Buriram Test, Day 1: Marc Marquez finishes well ahead of the others

This morning, all the drivers of MotoGP returned to the track for two additional days of testing, on the Buriram circuit (Thailand). The opportunity for the teams to complete their test program, on the sidelines of the first round of the season, which will take place on the same circuit on the weekend of March 02.

The day began in intense heat, and the first times are already below the 1:30 mark, but are still far from the pole position achieved by Pecco Bagnaia in the autumn of 2024, in 1:28.700.

At halftime, Alex Marquez led the way in 1:30.011, ahead of Pedro Acosta and his elder, Marc Marquez. Things picked up in the afternoon, and Marc Marquez set a new benchmark in 1:29.683.

At the end of the day, the heat intensifies, and few riders occupy the track. A few falls, without major consequences, are to be deplored. The multiple world champion then knocks out his opponents with a time of 1:29.184, and ends the day with the best time. Franco Morbidelli and Marco Bezzecchi complete the top-3.

The different characteristics of the two circuits used for the pre-season represent an advantage for all the teams, who can compare their data. Especially since the type of rear tyre used in Thailand is also used on many other circuits.

As a reminder, Jorge Martin and Fabio Di Giannantonio are both absent. Injured in Sepang (Malaysia), they are concentrating on their rehabilitation with a view to a return for the first Grand Prix.

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Aprilia's distribution of tasks

Aprilia is taking advantage of these last two days of testing to work in more depth on elements already tested in Sepang, on a circuit with different characteristics. New tests on the electronics are also part of the program at the Noale factory this week.

While Marco Bezzecchi keeps an eye on performance and race pace, Lorenzo Savadori is fully focused on the development of the machine.

For his part, Raul Fernandez returned to the track, after his fractures to his hand and foot. The Spaniard is doing rather well on his RS-GP25. He thus completed 33 laps this Wednesday, to finish the session in 1:31.063 with the 19th time.

Yamaha's true potential?

After impressing the competition, fabio quartararo and Yamaha are falling back in the hierarchy. Last week, Ducati admitted to fearing the return of the 2021 world champion, but it seems that the potential of the M1 has found its limits in Thailand, or that Yamaha has hidden its game during this first day.

Fabio Quartararo did not compete for the top positions on this first day. He nevertheless finished one second behind the top of the standings, with a time much slower than his qualification in 2024.

For his part, Johann Zarco offered an unexpected top-5 to Honda, slamming a time of 1:29.961 at the end of the session. During the last hour of driving, there were only six of them sharing the track with the Frenchman.

MotoGP – Buriram Test – Day 1 Standings:

Ranking : MotoTiming