BURI RAM - MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia twice smashed the lap record in warm and humid conditions at the Chang International Circuit on Saturday to take pole position for the Thailand Grand Prix.

World champion Francesco Bagnaia set a lap record in powering to pole position Saturday for the Thailand MotoGP sprint race and grand prix, with chief title rival Jorge Martin starting from third after a late crash.

Bagnaia takes crucial pole in Thailand while Martin qualifies on the front row despite late crash

Reigning two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia warned Jorge Martin on Thursday that he is on a "mission" to overhaul his title rival, starting in Thailand this weekend.

MotoGP: "I would have liked to fight for the title, but I missed something again this year. We arrived late, however it would still have been difficult because Martin is really in good shape. Buriram can be decisive for both Bagnaia and me.

Marc Marquez says Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin will not be “enjoying” this moment of the 2024 MotoGP title battle and will be “just suffering”. Ahead of this weekend’s Thailand Grand Prix, Martin leads Bagnaia by 20 points.

Marc Marquez led the way on Friday as he set a new all-time lap record, Martin and Bagnaia finished in second and fourth.

MotoGP: "If they can win they will try and the same if they have to risk a little more, while Pecco and Martin will have to try to stay a bit more buttoned up. The secret of Jorge's consistency this year?

Marc Marquez ended the opening day of action for the Thailand Grand Prix atop the timesheets with a new MotoGP lap record to his name at the Chang International Circuit. The Gresini Ducati rider, who won last time out in Australia,