WATCH: Marc Marquez dominates Thai MotoGP FP2 as Ducati line-up shines in Buriram heat

Marc Marquez proved unstoppable at Buriram's 2024 Thai MotoGP practice session, leading the pack on Saturday with a standout performance. Racing with Gresini Ducati on the GP23, Marquez clocked an impressive 1m 29.165s, setting the best lap time of the session and marking a significant record at the Chang International Circuit. 

Ducati showed its prowess, capturing the top four positions. Franco Morbidelli (Pramac Ducati) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) came in at second and third, respectively, while Jorge Martin from Pramac Ducati locked down the fourth spot. All three riders clocked competitive lap times, with the gap between Marquez and Morbidelli close, underscoring Ducati’s engineering precision and power, particularly effective under the sweltering Buriram heat.

Here is the video: 

A confidence booster for @marcmarquez93 ahead of qualifying! 💪#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/MDBgFJOHdn

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 26, 2024

Pedro Acosta from Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, riding KTM’s RC16, claimed the fifth position. Acosta, though unable to break into the top four dominated by Ducati, demonstrated promising speed and a knack for maximizing the potential of the KTM bike.

Marquez’s Tyre Strategy Triumphs

The circuit’s challenging heat added stress on tyres meant Michelin opted for its stiffer construction rears. Marquez initially tested new hard tyres front and rear but ultimately adopted a hard front and medium rear combination that appeared to provide an optimal balance of grip and durability. The hard-medium setup, favoured by most riders, allowed Marquez to navigate the course’s tricky corners and scorching conditions effectively, maintaining impressive consistency across laps.

Competitive Midfield and Notable Absences

Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo finished sixth, displaying promising speed on the YZR-M1 and closing out a strong performance among the mid-pack riders. Maverick Vinales on the Aprilia RS-GP24, KTM’s Jack Miller, and Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 Ducati followed him. Bezzecchi, who set Buriram’s fastest race lap last year, finished ninth, a slight setback from his 2023 performance but well within range for an impressive qualifying session.

Here is the final result of Thai MotoGP FP2: