Marc Marquez Sets the Pace on Day 1 of Buriram Test

Marc Marquez dominates Day 1 of the Buriram Test, leading by 0.465 seconds. Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, Yamaha, and Honda battle for progress before the season opener.

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Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) wasted no time making a statement. He finished 0.465 seconds ahead of the competition. The eight-time world champion topped a test day for the first time since Jerez 2020. His brother, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), secured second place. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completed an all-Ducati top three.

Ducati’s Engine Dilemma

Marquez’s performance grabbed headlines. Ducati’s focus remained on finalizing its 2025 engine. Regulations will freeze specifications for 2026. The responsibility falls on Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. They must determine if the latest updates provide an advantage. Bagnaia finished eighth with a 1:30 lap, notably off his lap record at Buriram.

Rookie Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) impressed again. He posted a 1:30.373 to take P14. Fellow debutant Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was just 0.080 seconds behind. Their battle will be exciting.

Aprilia’s Encouraging Start

Day 1 brought a boost for Aprilia. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) finished fourth, showing big progress. Jorge Martin is still absent. Bezzecchi leads Aprilia’s development. Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia’s test rider, helped refine the package. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) returned after injury. He completed many laps and dipped into the 1:30s.

KTM’s Rising Star

Rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) impressed again. He set the fifth-fastest time and broke into the 1:29s. His simulated Tissot Sprint pace was promising. He averaged four-tenths faster than Brad Binder’s 2024 Buriram race pace. Binder finished ninth, just missing the 1:29 bracket.

At Red Bull KTM Tech3, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales focused on adapting. They finished P16 and P18, respectively. Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) slotted in between them at P17.

Yamaha’s Mixed Bag

Jack Miller led the Yamaha charge. He placed P10 and was the top Yamaha on Day 1. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo followed in P12 and P13. Yamaha is still struggling. Day 2 will be crucial for their progress.

Honda’s Encouraging Performance

Honda had a strong showing. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) finished P6 and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) took P7. Both made it into the 1:29 club. Honda is searching for competitiveness after difficult seasons. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) finished P11. Rookie Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR) improved steadily.

Honda’s concessions allow extra track time. They are making big strides. Aleix Espargaro, their test rider, has helped accelerate progress.

What’s Next for Marc Marquez?

Marc Marquez’s dominant time on Day 1 set the tone. Will the rest of the grid have an answer? Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, Yamaha, and Honda all have work to do. The final day of testing is crucial. Stay tuned for more updates before the season opener.