Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez toyed with his opposition on the way to earning a commanding victory at MotoGP’s season-opener in Thailand.
Making his debut with the factory Ducati team, the Spaniard, who has been tipped for a seventh title this season, appeared unflustered by his new surroundings and was in dominant form.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia couldn’t match him through testing and the pattern remained the same at the first Grand Prix of the year.
Marquez took pole, claimed the sprint win, and then sat behind his brother for the majority of Sunday’s race to preserve his tyres before making a late move and sailing into the distance.
Bagnaia was ‘missing’ another level against Marquez and is aware that he has to find some big gains before the upcoming Argentina Grand Prix.
If he fails to improve, Marquez’s worrying ‘body language’ could become even worse for the grid after it looked as if he didn’t have to hit his limit to win last weekend.
Felipe Massa congratulates ‘legend’ Marc Marquez after Thai GP win for Ducati
Interestingly, although Marquez is competing in his 13th season, having won six championships, 2025 marks just the second time ever that he has won the first race of the year.
Julia Marquez privately felt ‘overwhelmed’ by the prospect of her sons battling each other on the track in Thailand, but they did so gracefully.
Now they occupy the top two spots in the riders’ championship, with Marquez saying Alex ‘will win’ in 2025 on the evidence of his pace so far.
After going two years without a victory before returning to the top last year, it seems that one of the greatest riders in the sport is well and truly back.
Claiming a seventh title this year would see him crowned the oldest premier-class champion in history at 32, older than Valentino Rossi was when he claimed the record (30).
He doesn’t just have support within MotoGP too, with ex-Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa congratulating him on his performance.
“Legend!! After everything you pass through, you deserved!!” he said in an Instagram story.
Luigi Dall’Igna made his feelings clear about Marc Marquez at the Thai GP
After Ducati won 36/40 races on offer last season, it’s possible that they could better that now they have an even stronger rider pairing at the factory team.
They’re already 2/2 and the next few events all play to Marquez’s strengths. Dirty, low grip tracks suit his style more than anyone.
READ MORE: Marc Marquez reminds Michael Laverty of Casey Stoner with one ‘unearthly’ ability
Team boss Luigi Dall’Igna kissed Marquez’s bike in Thailand, which may not have pleased Bagnaia just one race into their partnership.
It was an indication that he’s very pleased with the arrival of his new signing, who looks set to help them ascend to new heights in 2025.
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