Francesco Bagnaia held a commanding lead for much of the Thai Grand Prix, but as the race wore on, Marc Márquez began to close in on him. With 13 laps remaining, the pressure mounted as Márquez pushed hard, hoping to gain ground. However, Márquez ultimately crashed, taking him out of contention for a podium finish and altering the dynamic at the front of the race.
Jorge Martín moved up to second following Márquez’s fall, and Bagnaia later shared his immediate reaction in the post-race press conference. The Italian rider explained that, as he passed turn 9, he saw the crash on a large screen trackside. At that moment, he realized his lead in the championship standings wouldn’t increase by as much as he initially hoped, saying, “I will gain fewer than nine points.”
Bagnaia went on to discuss his confidence throughout the race, even with Márquez close behind. He admitted that while Márquez appeared to have a slight edge, he was determined to stay in control, avoid any mistakes, and push for a victory. Bagnaia’s focus was on maximizing his points gain, knowing each race could be pivotal in the tight championship race.
Reflecting on his strategy, Bagnaia highlighted how he stayed calm and focused despite the threat from Márquez. His confidence in his own potential helped him resist the pressure and maintain a steady pace, ultimately securing a valuable finish. His sights were set on claiming victory and closing the gap in points, keeping the larger championship picture in mind.
Bagnaia’s performance in Thailand is a testament to his focus and strategic thinking, underscoring his dedication to making every point count as he chases the championship.