A positive and mostly dry day for Marc Marquez as he builds his speed in Buriram with Pol Espargaro not far behind.
Days of intense rain finally yielded as the MotoGP World Championship returned to the Chang International Circuit for the first time since 2019. A brief midday shower interrupted running in the smaller classes, but MotoGP riders spent the entirety of Friday on slicks, the last five minutes of each session producing an exciting rush of quick laps.
Free Practice 1 proved to be a busy session for Marc Marquez, falling early in the session at Turn 3 before immediately remounting and continuing. In true Marquez fashion, the fall did little to hinder him as the #93 ended the morning session as the fastest rider. Free Practice 2 saw another 20 laps for Marquez who set a best time of 1’30.714, 0.2s shy of his quickest morning time. Fourth on the combined times with his 1’30.523 from FP1, Marquez continues the strong form shown previously in Japan into another Grand Prix.
Like his Repsol Honda Team teammate, Pol Espargaro’s quickest time came from Free Practice 1. Ultimately ending the day in 17th and 0.726s from the top of the time sheets as the competition in the premier class continues to only tighten. Rear grip continues to be the area where Espargaro and his team are working the most.
Weather remains the main talking point on Friday even as dark clouds pattern above the Chang International Circuit. Should it remain dry, the field will again battle it out for the top ten in Free Practice 3. Otherwise, the morning session could offer a first chance to experience a fully wet Thailand in 2022.