Bastianini leads from start to finish in the ThaiGP Sprint as Somkiat qualifies 13th

Ducati Lenovo's Enea Bastianini made the strongest start and led the ThaiGP 2024 Sprint from start to finish, beating Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. It was his first win at Chang International Circuit. In Moto2, Somkiat Chantra overcame his injury to qualify 13th ahead of Sunday's home race.

The ThaiGP 2024 Sprint took place on Saturday, 26 October, at the season's 18th round. Live coverage reached more than 220 countries, while Thai and international fans filled almost every grandstand. The lively atmosphere made a strong impression on riders, teams, international media and Dorna Sports.

Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team secured pole with a new Chang International Circuit lap record of 1:28.700. Team-mate Enea Bastianini qualified second, ahead of championship leader Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing. Gresini Racing’s Marc Marquez crashed in qualifying and started fifth.

The 13-lap Sprint changed at the opening corner when Martin and Bagnaia lost position, allowing Bastianini to take the lead. He pulled clear to win in 19:31.131.

Martin recovered from fifth on the opening lap to finish second, 1.357 seconds behind the winner. Bagnaia took third at 2.372 seconds, followed by Marc Marquez in fourth at 5.402 seconds and Alex Marquez in fifth at 10.140 seconds.

After the Sprint, Jorge Martin led the championship with 424 points, 22 ahead of Francesco Bagnaia, keeping the title contest closely fought in the remaining rounds.

Moto2 championship leader Ai Ogura of MT Helmets–MSI strengthened his title prospects in Thailand by taking pole at 1 minute 34.728 seconds. Fantic Racing's Aron Canet was second, just 0.051 seconds behind, with Italtrans Racing's Diogo Moreira third at 0.074 seconds.

Somkiat Chantra qualified 13th despite his injury, setting 1 minute 35.189 seconds, just 0.461 seconds off the lead. His Idemitsu Honda Team Asia bike used a rear-brake control on the left handlebar instead of the usual right-foot pedal to avoid aggravating the injury.

In Moto3 qualifying, BOE Motorsports' Joel Kelso took pole with a lap of 1 minute 40.603 seconds. Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP's Collin Veijer was second, 0.073 seconds behind, followed by Leopard Racing's Angel Piqueras at 0.124 seconds. Honda Team Asia's Thatchakorn Buasri qualified 25th with a time of 1 minute 42.547 seconds.

Sunday's published programme on 27 October listed Moto3 at 12:00, Moto2 at 13:15 and MotoGP at 15:00.

For the PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024, tickets remained available at All Ticket booths at Gates 1 and 2. Commercial Area admission was sold at the booth in front of the event for THB 100 per day or THB 200 for three days.