Rd.17 ThailandGP - Track Report

Track Report by Alberto Puig [Repsol Honda Team - Team Manager]

How was the Thai GP?

It was an unpredictable race in Buriram, we were not expecting these weather conditions and everything was changing in the build up to the race. We saw Marc Marquez putting together a strong performance and finishing fifth after fighting all race. But we saw the Ducati's performing better and it was impossible for him to overtake them. Anyway, we know him and he was pushing until the end, we really appreciate his effort.

Alex Marquez did a great race in Thailand, he was very good in the wet conditions, he gained many positions right at the start and had good pace from the beginning. Pol Espargaro also gained some positions in the race, but he had no visibility at the beginning, and he struggled for a lot of the race. He did not have an easy weekend with rear grip problems.

Marquez pushed hard from Friday, so rain on Sunday helped him to fight until the end.

Yes, if the race was dry he probably would have struggled much more. I think it was a key factor for him to have this good result. He was fighting with Zarco and Bagnaia until the last lap.

How important is it for Marquez to have a break after three races?

Very important. He has done two full races in seven days after not racing for four months, so it’s very important to return back home, take rest and prepare for the next two Grands Prix. These ten days can provide a good benefit for him, but also for the other riders, it’s essential to refresh their energy before Phillip Island and Sepang.

Phillip Island is one of the most demanding circuits of the calendar.

It's a very difficult. Very fast with many high-speed corners that you need to understand when you are riding your bike. But also, a key factor is the weather conditions and apparently it will be cold, so you cannot make mistakes. And the week after we are going to Malaysia, where we will have the opposite conditions, hot and very humid.