Spain’s Marc Marquez enjoyed a dream debut with Ducati, leading from the first lap to secure a dominant victory in the opening sprint race of the MotoGP season at Thailand’s Buriram International Circuit. The six-time former champion, who joined Ducati Lenovo from Gresini Racing at the end of last season, wasted no time showcasing his speed and adaptability on his new machine.
Marquez’s triumph marked a strong start for Ducati, as his younger brother Alex Marquez finished second, making it a family one-two on the podium. Francesco Bagnaia, the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP champion, rounded out the all-Ducati podium by securing third place.
Reflecting on his stellar performance, Marc Marquez described the day as “perfect.” He expressed satisfaction with his immediate connection to the Ducati, stating, “The feeling is great with the bike. I got out and I was consistent, and then I saw that the gap was already there, and then I tried to manage.” The victory not only places him on pole for Sunday’s grand prix but also sees him leading the championship standings for the first time since his last title-winning season in 2019.
While Marquez celebrated his ideal start, reigning champion Jorge Martin was forced to sit out the beginning of the 22-race season. The Aprilia rider is recovering from surgery after suffering fractures to his right hand and left foot in a pre-season testing crash, delaying his return to the grid.
As the season gets underway, Marquez’s emphatic performance signals that he is ready to challenge for another championship, making Ducati’s already formidable lineup even stronger.
