The excitement has returned to the world of motorsport as the 2025 MotoGP season kicks off with the Thailand Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit. The first day of action saw the riders take to the track for the initial practice sessions, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of motorcycle racing.
On the morning of February 28, local time, the practice sessions began with Marc Marquez firmly establishing his presence by clocking the fastest time of the day at 1 minute 29.423 seconds, showcasing the dominance of the Ducati. Marquez's early display of speed was notable, as only 158 milliseconds separated him from fellow Ducati rider, Franco Morbidelli, who finished the first practice session second.
"I feel good on the bike, and the team has worked hard to provide me with the best setup. Let's see how things evolve over the weekend," remarked Marquez when addressing the media post-practice.
The top three was completed by Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, finishing with a time of 1 minute 29.765 seconds. The Frenchman showed strong pace, hinting at his team's potential for the weekend. Jack Miller also performed admirably, taking fourth place with a time of 1 minute 29.840 seconds, which was especially gratifying for the Yamaha Pramac team.
Unfortunately for Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, the day was more challenging. He found himself down in tenth place with a time of 1 minute 30.141 seconds—over seven-tenths slower than his teammate Marquez. Bagnaia seemed to be struggling to find consistent grip and speed, often falling victim to the tactics employed by his rivals. His performance raised some eyebrows, as he faced the prospect of starting from Q1 due to traffic issues during his final attempts on the track.
"Today was tough. I had one lap cancelled due to yellow flags, and then I encountered traffic, which hindered my chance for a strong time," Bagnaia explained, frustration evident in his voice. "These things can happen, and now I have to push harder to secure my spot during qualifications tomorrow."
During the pre-qualifying rounds later in the day, the Marquez brothers once again shone. Alex Marquez kickstarted the session with the fastest time of 1 minute 29.070 seconds, just a fraction faster than Marc, who followed closely behind. This thrilling family rivalry provided fans with plenty to cheer about.
"It’s fantastic racing alongside my brother. We're both pushing each other, and it’s great for team spirit," Alex Marquez told reporters after his impressive performance.
Pedro Acosta displayed his potential by securing third place, clocking 1 minute 29.302 seconds, proving again why he is considered one of the most talented riders on the grid. The top five was rounded out with Marco Bezzecchi and Franco Morbidelli, both showing strong performances amid fierce competition.
Timing was tight, with only 0.247 seconds separating the top five riders and indicative of how competitive the grid is expected to be this season. Joan Mir from Honda and rookie sensation Ai Ogura, both demonstrating the strength of their machines, very nearly broke through to the upper echelons of the leaderboard.
Several news outlets summarized the unexpected challenges faced by the veteran riders, highlighting Bagnaia’s slower pace compared to his counterparts. According to reports, "Bagnaia’s struggles could hinder his early-season momentum, but he’s known for bouncing back once the adrenaline kicks in during qualifying sessions."
Looking positively at the proceedings, weather conditions at the circuit were ideal, with temperatures rising, creating challenges for tire management and grip levels as the sun began to set over Buriram.
The scheduled sessions for Friday offered more than just practice; they hinted at the kind of strategic and high-speed battles fans can expect over the course of the weekend. The racing begins to heat up with qualifying sessions on March 1, less than 24 hours away.
Viewers tuning in through Sky Sports were treated to detailed coverage with insightful commentary from the seasoned team including Guido Meda and Mauro Sanchini. Fans were reminded to adjust for the local time change, as events unfolded through the night for international viewers based in Europe.
The 2025 Thailand Grand Prix promises to be yet another intense spectacle. With fierce rivalries, unexpected challenges, and the distinct thrill of the first race day, riders will look to stake their claims early on. Whatever happens, excitement is guaranteed under the floodlights of Buriram.
Keep your engines revving, and don’t miss the qualifying rounds tomorrow. With everything still to play for, no one can predict how this season might end.