Younger Marquez Ignites Buriram
Alex Marquez picked up exactly where he left off in Sepang, demonstrating incredible consistency and blistering speed on his Gresini Ducati GP26. His phenomenal 1m29.262s lap, expertly clocked in the penultimate hour, firmly established him as a serious contender for the upcoming season. This is a powerful statement of intent, pushing past a competitive field to hold the top spot by a tight 0.129s margin.
Marc's Rollercoaster Return: Crashes to Comeback
Marc Marquez proved he’s still the "Ant of Cervera," showcasing both vulnerability and undeniable brilliance. Two early tumbles at Turn 1 and Turn 5 could have easily derailed his entire day. Instead, the multi-time world champion channeled his unparalleled focus, roaring back in the afternoon with a blistering 1m29.391s to claim an impressive P2. This remarkable recovery hints at his rapidly growing comfort and confidence on the factory-spec Ducati.
Ducati's Dominance & The Early Pace Setters
The **Ducati** camp, as expected, was a formidable force to be reckoned with throughout the day. Reigning champion **Francesco Bagnaia** initially set a strong pace with a **1m29.678s** in the morning session. While he eventually slipped to 10th by day's end, his early speed was undeniable. **Marco Bezzecchi** also briefly topped the charts before **Alex Marquez**'s late surge, and **Franco Morbidelli** made a strong late push to finish third, showcasing the impressive potential of the VR46 squad.
Honda's Hope and KTM's Charge
Honda saw genuinely encouraging signs with **Johann Zarco** (LCR) and factory rider **Joan Mir** finishing fifth and seventh respectively. This performance offers a much-needed glimmer of hope for the Japanese manufacturer as they seek to rebound. **KTM** also made its presence felt in the top 10, with Tech3’s **Maverick Viñales** climbing to eighth place. Meanwhile, returning riders **Jorge Martin** and **Fabio Quartararo** used the test to shake off injury rust, steadily reintegrating with their bikes, finishing 13th and 18th respectively.
Buriram's Thrilling Prelude
The first day at Buriram was a thrilling prelude to the upcoming **MotoGP** season, filled with unexpected turns, dramatic comebacks, and confirming the fierce competition that lies ahead. With the **Marquez** brothers leading the charge, fans can undoubtedly anticipate an electrifying year of racing.
