On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Thailand MotoGP Sprint Race at Buriram marked the successful debut of Marc Marquez with factory Ducati, who claimed victory after leading from start to finish. This much-anticipated event showcased the riders' skills as they navigated the challenges of the track, but it was Marquez who stole the show, adding to his impressive career stats.
Marquez, who secured pole position by 0.146 seconds, quickly established himself as the rider to beat. The six-time MotoGP champion pulled away neatly from the start, with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia initially facing pressure from Gresini rider Alex Marquez before reclaiming second position. By the end of the first lap, Marc’s lead had grown to 0.6 seconds, which only increased as the race progressed. By lap seven, he had stretched his advantage to 1.2 seconds, demonstrating his mastery of the Ducati machinery.
With every lap, Marquez continued to maintain and even increase his lead, eventually winning by 1.185 seconds over his brother, Alex Marquez, who secured second place. Alex, after fending off Bagnaia and overcoming early challenges, established himself firmly within the race, finishing comfortably behind Marc.
The competition for third was fierce, but it was Bagnaia who managed to hold off the mounting pressure from rookie Ai Ogura, delivering solid performances throughout the sprint race. Ogura, riding for Trackhouse on his debut, impressed by finishing fourth, actively challenging for podium positions early but eventually settling down as the race unfolded.
Franco Morbidelli from the VR46 team crossed the line fifth, showcasing his consistency and skill on the track. Behind him, Pedro Acosta from KTM made significant moves to solidify his position, finishing sixth. Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo recovered from a poor start to finish seventh, narrowly edging out teammate Brad Binder, who took eighth.
The race witnessed some drama, especially with Jack Miller crashing out from the sixth position, leading to his retirement. Joan Mir, representing Honda, managed to secure the final points-paying position, finishing ninth. The tumultuous race left Marco Bezzecchi reflecting on his drop to twelfth after suffering early complications, and the combined performance of all riders captivated the audience throughout the event.
While Marquez’s victory did not come without its challenges, he effectively used his experience to maintain control throughout the sprint. The entire Ducati lineup likely left Buriram feeling victorious as they dominated the podium, demonstrating their mechanical prowess and rider talent. Marquez’s triumph confirmed his status as the favorite, and as the championship progresses, he remains one to watch deeply as the MotoGP season advances.
1. Marquez (Ducati): 1.185 seconds
2. Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati)
3. Bagnaia (Ducati)
4. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia)
5. Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati)
6. Pedro Acosta (KTM)
7. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha)
8. Brad Binder (KTM)
9. Joan Mir (Honda)
10. Johann Zarco (LCR Honda)
11. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Aprilia)
12. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)
13. Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati)
14. Maverick Vinales (Tech3 KTM)
15. Luca Marini (Honda)
16. Miguel Oliveira (Pramac Yamaha)
17. Alex Rins (Yamaha)
18. Enea Bastianini (Tech3 KTM)
19. Somkiat Chantra (LCR Honda)
20. Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia)
DNF: Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati); Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha).