Marc Marquez appeared content with his second-place finish in the Thailand Grand Prix Sprint, even after being handed a late penalty for his incident with Pedro Acosta.
Marquez found himself up against polesitter Marco Bezzecchi in the early stages before the Aprilia rider crashed out. That seemed to open the door for a win.
But Acosta, who had started from sixth on the grid, quickly closed the gap. The two riders swapped places several times in an intense contest that kept fans on edge.
On the penultimate lap, Marquez made a move at the final corner that pushed Acosta off track. He was told to give back a position after that, which effectively decided how things would end up.
Marquez pleased with second place finish in Thai Sprint despite penalty
Marquez was asked about the penalty before heading to the podium and said he accepted the decision made by race officials.
After the race, Marquez congratulated Acosta, showing there were no hard feelings. The two are expected to be teammates at Ducati from 2027.
Bezzecchi’s crash had changed his approach, as he slowed the pace to try and control proceedings. Acosta disrupted that plan, but Marquez still managed a solid P2 in his first race back since last October’s Indonesian Grand Prix.
“When I saw Bezzecchi crash, I just slowed down the race. I was just trying to control. I know this championship is super long.”
“That’s what I was trying to do, control the pace of the race. Every time Pedro overtook me, I overtook him straightaway the next corner.”
“Unfortunately, I get that penalty. Nine points, first race after injury – not bad.”
How is Marc Marquez’s health holding up at the Thailand Grand Prix?
Sylvain Guintoli raised concerns about Marquez’s condition during Friday practice, noting that his body language suggested he might be struggling heading into the weekend.
There was some added worry when Marquez needed assistance putting on his glove during timed practice. He has been open about still dealing with the effects of his 2025 shoulder injury.
A stomach bug also sidelined him during the final pre-season test last weekend, yet despite all this, he managed to lead the opening race for much of it.
Looking ahead, those nine points he picked up on Bezzecchi could turn out to be significant by season’s end.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
