The 18th round of the 2024 MotoGP season, known as the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, kicked off at Chang International Circuit on Friday, October 25, with high anticipation and roaring support from speed fans eager to witness world-class riders take on the track.
In the MotoGP premier class, eight-time world champion Marc Marquez from Gresini Racing dominated the first day, recording an astonishing lap time of 1:29.165—setting a new record for Chang International Circuit. Marquez’s impressive speed, clocking in at 338.5 km/h on the straight, left him 0.110 seconds ahead of second-placed Jorge Martin from Prima Pramac Racing. Italian Ducati Lenovo Team rider Anea Bastianini took third, trailing Marquez by 0.162 seconds. Reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati finished fourth, 0.195 seconds behind Marquez, with Maverick Vinales from Aprilia Racing close behind in fifth.
French rider Johann Zarco from LCR Honda also showed skill, securing a Q2 entry with a 10th-place finish, just 0.517 seconds behind Marquez.
Moto2 practice saw Aaron Canet of Fantic Racing seize the lead, breaking another record at Chang International Circuit with a time of 1:35.192. Italian rider Tony Arbolino from Marc VDS Racing was second, only 0.218 seconds behind, followed by Spanish competitor Marcos Ramirez from American Racing at 0.250 seconds.
Championship leader Ai Ogura of MT Helmet-MSI finished sixth, just 0.452 seconds off Canet’s time. Thai racer Somkiat Chantra from Idemitsu Honda Team Asia ranked 14th despite not being fully fit, clocking a respectable 1:35.916 and staying within 0.724 seconds of the lead.
In Moto3, the newly crowned world champion David Alonso from CF Moto Gaviota Aspar Team led the pack with a lap time of 1:40.703, shattering the morning circuit record of 1:40.544. Thai rider Thatchakorn Buasri from Honda Team Asia finished 24th, with a lap time of 1:42.315, 1.612 seconds behind Alonso.
With the weekend races just beginning, the PT Grand Prix of Thailand promises more action, with fans eager to see how their favorites perform in the final laps.
Credit Photo : BRIC
