Johann Zarco Not Seen as a Threat by Marc Marquez in MotoGP Title Race

Marc Marquez Dismisses Zarco and Quartararo as Threats in MotoGP Championship

Following a record-setting performance at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, Marc Marquez expressed confidence about his title prospects, suggesting fellow riders Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo don’t pose significant threats in the championship race. The eight-time World Champion for Gresini Racing MotoGP™ entered Saturday at the top of the timesheets after delivering an impressive 1:29.165 lap on Friday, setting a new all-time Buriram lap record. This feat marked the second consecutive Friday that Marquez has led practice.

Marquez’s lap kept him 0.110 seconds ahead of Jorge Martin from Prima Pramac Racing, who leads the current championship standings, and 0.052 seconds ahead of Enea Bastianini in third place. Ducati Lenovo’s Francesco Bagnaia, who is also vying for the championship, trailed closely in fourth, with all four leading contenders separated by just 0.195 seconds as they headed into a crucial Saturday of racing.

In Friday’s practice, Marquez maintained a steady lead through most of the session, with Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) also competing strongly within the top five. However, Marquez showed little concern over the Frenchmen’s chances, seeing Martin and Bagnaia as more immediate threats. Quartararo’s best effort came in climbing to second before ultimately being outpaced by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who led with a time of 1:29.949 after switching to a fresh medium compound tire.

The practice session was marked by dynamic changes at the top of the leaderboard, with Binder, Martin, Bagnaia, and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) each taking turns in P1. In the closing minutes, Marquez reclaimed the top position, extending his lead by 0.110 seconds in an intensely competitive session that showcased how narrow the margins are in the MotoGP title fight.

Despite his intense focus on the competition, Marquez’s comments reveal that he sees his primary rivals in the top spots, underscoring his belief that Zarco and Quartararo lack the consistency to challenge for the title. As the season narrows, Marquez’s performance and confidence in Thailand position him as a formidable contender heading into the final rounds of the championship.