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Marc Marquez Triumphs at Thailand Grand Prix Amid Tyre Pressure Struggles
Marc Marquez’s anticipated victory at the Thailand Grand Prix was foreshadowed by his dominant performance in the Buriram paddock leading up to the event. After clinching pole position and showcasing an impressive sprint, expectations were high for the six-time MotoGP champion to lead the race seamlessly from start to finish.
Starting from pole on race day, Marquez quickly established a lead, extending his gap to 1.4 seconds while also clocking the fastest lap of the race early on with a time of 1m30.637s. His brother, Alex Marquez, was the only other competitor managing consistent lap times in the 1m30s range, but he struggled to keep pace with Marc.
The dynamics of the race took a dramatic turn on lap 7 of the 26-lap race when Marc Marquez suddenly slowed down at Turn 3, allowing Alex to pass him. This prompted concerns among Ducati’s team as they speculated whether Marc had encountered a technical issue.
However, it soon became evident that Marquez’s slowdown was a strategic move to manage tyre pressure. Running alongside his brother allowed him to regain the necessary tyre temperature, crucial for compliance with MotoGP regulations regarding tyre pressures.
Tyre Pressure Regulations Impact Marc Marquez’s Strategy
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For MotoGP competitors, maintaining a tyre pressure above 1.8 bars is mandatory for at least 60% of the race distance. While the sprint race only requires 30% adherence, the longer race distance posed a significant challenge early on for Marquez, as he began to fall below the necessary pressure. Allowing Alex to overtake him was a tactical decision to prevent further degradation of his tyres while ensuring compliance with the regulations.
After slipping into second, Marc Marquez remained patient and strategic, finally reclaiming the lead just four laps from the end of the race. His pass into Turn 12 was executed flawlessly, creating a margin that ultimately allowed him to win by 1.7 seconds while posting an impressive lap of 1m31.228s on older tyres.
Marquez’s victory sends a strong message to the competition, indicating his readiness to reclaim dominance in MotoGP and pursue a seventh championship title, which would tie him with the legendary Valentino Rossi.
“Maybe [after] changing my riding style the pressure was not the correct one, but it’s an experience for the future,” Marc Marquez acknowledged after the race.
Despite the victory, the challenges he faced regarding tyre pressure raised questions about the necessary setup of his Ducati bike for optimum performance. Marquez opined on the situation, stating, “We need to understand why [we ran into issues] because yesterday they calculated [the level].”
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez’s performance in securing second place marked a historic achievement for the Marquez family, enabling a 1-2 finish for the brothers from Cervera. While he demonstrated commendable skills on a competitive bike, the race was not without its hurdles for the younger sibling.
Alex Marquez Shines Despite Challenges
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Alex Marquez initially faced setbacks, losing positions at the outset due to Bagnaia’s quick pace. An early wide turn exacerbated the situation, dropping him to fourth momentarily. Nevertheless, he rebounded swiftly to reclaim his position as Marc allowed him to take the front on lap 7. Despite being pursued relentlessly by Marc, Alex maintained composure and defended his lead competently until his brother ultimately executed a passing maneuver late in the race.
Francesco Bagnaia, finishing in third, expressed disappointment given his expectations for the race but acknowledged the challenges presented throughout the weekend. The performance of other riders, such as VR46’s Franco Morbidelli, who completed a strong Ducati finish, and rookie Ai Ogura, who impressed by finishing as the top Aprilia in fifth, highlighted the depth of competition in the championship.
A host of other riders also contributed to an action-packed race. KTM’s Brad Binder finished eighth, while teammate Enea Bastianini exhibited remarkable grit by climbing from 20th on the grid to claim ninth. In contrast, Jack Miller faced a setback, dropping from a starting position of fourth to 11th, which fell short of expectations.
Debutant Ogura Impresses in Fifth Place
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In summary, the Thailand Grand Prix underscored Marc Marquez’s racing acumen and strategic thinking, particularly in overcoming tyre pressure challenges. The results also underscore the strengths of Ducati and the capabilities of the burgeoning talents above the seasoned riders, setting an exhilarating tone for the ongoing MotoGP season.
Source
www.autosport.com