MotoGP: Marquez Grabs Pole Position in Thailand
Qualifying Summary
Six-time world champion Marc Marquez has secured pole position ahead of his brother Alex in the season-opening MotoGP race at the Buriram circuit in Thailand. Marquez, who has joined forces with double world champion Francesco Bagnaia at the Ducati factory team, will also be on pole for the 13-lap sprint race later on Saturday.
Qualifying Times
In scorching temperatures, Marquez clocked a leading time of 1:28.782 in qualifying, a statement of intent on his factory Ducati debut weekend. Alex Marquez, also on a Ducati, took second place at 0.146 seconds off his older brother’s time. Italy’s Bagnaia, who struggled in Friday practice, will start from third on the grid. Australian Jack Miller on his Yamaha and MotoGP debutant Ai Ogura in an impressive performance for the Japanese rookie took fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Pre-Season Form
The 32-year-old Marquez went quickest in opening practice on Friday before being pipped by his brother in the afternoon session. Marquez has enjoyed a strong pre-season on his new bike, having joined Ducati from Honda, and is strongly fancied to win a first world crown since 2019.
Team Dynamics
Marquez and Bagnaia have been hailed as a dream team, but some observers have cautioned that the high-octane mix of two fast high-profile racers could prove too combustible over the 22-race season.
Injury Concerns
The start of the new MotoGP season has been overshadowed by the absence of world champion Jorge Martin, who suffered fractures to his right hand and left foot in a horror crash during pre-season testing in Malaysia. The Spaniard has since suffered another mishap in training and will miss both the Buriram and the next race in Argentina in mid-March.
Conclusion
The MotoGP season has kicked off with a bang, with Marquez and Bagnaia setting the tone for the rest of the campaign. The battle for the top spot will be intense, but Marquez’s pole position is a strong indicator of his determination to win a first world crown since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has secured pole position in the MotoGP season-opening race?
A: Marc Marquez has secured pole position ahead of his brother Alex.
Q: Who will start from third on the grid?
A: Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia will start from third on the grid.
Q: Who will miss the next race in Argentina?
A: World champion Jorge Martin will miss both the Buriram and the next race in Argentina in mid-March.