Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez sounded satisfied with second in the Thailand Grand Prix Sprint despite receiving a late penalty for his move on Pedro Acosta.
Marquez battled polesitter Marco Bezzecchi in the opening laps before the Aprilia rider went down. It looked as if that would hand the world champion victory.
But Acosta, who had qualified sixth, unexpectedly pounced. The pair exchanged positions several times during a thrilling battle.
What are your thoughts on Marc Marquez getting a penalty for this move on Pedro Acosta?
On the penultimate lap, Marquez tried to re-pass Acosta at the final corner, but the lunge forced the KTM rider off the track. He was then ordered to drop a position, effectively settling the race.
Marc Marquez content with P2 in Thailand Grand Prix Sprint despite penalty
Marquez was immediately asked about the penalty before the podium ceremony and indicated that he respected the decision from the FIM stewards.
He congratulated Acosta after the race, so there was clearly no ill feeling between the two riders. They are expected to be teammates at Ducati in 2027.
Marquez planned to ‘control’ the race after Bezzecchi’s accident but Acosta thwarted that plan. Still, the 33-year-old can take heart from a P2 in his first race since the Indonesian GP last October.
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“In my opinion, the race direction decides, so I follow the rules,” said Marquez.
“When I saw Bezzecchi crash, I just slowed down the race. I was just trying to control. I know this championship is super long.
“That’s what I was trying to do, control the pace of the race. Every time Pedro overtook me, I overtook him straightaway the next corner.
“Unfortunately, I get that penalty. Nine points, first race after injury, not bad.”
What is Marc Marquez’s physical condition at the Thailand Grand Prix?
Sylvain Guintoli was concerned by Marquez’s ‘body language’ during Friday practice, suggesting that he was ‘in trouble’ heading into the weekend.
Marquez needed help putting on his glove in timed practice, which raised concerns about his condition. He himself admits that he’s still feeling the aftereffects of his 2025 shoulder injury.
He was hit with a stomach bug at the final pre-season test last weekend too, but despite all the disruption he was leading the first race until the very end.
Come the end of the season, perhaps the nine points he gained on Bezzecchi here will be seen as important.
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