With the excitement of the world of motorsport surrounding them, preparations for the 2025 Thailand Grand Prix of MotoGP kicked off at the Chang International Circuit on February 28, 2025. Thai rider Somkiat Chantra, enthusiastically embracing his inaugural official entry, clocked impressive times during his practice sessions, showcasing potential as he gears up for the new season.
During the first day of practice, Chantra collaborated closely with his team from HRC and expressed excitement for his home race. He managed to record lap times of 1:30.286 and 1:30.471, respectively. "Today was quite exciting as it was the first practice and the opening race at my home track," Somkiat commented, reflecting on the significance of competing where he grew up.
Despite the strong showing, Chantra noted areas needing improvement, particularly on key turns where he faced difficulties. "I made some mistakes but I'll work on them," he admitted, highlighting the challenges of handling wind and braking mechanics. He was quick to mention following teammate Johann Zarco, gaining insights on how to navigate the track more effectively.
The first day concluded with Chantra finishing 21st on the timing sheets—1.266 seconds behind the leader, Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team. Yet, he remained optimistic: "Overall today was on plan, even though I wanted to achieve 1:29 seconds per lap," he added, emphasizing his commitment to continuing to push his limits.
Adding to the event's excitement, Tissot, the official timekeeper of MotoGP since 2001, unveiled their new 2025 collection of watches inspired by the adrenaline and dynamics of motorcycle racing. The brand is celebrating its long-standing partnership with MotoGP through distinctive offerings like the T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition 2025 and the T-Race MotoGP Quartz Chronograph Limited Edition 2025. Each piece echoes design elements reminiscent of MotoGP bikes—like the brake disc-inspired casing and vibrant colors, reflective of racing spirit.
A Tissot representative mentioned, "Tissot is proud to continue our long-standing history with MotoGP, showcasing performance on the wrist," which encapsulates both the brand's rich heritage and the thrill of motorsport. These special editions are crafted with high-precision mechanisms and attention to detail, catering to both racing aficionados and collectors alike.
On March 1, the excitement will ramp up as the qualifying round sets the grid for the sprint race scheduled for later. Somkiat is eager for both his opportunity to score his first points and the chance to race under the bright lights of his home crowd.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, not only for the high-speed races but for the opportunity to engage with Tissot. The first 20 buyers of Tissot's limited edition watches at the grand prix will have the chance to meet Somkiat Chantra himself during exclusive events following the race. This unique interaction aims to create memorable moments for both fans and the athlete.
With the anticipation building for the sprint race and the continued innovation from brands like Tissot, the Thailand Grand Prix promises to be not just another race but a celebration of speed, culture, and sport.
This year's MotoGP marking continues to push the boundaries not only on the track but also within the realms of fashion and lifestyle, as companies introduce collections inspired by the intensity of racing. The 2025 Thailand Grand Prix stands as the perfect backdrop as both riders and brands work to maximize their presence and engagement.
Whether it's revving engines or the ticking of Tissot’s precise watches, the excitement of the 2025 Thailand Grand Prix will undoubtedly resonate beyond Buriram and inspire enthusiasts around the globe.