Marco Bezzecchi continued his strong pre-season momentum by setting the fastest lap during Friday afternoon practice at the Thai MotoGP event in Buriram. The session’s dynamics changed abruptly as an approaching storm forced teams to shift their focus from race pace to an immediate time attack, turning the strategy on its head.
As intermittent rain showers challenged riders throughout the session, Bezzecchi managed to overcome these difficulties and overtook Fabio di Giannantonio just two minutes before the end. In doing so, Bezzecchi established a new lap record at the circuit, underlining his growing pace and readiness for the weekend ahead.
Adapting Quickly to Unpredictable Track Conditions
Bezzecchi acknowledged the rapidly changing conditions that required a last-minute adjustment in plans.
“I’m happy. It’s only Friday so we have to stay calm and keep ourselves super-focused,”
he said.
“It was a good lap and we managed the session well, because in one moment the rain was coming and the wind was super-strong, so we had to change the plan at the last-minute.”
He praised his team for their quick reaction to the weather shift, emphasizing their preparedness.
“But, fortunately, the team made a wonderful job. It’s important from both sides to be prepared and try to react in the shortest time possible.”
“When I decided to stop – that was not planned – the team were ready anyway. It was very important, I think maybe the key for this kind of situation.”
Bezzecchi, MotoGP Rider
Competition Remains Fierce Despite Bezzecchi’s Advantage
Though Bezzecchi’s lap was nearly half a second faster than his closest competitor, Marc Marquez, he maintained that the championship favorite remains strong and will be hard to beat in the coming races.
“I’m sure that Marc is the favourite, is still super-strong. In the right moment, he is always there, so I think that tomorrow and Sunday he will be super-fast,”
Bezzecchi noted.
He also highlighted the presence of other fast contenders, including Fabio di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez, Pedro Acosta, and Jorge Martin, warning against any complacency.
“But he is not the only one, because also Diggia [Fabio di Giannantonio] was very fast today. Alex [Marquez] as always, is fast. Pedro [Acosta]. Jorge [Martin] was super-quick as well. So, we can never relax. We have to stay focused and continue in this way.”
Team Efforts and Innovations Underpin Performance
Bezzecchi refrained from commenting on rumors regarding Aprilia’s possible use of ‘F-duct’-style aerodynamics, a system that seems to redirect airflow when riders position their elbows near side vents on the bike. However, he did express confidence in his team’s development efforts.
“The team is working well and the whole factory in Noale is really working hard to try to improve always. For this I’m very happy,”
he stated.
Meanwhile, teammate Jorge Martin secured the fifth-fastest time, with Trackhouse Aprilia’s Ai Ogura also advancing directly to Qualifying 2, signaling strong form among Aprilia riders.
Looking Ahead at the Buriram Weekend
Marco Bezzecchi’s record-breaking lap sets a promising tone for the Thai MotoGP, though the competition’s depth ensures the weekend will remain highly competitive and unpredictable. Teams and riders alike must stay prepared for sudden weather changes and strategic adaptations, as demonstrated on this opening day. With top contenders such as Marc Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio showing strong pace, fans can expect a tense and exciting battle as the event progresses.
