The 2025 MotoGP season kicked off with high anticipation at the Chang International Circuit, Thailand, where riders geared up for competition on March 1, 2025, with both practice and qualifying sessions highlighting their prowess.
The excitement began on February 28 with the first practice sessions, where riders took to the track to test their machines and strategies. Marc Márquez made waves, achieving his first pole position with Ducati on his initial attempt, setting him up as the rider to beat this season. "Marc Márquez has achieved his first pole dressed in red Ducati on his first attempt," reported by Motorsport.com. This impressive performance came under the shadow of the reigning champion, Jorge Martín, whose absence due to injury shifted the competitive dynamics of the grid.
Martín, the defending champion, faced the misfortune of being sidelined after sustaining an injury during training prior to the event. His recovery will keep him out of not only the Grand Prix of Thailand but potentially the subsequent races as well. This pivotal change has elevated Márquez and competitors like Pecco Bagnaia, who are both eager to capitalize on the opportunity presented by Martín's absence. "This changes the outlook, putting Marc Márquez as one of the main favorites to lead the competition, though riders like Pecco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta are also determined to start the season strong," according to Motorsport.com.
The actual race weekend ramped up quickly from the early morning hours of March 1. The schedule started with the Moto3 FP2 session at 2:40 AM, leading up to MotoGP's second practice at 4:10 AM, with qualifying sessions set to begin shortly thereafter. Fans could follow each session closely, as the excitement built for the first sprint race of the season!
Key moments unfolded during the qualifying rounds. Márquez stood out, but the competitive spirit among the riders made the qualifications intense. One dramatic turn occurred when Alex Márquez surged to the front with impressive speed, vying for his own spot among the top contenders. By the end of the qualifying, the rivalry intensified, setting the stage for the sprint race.
At 9:00 AM local time, the MotoGP sprint race was ready to take off, lasting 13 laps. The atmosphere around the Chang International Circuit buzzed with energy from fans eager to witness the action. Márquez successfully maintained his lead throughout the race, demonstrating not only speed but strategic prowess, as his brother Alex trailed closely behind, reinforcing the Márquez legacy.
Continuing to reveal the highlights, Pedro Acosta had his own moment of brilliance, showing competitiveness early on. The performance dynamics of all riders shaped the audience's expectations as the initial races developed. A few laps before nearing the finish, Márquez extended his lead, proving to be too strong for the pack.
To cater to the fans' craving for MotoGP action, various viewing platforms were made available, including DAZN and MotoGP VideoPass, ensuring the excitement could be followed worldwide. "The fans can follow the complete action over various platforms including DAZN," shared Motosan.es.
The opening day demonstrated not just the riders’ skills but also the technical prowess and preparation of the teams. Different manufacturers displayed their strengths, setting the scene for what is anticipated to be another thrilling season of MotoGP.
With each race, fans across the globe gear up for high-speed action and nail-biting finishes, making the 2025 season one to watch. The battle for points, pride, and glory has just begun at the Chang International Circuit, promising memorable moments for enthusiasts of the sport.