The eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez becomes just the fourth rider to achieve 100 podium finishes in the premier class, joining Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in an exclusive club.
Leading the way in Free Practice 3 with a blisteringly quick lap to put him 0.130s ahead of the pack, Honda's Marc Marquez started Saturday in supreme style.
The final three races of the year are now underway and the Honda Team arrive back in Australia looking to end the season with a strong push. Phillip Island is known for producing incredible close racing and both Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro will be looking to draw on past Australian success.
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.
A small moment in the last corner during Free Practice 3 saw Marc Marquez miss a spot in the combined top ten and a direct ticket to Q2 by only 0.007s. Pol Espargaro endured a frustrating and disappointing day in Thailand, unable to make the improvements he needed to challenge for a Q2 spot.
For the 91st time in his career and the 63rd occasion in the MotoGP class, Marquez will start with no one but the safety car in front of him for the Grand Prix. This is the first pole position for the Honda Team since Silverstone 2021 with Pol Espargaro.
For the first time since 2019, the MotoGP World Championship will return to the iconic Twin Ring Motegi circuit - Honda's home track. The Japanese Grand Prix has hosted many iconic moments in Moto GP history, especially for the Honda Team.
Tuscany [Italy], May 29 (ANI): Pol Espargaro and Marc Marquez battled the sun, the wind and the rain on Saturday in Mugello as a dramatic day of qualifying unfolded.
Le Mans [France], May 16 (ANI): The French GP was ultimately a weekend of ups and downs as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro worked to deliver the maximum potential result in Le Mans.