Marc Marquez triumphed in the opening MotoGP sprint race in Thailand, leading from the start. His brother Alex and Francesco Bagnaia completed a Ducati-dominated podium. Marquez’s win marks his return to the top of the standings for the first time since 2019, while Jorge Martin, the defending champion, will miss the season after surgery for injuries sustained during testing.
In an impressive start to the 2024 MotoGP season, Spain’s Marc Marquez clinched victory in the sprint race at Thailand’s Buriram International Circuit. The six-time world champion, who recently transitioned to Ducati from Gresini Racing, dominated the race from the outset and led every lap. Following Marquez, his brother Alex finished in second place, while Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time titleholder from the previous seasons, secured third.
Marquez expressed his satisfaction following the race, stating, “It was a perfect Saturday. The feeling is great with the bike. I got out and I was consistent, and then I saw that the gap was already there, and then I tried to manage. Happy to start my new journey with Ducati Lenovo in this way.” With this victory, Marquez has reclaimed the top position in the standings for the first time since his last title in 2019.
In a notable absence from the season, Jorge Martin, the reigning champion from Aprilla, will not participate due to undergoing surgery for injuries sustained during pre-season testing. He faces recovery from fractures to his right hand and left foot, resulting from a crash during practice.
Marc Marquez’s exemplary performance in the season-opening sprint race showcases his successful transition to Ducati. His commanding lead from the beginning and podium finishes by his brother and Bagnaia emphasize the strong showing from the Ducati team. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin’s absence due to injury highlights the challenges faced by competitors in this demanding sport.
Original Source: www.bbc.com