Sean Chen / Red Bull Content Pool
Modest scooters adorned with towering stacks behind! No, it's not the bustling streets of Thailand, but a riveting scooter race between 8-time MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez, and his Moto2 world Champion brother, Alex Marquez, as they weave through the quiet, grassy dirt tracks of Buriram. In this eccentric pre-Grand Prix challenge, the brothers pitted their skills against each other, turning the competition into a spectacle that showcased their balance and competitiveness.
In the first sprint of the scooter race, Alex and Marc faced the challenge of maneuvering 17 bags filled with Thai silk, weighing over 150kg and stretching over 4 meters wide, leading to a collision at the first roundabout. A wide final turn by Alex resulted in a ditch encounter, enabling Marc to cross the finish line first.
In the subsequent race, Marc and Alex navigated a course with over 200 Thai bamboo baskets stacked almost 7 meters tall. Marc took the lead until his baskets snagged an adjacent tree on the final straight, which allowed Alex to secure a last-minute win.
Marc and Alex’s pre-race scooter competition not only offered a glimpse into the local Thai culture but also fostered a playful camaraderie as they geared up for the upcoming Grand Prix in Buriram this weekend.
“To ride the loaded scooter was a bit strange because when you’re turning, especially when you hit some bumps, the scooter was moving super heavy in a very aggressive way. When I see all the scooters in Bangkok and in Buriram, even tuk tuks, I say this must be difficult, especially in the middle of traffic. And I appreciate it a lot because they [local riders] have really good skills,” shares Marc Marquez with a laugh.
Alex Marquez shared similar sentiments, stating "What I enjoyed most was the race against Marc with the cones. We touched a few times, but it was really nice. Difficult to manage, but really fun!”
New Team, New Challenge
The mini competition, potentially foreshadowing what's to come, took place during the aftermath of Marc Marquez’s announcement to join a new team next year. In a strategic move that has sent shockwaves through the racing community, Marc and Alex will join forces at the Gresini Ducati team in 2024, setting the stage for a narrative of brotherly teamwork and competitive spirit.
“It will be a very nice challenge next year competing with another manufacturer and another team, but especially with and against my brother," Marc Marquez shares.
Despite the whirlwind of recent changes in Marc's career, the vibe was undeniably electric, a sentiment that is expected to resonate to the actual race event this weekend. Marc is geared up to close out the remaining 2023 season on a high note. An outpouring of excitement has marked Marc’s return to Thailand as he is thrilled to reconnect with the passionate Thai fans once again.
"It’s super nice to be back in Thailand because I have very good memories. My last championship was here in Thailand, Buriram in 2019. Always, I’ve had a very good connection with the Thai fans. I like them because they are very passionate," states Marc.
Red Bull Energy Zone
Fans are invited to visit the exclusive Red Bull Energy Zone throughout the race weekend to further immerse themselves in the racing atmosphere. In addition to exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with Red Bull’s riders, attendees can partake in various on-ground activities for a chance to win official Red Bull KTM Factory Racing merchandise. The top scorers will earn an exclusive tour of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing garage and will be hosted in their hospitality area on Sunday.
And, for those interested in delving deeper into Marc’s perseverance and journey in the racing world, the MotoGP docu-series 'Marc Marquez: ALL IN' presents a unique opportunity. It showcases pivotal moments in his Honda career, from challenging times like his 2011 crash in Malaysia that caused diplopia and required surgery, and his 2020 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix crash resulting in a fractured humerus, to major milestones like his 100th podium finish.
Fans can immerse themselves in Marc's relentless pursuit of triumph over adversity, exploring a captivating journey through a champion's path to recovery and his determined resolve to return to the track even stronger. Stream it FREE today on Red Bull TV.
To watch the full video of Marc and Alex Marquez competing in the Thailand Balance Challenge, click HERE.
News cuts, plus rights free imagery, is available to view and download on the Red Bull Content Pool via the following links:
Thailand Balance Challenge
For more information, please visit the official Red Bull Philippines social media pages (TikTok | Instagram | Facebook) and its website, and Red Bull Motorsports’ official accounts (TikTok | Instagram | Facebook).
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