The 2025 MotoGP season has officially kicked off with excitement as Marc Márquez, racing for Ducati, took the coveted pole position at the Thailand Grand Prix held at the Buriram circuit. This marks not only his first pole of the season but also his inaugural one with the factory Ducati team, as he aims to make his mark following years with Honda.
Márquez recorded the fastest time of 1:28.782, just milliseconds off the track record, confidently leading the starting grid for race day on March 1, 2025. Joining him on the front row are his brother, Álex Márquez of Gresini Ducati, and Francesco Bagnaia, another Ducati teammate, who completed the trio of the first line. Ducati’s dominance at the top of the grid reflects the team’s high performance and preparation going with this new season.
Behind the Ducatis, the second row features Jack Miller, now with Pramac Yamaha, as the fastest non-Ducati rider, followed closely by rookie Ai Ogura and Franco Morbidelli from VR46 Ducati. Ogura, showcasing his debut at the elite level, impressed by qualifying fifth, emphasizing the growing talent within the competition.
Further down the grid, notable mentions include Pedro Acosta, who is also making his MotoGP debut this season, and Fabio Quartararo, who qualified tenth. The lineup sees some dramatic changes from the previous year, with several established riders shifting teams during the offseason. Jorge Martín, the reigning champion, is absent due to injuries, opening the field for other competitors.
Due to the intense heat on the Buriram track, with air temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius, the conditions promised to challenge the racers. The Sprint race later on the same day marked the first competitive outing for Márquez with the Ducati team, and fans were eager to see if he could capitalize on his pole position.
Race day commenced with the first Sprint at 09:00 GMT, where Márquez led from the start, maintaining his lead throughout the 13 laps. This performance not only showcased his supremacy but affirmed his seamless adaptation to the Ducati machine. There were moments during the race where it appeared Bagnaia would challenge him, but Márquez kept building his lead with skillful riding.
By the end of the race, Marc Márquez had successfully defended his position, crossing the finish line first with his brother Álex finishing second, and Bagnaia securing third place. This victory enabled Márquez to take the lead early on in the championship with 12 points.
Reflecting on his performance, Márquez mentioned, "I felt extraordinary with the bike. This new adventure with Ducati begins perfectly. Tomorrow, the minimum will be to be on the podium." His confidence shines as he aims not only for the win but also anticipating the overall championship.
The race results featured Ai Ogura placing fourth, demonstrating his potential amid fierce competition, followed by Franco Morbidelli and Pedro Acosta. The rest of the top ten included Fabio Quartararo and Brad Binder, both showcasing their skills on the tough Buriram circuit.
Looking at the performance of the French riders, Quartararo managed to gain three points from his seventh-place finish, adding to the excitement for the upcoming races as he seeks to regain his form and contend for points consistently.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Ai Ogura stated, "I am happy with how the race went. It’s always challenging to adapt but I'm eager to keep improving as the season progresses." His debut alongside experienced riders is notable, as he aims for growth throughout the championship.
With the strong results on display during the Sprint, the Ducati team, particularly with the Márquez brothers and Bagnaia, lays down the marker as the leading forces to be reckoned with this season. The dynamics from the top of the grid give fans reason to anticipate intense rivalries and thrilling finishes, especially as the teams head toward the next rounds.
The motorcycle racing world looks forward to the main race scheduled on March 2, 2025, as riders aim to build on their successes or rectify earlier shortcomings. With the groundwork laid during the Sprint, all eyes will be on Ducati to continue its impressive start to the season.