Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) delivered victory in a breathtaking Thai GP will live long in the memory, getting the better of both Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in a truly stunning Buriram race. It means things are getting tight at the top as MotoGP™ looks forward to Malaysia in just over a week’s time, and there are plenty of Talking Points to delve into following the action.
“Difficult moments are really tough… but they’ve made me stronger”
Prior to Sunday’s victory, Jorge Martin endured some challenging outing in recent weeks, crashing out of the lead in Indonesia and then sinking to fifth in Australia having been in control of the race. The #89 has bounced back in fine fashion however, and touched upon how he has taken the recent setbacks: “Difficult moments are really tough, and it’s difficult to get back up and find the motivation. But they’ve made me stronger.”
“We know when Pecco is in a battle, he usually wins. So, to beat him in his comfort zone was really important. I think it’s quite mental now because we are both strong on Sunday.”
“I’m looking forward to giving him more hard times.”
Having come out the wrong side of the victory battle, Bagnaia was promoted to P2 after Binder exceeded track limits on the final lap. The Italian knows the value of that, keeping the bigger picture in mind: “For sure, these four points will help a lot.”
Binder was full of praise for the race winner but is keen to pose him further headaches going forward in pursuit of his first win since Austria 2021: “Hats off! Jorge rode incredibly. But I’m looking forward to giving him more hard times.”
“It’s the best advertising for MotoGP”
We’re not alone in thinking that the Thai GP was truly special. Watching on as two Ducati machines battled with a KTM, Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabbati gave a glowing assessment of the race at Chang International Circuit.
“Today’s race was one of the most spectacular from the last few years. Jorge, Pecco and Brad rode fantastic. We’ve seen correct, clean moves. It’s the best advertising for MotoGP, as the most spectacular sport in the motorsport world.”
"I think something really, really nice is coming"
Fabio Di Giannantonio is on the lookout for a new ride in 2024, with Marc Marquez' arrival at Gresini Racing signalling the end for the Italian. However, as he fights for his future, rumours have surfaced he may be in line to replace the eight-time World Champion at Repsol Honda from next season, and the #49 teased the press that some news may break soon.
"For sure we are working and I hope also to give you some good news. But I think something really, really nice is coming. I’m not in a rush at the moment. I want to enjoy this week, work well with my staff at home to prepare my future and then we will see. Maybe I give you something in Malaysia."
“The hardest race of my life”
Away from the front, it proved a difficult day for Aleix Espargaro. Having crossed the line fifth, he was demoted to eighth after being hit with a three second penalty for a tyre pressure infraction. Post-race, the Aprilia star revealed just how challenging the conditions were in Thailand.
”The hardest race of my life. I couldn’t breathe because of the heat, it was a nightmare. Honestly, in the last laps, I wasn’t so focused, I just tried to bring the bike to the chequered flag.”
“On tracks like these, with the hot temperatures, the engine is getting warm and all the air blows into our face. It was really tough. Raul [Fernandez] almost couldn’t finish the race and Maverick [Viñales] stopped due to this.”