MotoGP: Marc Marquez Delivers Strategic Masterclass to Secure Double Victory in Buriram Showdown

Marc Marquez Makes History with Ducati Debut Victory in Thailand

Marc Marquez kicked off his 2025 MotoGP™ season in spectacular style, becoming the first rider since Casey Stoner in 2007 to win on their Ducati factory debut. With a flawless strategic masterclass, the six-time premier class champion leaves Thailand with a perfect start to his title campaign.

A Tactical Thriller from the Start

The PT Grand Prix of Thailand delivered all the drama expected from a season opener. Marquez grabbed the holeshot, leading the field through the opening laps, with his brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) slotting into second and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in third. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had an early charge but crashed out at Turn 1 on Lap 4, ending his hopes of a podium on his full-time MotoGP debut.

By Lap 7, the race took a surprising turn—Marc suddenly backed off coming out of Turn 3, allowing Alex to take the lead. Whether it was a tactical move for tyre management, fuel conservation, or simply a waiting game, the shift in pace set up a tense battle between the Marquez brothers.

Fierce Fights Through the Field

While the front runners played their strategic game, battles raged further back. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), and Joan Mir (HRC Honda Castrol) all fought hard for sixth place. However, Mir’s race ended in heartbreak with a crash at Turn 12 on Lap 16, dashing his hopes of a strong start to the season.

Back up front, Bagnaia remained within striking distance of the leading brothers, while Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) ran a solid fourth ahead of an impressive Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), who was on course for a historic rookie performance.

The Decisive Move: Marquez Strikes Late

With just three laps to go, Marquez made his move at Turn 12 on Lap 23, reclaiming the lead from his brother. Alex had no answer as Marc controlled the final laps with precision, sealing a historic first Grand Prix victory in Ducati red.

It was a landmark moment—93 race weekends since he last led the MotoGP standings, Marquez was back on top. With his 112th podium, he now equals former teammate Dani Pedrosa in all-time rostrum finishes.

Behind him, Alex Marquez held off Bagnaia to secure a Marquez brothers 1-2 podium, while Pecco completed the podium—a repeat of the Sprint top three.

Rookies, Comebacks, and Standout Performances

• Franco Morbidelli finished fourth, ahead of a stunning P5 for rookie Ai Ogura—the best MotoGP debut since Marc Marquez in 2013 and the first top five for a Japanese rider since 2021.
• Bezzecchi claimed P6, fending off a late charge from Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who delivered Honda’s best Buriram result in years.
• Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a quiet yet solid race in P8, followed by Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in P9, turning his tough pre-season into valuable points.
• Jack Miller (P11) finished as Yamaha’s top rider in his first race with the brand, ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and rookie Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who impressed in P13.

Further down, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) struggled to recover from a disastrous opening lap, finishing outside the points in P17. Local hero Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) finished P18, just five seconds away from points on his MotoGP debut.

A Statement Win – Can Marquez Keep Up the Momentum?

For the first time since 2014, Marc Marquez starts the season with a victory—and he did it in spectacular fashion. With Argentina up next, the question now is: Can his rivals fight back, or is this the start of a dominant Ducati era for Marquez?

Official MotoGP Press Release