The crash
The first GP of the 2026 season was certainly devoid of joy for the Gresini team, even more so for its lead rider during the Thai weekend: Alex Marquez. Teammate of Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, called up by the Faenza-based team to replace the injured Fermin Aldeguer, the Spaniard’s race ended a few laps from the checkered flag due to a slide, fortunately without physical consequences.
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No points
A disappointing Sunday that ended with a zero in the standings not only for him, but also for his brother Marc, betrayed in this case by the rear wheel rim which bent after hitting a curb at full speed. While the reigning world champion still scored points in the Sprint, the runner-up failed to do so, finishing only 11° at the finish line. A start to the championship as disappointing as it was unexpected: “Starting from the third row didn’t help us, but then it was still a management race until the crash – he stated – the others have certainly grown, but we must continue to work while staying calm. My race was about staying behind Mir at a distance so as not to overheat the front tire, with no chance of overtaking. The crash happened when I tried to push a bit more, I didn’t have feeling with the front and I lost it with a small mistake“.
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Pirro was at the back of the pack all weekend, having already been penalized at the end of qualifying with three grid positions for obstructing Marquez during his fast lap. Last in the Sprint among the riders who finished, the Apulian finished in 19° place in the long race: “I’m a bit disappointed, I thought I would do better by putting all the pieces of the puzzle together from these days. Instead, from the start of the race, I immediately felt uncomfortable with the tires, a feeling I never had during the weekend. I tried to manage the tire, but it was quite strange. I’m sorry because I wanted a bit more consistency. I gave it my all, I thank Nadia and the whole group for the trust shown in these days.”
