Marc Marquez was satisfied with second in the Thai Grand Prix sprint despite receiving a late penalty for his move on Pedro Acosta.
Marquez Polesitter Marco Bezecchi struggled in the opening laps before dropping the Aprilia rider. This looked like it would be a winner for the world champion.
But AcostaThe sixth place, unexpectedly left. The pair swapped positions during a thrilling battle.
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In the final corner, Marquez tried to pass Acosta again but his lung forced the KTM rider off the track. Then he was ordered to leave the place after successfully fixing the competition.
Marc Marquez with P2 in Thai Grand Prix sprint despite penalty.
Marquez was immediately asked about the penalty before the podium ceremony and indicated that he would respect the decision of the FIM stewards.
Acosta even congratulated himself after finishing the race, so it is clear that there is no bad feeling between the two riders. They are expected to be teammates at Ducati in 2027.
Marquez had planned to ‘dominate’ the race after Bezeci’s crash, but Acosta thwarted that plan. Still, the 33-year-old can take heart from P2 in his first race since the Indonesian GP last October.
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“In my opinion, the direction of the race decides, so I follow the rules,” Marquez said.
“When I saw Bezecic’s collision, I slowed down the race. I was trying to control it. I know this championship is very long.
“That’s what I tried to do, control the pace of the race. Every time Pedro caught me, I immediately got to the next corner.
“Unfortunately I got that penalty. Nine points, first race after injury, not bad.”
What is the physical condition of Marc Marquez at the Thai Grand Prix?
Silvan Guintoli was concerned about Marquez’s ‘body language’. During Friday’s practice, he indicated he was ‘in trouble’ heading into the weekend.
Marquez needed help putting on his gloves. In the course of time, he raised concerns about the situation. He himself He admits he is still feeling the effects of the shoulder injury he suffered in 2025.
He was also hit with a stomach bug during pre-season testing last weekend, but despite the setbacks, he led the first race to the end.
Come the end of the season, perhaps the nine points scored here by Bezeci will prove valuable.
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