It’s been a weekend to remember for Marc Márquez, the eight-time world champion who’s just kicked off his campaign for a ninth title in style. Everything that could have gone right did, as he clinched a dream win in his debut with the official Ducati team – a feat only previously achieved by Casey Stoner back in 2007, the year he won the championship. This victory in Thailand, where Márquez also secured his eighth crown in 2019, solidifies his position as the leader of MotoGP, 1932 days after first taking the top spot. Having already won the Sprint, he’s now consolidated his lead, and it’s clear that this is a season to watch.
What made this win even more special was the fact that his brother, Álex, came in second, repeating the result from the previous day’s events. This wasn’t just any ordinary podium finish, though – it marked a historic moment in the world of MotoGP. Never before had two brothers finished in the top two spots in the premier class, in the 75-year history of the championship. While other siblings, like the Aoki brothers (Nobuatsu and Takuma) and the Salatino brothers (Eduardo and Juan), have achieved similar feats in the past, coming in second and third, the Márquez brothers have now set a new benchmark. They had previously equalled this record in Sachsenring, Germany, in 2024, but this time, in Buriram, they took it to the next level.
As Marc Márquez reflected on his win, it was clear that this was more than just a victory – it was a moment of pure elation. “I think this is the best weekend of my life, even better than when we both won championships in different categories,” he said, referring to 2014 when his brother won the Moto3 title and he took the top spot in the premier class. “That was great, but this is the main event, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.” The emotion was palpable as he spoke about the experience, his voice filled with a mix of joy and gratitude.
The significance of this win wasn’t lost on Marc, who acknowledged that it was a special moment for him and his brother. “We’re in MotoGP, competing against the best riders in the world, and to have my brother by my side, sharing this experience, is just incredible.” He also expressed his admiration for Álex, saying, “He’s going very fast, and I’m sure he’ll get his first win soon. He’s capable of everything, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.” As for himself, Marc remained focused, knowing that this was just the beginning of a long and challenging season.
However, the weekend wasn’t without controversy, as Marc’s racing tactics were called into question. In lap 7, he allowed Álex to pass him, only to take the lead again later on. Some, like Pecco Bagnaia, felt that Marc had “played” with the competition, potentially gaining an unfair advantage. Marc, however, denied these claims, explaining that he had made a strategic decision to drop back and then attack in the final laps, ensuring he stayed within the allowed pressure limits. “It wasn’t about playing games; it was about managing the situation and using my extra speed to my advantage,” he said.
Álex Márquez shared his brother’s version of events, saying, “At first, I thought it was a red flag, but then I realized Marc might have had a problem, so I lost concentration a bit. If someone had told me I’d finish second both days, I would have signed up for that. It’s a great start to the season, and I’m very happy.” As for Pecco Bagnaia, he was less than thrilled with his third-place finish, admitting that he was “not happy” with the result and vowing to do things differently next time.
The contrast between the two riders was stark – one beaming with joy, the other visibly disappointed. Marc’s win marked his 89th victory in the World Championship, just one shy of Ángel Nieto’s record, and his 63rd in MotoGP, matching Dani Pedrosa’s tally. It was also his first win in the opening race since 2014, a year he dominated to become champion.
As the dust settles on this historic weekend, it’s clear that the Márquez brothers have already etched their names into the record books. But they’re not done yet – there’s still more history to be made, and they’re ready for the challenge. “When you’re in the best team, with the best bike, you’re expected to be at the front,” Marc said. “I know I have a strong teammate who will be a contender all season, but I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. If something big comes along, I’ll be ready; if not, life goes on, and it won’t change anything for me.” The stage is set for an thrilling season, and one thing’s for sure – the Márquez brothers will be right in the thick of it.
