Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 Day 1: Marc Marquez leads brother Alex as Ducati dominate

Marc Marquez led his brother Alex Marquez on the opening day of the Buriram MotoGP Test 2025, held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand.

With a remarkable lap time of 1:29.184, the six-time premier-class world champion not only topped the session but also demonstrated a significant gap of 0.465 seconds over his nearest rival, marking a strong return to form and signaling his intent for the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season.

Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 Day 1 was particularly noteworthy as it marked Marc Marquez’s first time leading a test since Jerez in 2020, showcasing his resilience and competitive spirit after previous seasons marred by injuries.

The day commenced under favorable weather conditions allowing riders to maximize their time on the track. As teams prepared for the intense testing schedule all eyes were on Marquez, who had switched to Factory Ducati for 2025 MotoGP.

Following Marquez in the standings was his younger brother, Alex Marquez, who also displayed impressive form aboard the Gresini Racing Ducati GP24. Alex clocked in at 1:29.649, securing second place and highlighting the strength of the Ducati lineup this season.

The sibling rivalry added an intriguing dynamic to Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 Day 1 proceedings, with both riders eager to establish their dominance early in the testing phase.

Completing the top three was Franco Morbidelli from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, who recorded a time of 1:29.911. Morbidelli’s performance underscored Ducati’s continued dominance in MotoGP, as he consistently challenged for top positions throughout the day.

The presence of multiple Ducati bikes in the upper echelons of the leaderboard indicated a well-executed strategy by the team, which is currently deliberating on engine specifications that will carry through to 2026.

Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing made headlines with his strong showing finishing fourth with a time of 1:29.794.

Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rounded out the top five with a commendable lap time of 1:29.904. Acosta’s rapid ascent in MotoGP has been closely watched and his performance at Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 further solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.

The KTM team has been working diligently to close the gap with their competitors, and Acosta’s results suggest they are on the right track.

Luca Marini from Honda HRC Castrol finished sixth fastest as his performance indicated that the Japanese manufacturer is making strides in improving their bike’s competitiveness this season.

The session also saw notable performances from other riders such as Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who finished eighth at 1:30.351 followed by Factory KTM’s Brad Binder who finished 9th.

As Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 Day 1 progressed through various sessions, it became evident that while Ducati was leading the charge other manufacturers were not far behind in their quest for supremacy.

In contrast, Yamaha faced challenges that raised questions about their competitiveness heading into the new season. Prima Pramac’s Jack Miller rounded out the top 10.

However, Fabio Quartararo and his teammate Alex Rins struggled to find their rhythm throughout Day 1. Quartararo finished in 13th position with a best time of 1:30.654 seconds and expressed concerns about his bike’s setup and tire performance during interviews after practice sessions.

As Day 1 drew to a close, it became clear that Marc Marquez had sent out a strong statement regarding his intentions for the season ahead. His performance not only set a benchmark for other riders but also reignited discussions about his potential return to championship contention after years of battling injuries.

Looking forward to Day 2 of testing, teams will undoubtedly analyze data collected from Day 1 extensively. Adjustments will be made based on performance metrics and rider feedback as they seek to refine their machines further before heading into competitive racing.

Buriram MotoGP Test 2025 Day 1 Results