Bezzecchi's Blistering Pace Shakes Buriram
Friday at Buriram belonged unequivocally to Marco Bezzecchi. The Aprilia phenom wasted no time, setting the early pace in FP1 before absolutely obliterating the track record in the afternoon practice session. His best effort, a stunning 1m28.526s, put him over four-tenths clear of his nearest competitor, Ducati's Marc Marquez.
This wasn't just a quick lap; it was a statement. Even Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 pole lap was nearly two-tenths slower. Bezzecchi's teammate, Jorge Martin, also showed strong form, securing a solid fifth position.
Key Takeaways from Friday:
- Marco Bezzecchi smashed the Buriram lap record, leading Friday practice by over 0.4 seconds.
- Despite his dominance, Bezzecchi surprisingly named Marc Marquez as the true favorite for the Thailand GP.
- Marquez and other Ducati riders acknowledge Bezzecchi's exceptional pace, particularly with the special Michelin tire.
- The Aprilia star's confident display suggests he's a serious contender, regardless of his public modesty.
The Marquez Shadow: Why Bezzecchi Sees a Hidden Threat
Despite being the class of the field on Friday, Bezzecchi was quick to deflect the 'favourite' label. He pointed directly to six-time champion Marc Marquez, suggesting the Ducati veteran is notorious for unearthing extra speed as the weekend progresses.
It's a classic mind game, perhaps, but also a nod to Marquez's legendary racecraft. Even rivals like Marquez himself and other Ducati riders have lauded Bezzecchi's current form, with some speculating he’s mastering the unique Michelin tire casing specifically designed for Buriram and Mandalika.
Bezzecchi acknowledged the praise but reiterated,
