The 2025 MotoGP season roared to life at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, delivering an electrifying opening race that set the stage for another unforgettable year.
In a strategic and high-stakes battle at the Chang International Circuit, it was six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who clinched victory, marking a triumphant return to the top step of the podium in the red of Ducati.
The race mirrored the Sprint showdown, with Marc Marquez seizing the holeshot and leading the field through the opening laps. His younger brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) slotted into second, while Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) settled into P3. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) impressed early, momentarily breaking into the podium places before being shuffled back.
However, the drama intensified on Lap 4, when Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) suffered a crash at Turn 1, abruptly ending his charge in the leading group.
The race seemed to be following the script of the Sprint, but MotoGP™ never fails to deliver surprises. On Lap 7, Marc Marquez mysteriously slowed out of Turn 3, allowing Alex to take the lead. Whether due to tyre pressure concerns, fuel conservation, or a tactical decision, the unexpected shift added a new layer of tension to the Grand Prix.
As the Marquez brothers controlled the race at the front, a fierce battle for sixth place erupted behind them. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), and Joan Mir (HRC Honda Castrol) jostled for position. Unfortunately, Mir’s hopes ended in Lap 16 at Turn 12, where he tucked the front and crashed out.
Up front, Bagnaia remained in contention, keeping the Marquez duo within one second before beginning to fade slightly. However, he stayed comfortably ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), who ran in a solid fourth place.
Then came the decisive move. On Lap 23 at Turn 12, Marc Marquez pounced on Alex, reclaiming the lead with a decisive overtake. From that moment, the #93 had it all under control, expertly managing the final laps to secure his first Grand Prix victory in Ducati colors.
With this triumph, Marc Marquez ends a 93-race wait to lead the World Championship once again. His 112th podium finish also sees him equal Dani Pedrosa in the all-time rostrum rankings.
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez held firm to secure second, delivering a Marquez 1-2 finish and a dream start to the season for the family. Bagnaia completed the podium, confirming Ducati’s dominance at the front.
Ai Ogura’s MotoGP™ debut weekend was nothing short of outstanding. After a double top-five finish, his P5 in the Grand Prix marked the best result by a rookie since Marc Marquez in 2013. Additionally, Ogura became the first Japanese rider to finish in the top five since Takaaki Nakagami at the 2021 Styrian GP.
Morbidelli secured P4, while Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) battled his way to P6, ahead of Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who delivered Honda’s best result at Buriram since 2023.
Behind them, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finished P8, while Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) recovered from a tough pre-season to take P9. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top ten, denying Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, P11) a spot in the top ten in his first Grand Prix with Yamaha.
Further down, rookie Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) managed a solid finish in P13, while Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) endured a disastrous race, dropping to P17 after a nightmare start.
Local hero Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) finished 18th, just missing out on points in his MotoGP debut on home soil.
With Marquez’s victory, he takes the early lead in the championship standings, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Standing of Race
| POS | RIDER/ TEAM | GAP |
| 1 | Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) | |
| 2 | Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP™) | +1.732 |
| 3 | Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) | +2.398 |
| 4 | Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) | +5.176 |
| 5 | Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP™ Team) | +7.450 |
| 6 | Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) | +14.967 |
| 7 | Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) | +15.225 |
| 8 | Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) | +19.929 |
| 9 | Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) | +20.053 |
| 10 | Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) | +21.546 |
Credit Photo : MotoGP
