BURIRAM, Thailand, March 1 – Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi transformed disappointment into victory Sunday, dominating the Thailand Grand Prix from start to finish at Chang International Circuit after crashing during Saturday’s sprint race.
The Aprilia rider controlled the race from pole position, securing a commanding win with more than five seconds separating him from second-place finisher Pedro Acosta of KTM and third-place Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Racing. Defending champion Marc Marquez saw his race end abruptly due to a rear tire failure.
“Yesterday was a small mistake with a big consequence, so it was important today to try to bounce back,” Bezzecchi explained.
“My pace was good with the medium (rear tyre), we worked super well all weekend, so I knew that I could be fast if I was in front. So I tried my all to make a good start and the bike was perfect.”
The triumph marked a historic achievement for Bezzecchi, who became Aprilia’s first rider to capture three straight Grand Prix victories, a streak that began last season. Teammate Jorge Martin and Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura rounded out the top five, delivering an exceptional day for Aprilia motorcycles.
DUCATI’S REMARKABLE PODIUM RUN ENDS
Marquez’s tire trouble proved devastating for Ducati, ending an incredible streak of 88 straight races with at least one Ducati bike on the podium, dating back to 2021.
Starting from the front row, the Spanish rider couldn’t maintain competitive pace and was forced to withdraw on lap 21 when his rear tire failed at 176 kph (109 mph) during a corner, severely damaging the wheel rim as the rubber nearly separated.
The Marquez family’s troubles doubled when brother Alex crashed the following lap, giving both siblings who battled for last year’s title a forgettable Sunday.
The action began immediately as Bezzecchi took control entering the first turn. Fernandez soon overtook Marquez, followed by Martin’s move on lap four that positioned three Aprilia machines in podium spots.
Acosta, who won Saturday’s sprint, also passed the faltering Marquez, relegating him to fifth position.
As Bezzecchi and Fernandez built their lead, Acosta, Martin, and Marquez engaged in an intense battle for third place with multiple clean passes in sweltering conditions.
ACOSTA’S KTM PROVES DURABLE
Acosta maintained third place while keeping strong pace throughout the race – a notable improvement from KTM’s previous season difficulties – and capitalized when Fernandez’s tires began deteriorating to claim the runner-up position.
“It was quite difficult, especially the last five, six laps. I tried to give my maximum but I had destroyed the rear tyre,” an exhausted Fernandez stated.
Acosta now tops the championship standings with 32 points, while Bezzecchi sits second with 25 points.
“Remember how much we struggled last year here even to take points and this year we make back-to-back podiums. For this, we have to be super happy,” an elated Acosta commented.
“Thanks to KTM… Last year the start was not the one I dreamed of and we survived to make it this.”
