Gresini Racing's strategy and Ducati's data-sharing played key roles in their success

The Marquez brothers deliver a masterclass at the Thai Grand Prix, with Gresini Racing's strategy playing a key role in their dominant performance.

Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP rides alongside Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team during the final day of the MotoGP Sepang Official Test at Petronas Sepang International Circuit on February 7, 2025, in Sepang, Malaysia. Photo by Hazrin Yeob Men Shah/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez delivered a historic performance at the Thai Grand Prix, securing a spectacular 1-2 finish that has been hailed as a "masterpiece." The brothers, who were teammates at Gresini Ducati last season, achieved their first-ever race finish in first and second place during the Sprint and repeated the feat in Sunday's Grand Prix.

Unlike the Sprint race, where Marc Marquez dominated, the Grand Prix saw Alex Marquez leading for much of the contest. However, Marc Marquez later revealed that his decision to stay behind his brother was influenced by concerns over his front tire pressure, which dropped below the regulatory threshold for an extended period.

Gresini Racing team manager Michele Masini explained that the team had anticipated this scenario, thanks to Ducati’s data-sharing system, which allows information exchange between its factory and satellite teams. When Marc Marquez slipped into second place on lap seven, Masini immediately recognized that it was a calculated move.

Ducati’s data-driven approach proves decisive

“We knew from the data that Marc had a couple of tenths more,” Masini told GPOne after the race.

“We knew that he needed to stay behind. I knew that he'd attack at the end. The important thing was that Alex didn’t make mistakes while leading, and he didn’t let Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] close the gap. It was a masterpiece.”

Ducati’s collaborative approach to data analysis has given its riders a significant strategic advantage. By sharing telemetry across its factory and satellite teams, the Italian manufacturer enables its riders to fine-tune race tactics based on precise performance insights.

This synergy was on full display in Thailand, where Gresini Racing executed a race strategy that kept their riders in prime positions while neutralizing the threat posed by defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez brothers' bond strengthens through success

Masini, who worked closely with Marc Marquez throughout the 2024 season, expressed his delight at seeing both brothers on the podium again.

“I had already experienced the excitement of being on the podium with both of them last year at Sachsenring, and we expected this result here,” Masini said.

“It’s a great joy. Marc is also very happy for us and for his brother. A really strong relationship has been created between our two families.”

The Marquez brothers' Thai Grand Prix triumph cements their status as one of the most formidable duos in MotoGP history. Their blend of experience, skill, and strategic execution makes them a potent force in the 2025 season, and with Ducati’s backing, they are poised to challenge for more victories.