After a blistering performance at the Sepang Test that saw him sit atop the timesheets, Alex Marquez isn’t letting the hype get to his head. The BK8 Gresini Racing star has touched down in Thailand for the final pre-season hurdle, well aware that testing glory and race-day reality are two very different beasts.
Speaking ahead of the Buriram Official Test (Feb 21–22) and the subsequent PT Grand Prix of Thailand, Marquez was quick to downplay his current standing, emphasizing that the “real” competition begins when the lights go out for the season opener.
While the #73 Ducati has looked formidable in early 2026 outings, Marquez remains grounded. He knows that while the standings look good now, testing is often a game of smoke and mirrors.
“The moment is really good. We are quite high in the standings, but as you said—this is a test,” Marquez noted with SAT.
“We need to go to Buriram, make another two days of testing, and then we’ll see in those first race days where everybody reaches their 100%.”
Buriram is notorious for its punishing humidity and track temperatures that can melt tires and exhaust riders. However, Marquez believes the recent sessions in Sepang have served as the perfect “sauna” to prep his physical condition.
“The ride is quite physical because of the hot conditions and all that,” Marquez admitted. “In Malaysia, we also had that. We came with good training for hot conditions.”
Marquez described the Chang International Circuit as “peculiar,” highlighting the long straights that play into the Ducati’s high-speed strengths.
Marquez’s confidence isn’t just built on testing data; it’s built on history. Having secured a podium finish at the Chang International Circuit last year (2025), he views the track as one of his hunting grounds.
“It’s a track that I like. Last year we were on the podium, so we have good memories here,” he added.
