MotoGP: 'Marc was Playing with Us,' Says Pecco Bagnaia After Thai GP Podium Finish

Marc Marquez delivered a masterclass performance in race at the 2025 MotoGP season opener in Thailand. The factory Ducati rider started from pole and controlled the pace, deliberately slowing down on lap seven to manage his front tyre pressure. This allowed his brother, Alex Marquez, to take the lead briefly. However, with four laps to go, Marc made his move at Turn 12, reclaiming the lead and securing victory with a 1.7-second margin. His calculated approach not only ensured a strong start to his Ducati career but also kept his rivals guessing.

In the post-race interview, Bagnaia said that Marquez had been 'playing with us' and could have won comfortably if he wanted. He made his intentions clear after his podium finish, stating that he was there to win, not to settle for third place.

Also Read: MotoGP Thai GP: Marc Marquez Wins Season Opener Ahead of Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia

Reflecting on the race, said: 'I tried to get closer to Alex, but each time I was less than half a second away from him, I ended up struggling grip-wise. I tried everything I could but my feeling wasn’t perfect today. We lost 14 points this weekend, but we need to look forward and try our best in Argentina. It’s not my favourite circuit, and this one wasn’t either, but we’ll do our best to get a good result.' 

MotoGP: Marquez Bothers Dominates 2025 Season Opener

Marc Marquez looked set for victory all weekend, but his race took an unexpected turn on Lap 7. Leading by over a second, he suddenly slowed down, allowing his brother Alex to pass. At first, it seemed like a mechanical issue, but Marquez quickly picked up speed again and stayed close behind Alex. The real reason soon became clear—a tyre pressure warning had flashed on his dashboard, forcing him to manage the issue carefully to avoid a penalty.

MotoGP rules require riders to maintain a minimum tyre pressure for at least 50 per cent of the race. To comply, Marquez likely chose to drop behind Alex while ensuring he remained in contention. Despite this setback, he remained patient and calculated his next move carefully. Rather than taking risks, he maintained his position and waited for the right opportunity to reclaim the lead.

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That moment came on Lap 23 when Alex struggled for grip in the final corner. Marquez made his move with precision, overtaking his brother and regaining the lead. His victory was not just about speed but also strategy, proving that intelligence and patience can be just as crucial as raw pace in MotoGP.