Marco Bezzecchi
The season-opening Grand Prix of Thailand is almost upon us but it looks like it may be throwing up a few challenges to the riders before the weekend has even started.
Ducati are the favourites to step onto the top of the podium on Sunday, with title favourites Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia set to go to battle for the first time.
The MotoGP riders predicted who would win the championship in 2025 and decided by a margin of 12-10 that it would be Marquez over Bagnaia.
Reigning champion Jorge Martin has been ruled out of the Grand Prix of Thailand and could be out for even longer after damaging his left hand further and requiring more surgery.
It means that the third and final spot on the podium could be anyone’s. Aprilia Marco Bezzecchi and KTM’s Pedro Acosta are the guys to watch out for who are not on Ducati machines.
It’s set to be a fascinating MotoGP season, and already the first curveball of the season may be about to wreak havoc for the riders.
Mat Oxley fears ‘safety issue’ at Thailand Grand Prix could shorten the race
Taking a look at the weather for the first race of the season, it appears that the riders face a massive challenge. Their winter training will be put to the limit.
Temperatures are expected to reach 38°C on Sunday, which is borderline unbearable in the sunshine and the peak of the day.
The last MotoGP race to see such temperatures was shortened. The Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit faced temperatures of 37°C in September 2023 and was cut by three laps (24 to 21).
READ MORE: Three-win MotoGP team feeling ‘discontent’ ahead of Thailand Grand Prix due to ‘time away from home’
Speaking on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mat Oxley mentioned that the conditions could become a safety issue.
“Three degrees ride to Heathrow this morning and this when I get to Buriram tomorrow,” he said.
“The weekend will be pure hell for the riders – in fact when things get this hot it becomes a safety issue. Heat is directly correlated to horsepower and the riders are basically bent over 300bhp.”
Why the Sepang tests could prove to be crucial for MotoGP teams
One of the main reasons why MotoGP heads to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia for pre-season testing is to prepare them for these situations.
It’s a real test for the riders and teams who may be rusty after a long winter to turn up and get back to work after being in (usually) cold conditions.
Enea Bastianini faces a ‘dire’ Grand Prix of Thailand for KTM Tech3 and the hotter conditions may make the weekend even more miserable for anyone on the KTM bikes.
READ MORE: Pedro Acosta shares worrying KTM verdict ahead of 2025 season, ‘something has happened’
They have severe tyre wear problems, with Acosta facing a ‘rider safety issue’ after testing, where the carcass of his rubber was exposed.
If anyone is likely to struggle, it’ll be the Austrian manufacturer during the week that they managed to secure their future in the sport.
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