule comprises key practices and races, introducing fans to this year’s lineup and dynamics. The Thai MotoGP is expected to draw attention not only for racing but also for the stories behind its riders—each bringing their dreams, struggles, and aspirations to life on the track.
Practice Schedule:
Friday, February 28 - Practice 1: 14:45 - 15:30 AEDT;
Saturday, March 1 - Practice 3: 14:10 - 14:40 AEDT, Qualifying: 15:15 - 15:30 AEDT, Sprint: 19:00 AEDT;
Sunday, March 2 - Warm Up: 14:40 - 14:50 AEDT, Grand Prix: 19:00 AEDT.
For fans eager to watch the race, several platforms are providing live coverage, ensuring widespread access to one of MotoGP's most thrilling weekends. Despite the absence of Martin, the excitement surrounding this year’s entry list and debuting riders, including Chantra, guarantees high-stakes action as the 2025 MotoGP season begins.