The rainmaster struck again in Buriram while the title fight reached its closest point all season
Chang International Circuit once again opened its doors to MotoGP™ following a three-year absence as the grid descended on Buriram for the Thai GP. As the doors opened to fans, so did the heavens as heavy downpours saw lights out delayed, but eventually we were racing!
REWIND: Chapter 17 - Thunderstruck
Much like he was in the tricky conditions earlier in the year, KTM’s Miguel Oliveira was unrivalled in the rain as he romped home to victory. The Portuguese rider started 11th on the grid, but a strong start propelled him into the top five by Lap 2, and from there he was unstoppable as he picked off the factory Ducati duo for the lead, with the winning overtake coming on Lap 14. Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia settled into second and third respectively as they claimed more podium joy, but only after Pecco had to withstand an attack from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the closing stages, with Pramac's Johann Zarco lending a helping hand.
It proved a pivotal result in the title race too, as Bagnaia moved to within two points of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). The Frenchman struggled to adapt to the wet conditions and finished outside the points for just the third time in his premier class career. For Aleix Espargaro, the Aprilia rider came home in P11 which left him 20 points off the top, but with the form of Pecco, he was quickly fading out of contention.
With three rounds to go, it was a two point game and put Bagnaia on the precipice of the greatest MotoGP™ comeback ever, with a date in Australia up next.
FREE: The tense finale to a thunderous Thai GP
