Marc Marquez achieved the first pole position of the 2025 MotoGP season during qualifying for the Thailand Grand Prix, clocking in at 1:28.782. This marked his return to the top of the grid after 182 days, with his previous pole coming at Aragon 2024. Marquez's performance was remarkable, as he narrowly missed breaking the existing lap record held by Francesco Bagnaia by just 82 milliseconds.
Joining Marquez on the front row are his brother Alex Marquez, who also performed strongly with a time of 1:28.928, and Pecco Bagnaia, who secured third place with a time of 1:28.955 after having navigated the earlier qualifying rounds successfully. The first row was entirely comprised of Ducati bikes, illustrating the brand's dominant status early in the season.
Franco Morbidelli qualified sixth but will start ninth for the race due to a three-position penalty received for impeding Bagnaia during the previous qualifying laps. Jack Miller and Ai Ogura also made notable appearances, qualifying fourth and fifth respectively, showing the increasing competition among the younger talent.
This year's qualifying event was particularly remarkable because it marked the first time siblings have occupied the top two spots on the grid since record-keeping began in 1977. Marc expressed excitement about sharing the front row with his brother, describing it as “something special.” Pecco Bagnaia, reflecting on his challenges during the practice sessions, noted, “I knew I had the potential to be at the front, so it was great to prove it today.”
Marquez’s performance also reflected the resilience he has shown since returning from injury, signaling he is prepared to compete fiercely throughout the season. “The bike feels great, and I’m confident for the Sprint,” said Marquez. The Sprint Race is scheduled to start at 9:00 AM local time and will be followed by the main race on Sunday at the same time.
Other notable qualifiers include Pedro Acosta, who will start seventh, and Raul Fernandez, who qualified eighth. Marco Bezzecchi, who faced difficulties during his time on the track, managed to qualify ninth but will begin from the sixth row due to Morbidelli's penalty adjustment. Fabio Quartararo, another top competitor, is positioned tenth, promising a thrilling race day.
Overall, the Thailand GP layout is known for its challenging overtaking spots, which could make Sunday’s race particularly exciting. The grid positions suggest fierce competition among the top riders, with several challenging to establish dominance early on. The anticipation is palpable, as fans eagerly await to see how Marquez, his brother, and their competitors will navigate the twists and turns of the Buriram circuit.
Expectations are high for the Sprint Race, as it marks the first chance for riders to score points this season. Bagnaia, Marquez, and Alex will undoubtedly be under pressure, not only to perform but to set the tone for their respective seasons. Given the close qualifying times, the race is set to be highly competitive.
The qualifying results from the Thailand GP are as follows:
- 1. Marc Marquez (Ducati) - 1:28.782
- 2. Alex Marquez (Ducati Gresini) - 1:28.928
- 3. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) - 1:28.955
- 4. Jack Miller (Yamaha Pramac) - 1:29.090
- 5. Ai Ogura (Aprilia Trackhouse) - 1:29.134
- 6. Franco Morbidelli (Ducati) - 1:29.171 (will start from 9th due to penalty)
- 7. Pedro Acosta (KTM) - 1:29.320
- 8. Raul Fernandez (Aprilia Trackhouse) - 1:29.367
- 9. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) - 1:29.381
- 10. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) - 1:29.389
Fans around the world are ready for what promises to be an exhilarating start to the MotoGP season. The brothers Marquez are on alert, but they won't have it easy. The excitement surrounding the Sprint Race will pave the way for drama as the weekend progresses.