A dramatic day at the Thai GP yielded more points for the Repsol Honda Team as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro dodged puddles and chased improvements.
A dramatic day at the Thai GP yielded more points for the Repsol Honda Team as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro dodged puddles and chased improvements.
What had looked set to be a straightforward race day in Thailand was interrupted by a torrential downpour during the Moto2 race, leaving the Chang International Circuit soaking wet. Subsequent on and off showers saw the premier class race delayed by almost a full hour as race organizers waited for a clear window of weather.
All eyes were on Marc Marquez when the racing did get underway as he shot off the line, disappearing behind a wall of spray as the field charged into Turn 1. Emerging from the wall of water, Marquez found himself firmly inside the top five and settled in for the long 25-lap race. Steady at the start, the eight-time World Champion picked up the pace as the race went on as he used his incredible riding ability and mixed-weather skills to guide his Honda RC213V around the Thai circuit. In the closing laps, Marquez smelled a potential podium and launched his attack on Francesco Bagnaia but was unable to make a move stick.
Ultimately settling for a fighting fifth place, Marquez moves up two positions in the overall MotoGP World Championship to 13th.
On the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Pol Espargaro put together a strong recovery ride from 19th on the grid. Cautious in the early laps as his tyres got up to temperature, Espargaro found his speed towards the end of the race and steadily picked off the competition as the laps went on. Crossing the line in 14th, the #44 adds a further two points to his haul but remains disappointed with his overall Thai GP.
The MotoGP World Championship now enjoy a one-week break before the Australian Grand Prix and the final three races of the year begin.