Marquez Secures Pole Position for MotoGP Season Opener in Thailand

Marc Marquez secured pole position ahead of his brother Alex for the MotoGP season opener in Buriram, Thailand, clocking a time of 1:28.782 seconds. Marquez, racing for Ducati, is seen as a strong contender for the championship alongside teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who qualified third. Former champion Jorge Lorenzo identified Marquez and Bagnaia as the top favorites for the season, though he cautioned that surprises could emerge from private riders like Bezzecchi. Marquez has pushed back against predictions of a consistent 1-2 finish for Ducati, emphasizing the competitiveness of the field and the importance of consistency throughout the season. He noted that various riders will be vying for wins, making the championship unpredictable. The season has already been impacted by the absence of reigning champion Jorge Martin, who is sidelined due to injuries from a crash.