This is one of the most watched sporting events in the world and this year, MotoGP celebrates 75 years of speed and performance from the most powerful and state-of the-art machines on Earth.
In recent years, we have seen a motorcycle brand emerge as top dog. This Italian marquee continues to dominate and excel, not just with top wins. but also in the preference department with numerous teams using it. I’m sure you know what Italian brand I’m talking about.
Such is the power of this sport on 2 wheels–it has the ability to transcend the globe. This year, the esteemed MotoGP visited 18 countries, beginning in Qatar in March and ending in Valencia, Spain in November. In between, MotoGP visited Portugal, Jerez (Spain), France, Catalunya (Spain), Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, Austria, Aragon, San Marino, The Misano World Circuit, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and our stop for the series, Buriram, Thailand.
I’ve experienced races in some of these countries, and the energy and pace is different from place to place. A lot of the culture and the people’s unique energy gets even more heightened with the event. From where we are in this world, there were four countries where MotoGP could be experienced, without having to break the bank: Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Last October, we stopped by Buriram, Thailand, which was already a sensory overload for me because its culture can be seen, felt and heard everywhere you go. And oh yeah, cannabis is legal, too.
It’s a 3-hour flight from Manila, and another 5-hour road trip from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the Buriram Chang International Circuit. If there’s anything challenging about this journey, that road trip would be it. Challenging not because it was difficult, but rather because one would just wanna be in the race track already as soon as possible. Nakaka-inip.
There are many ways to experience MotoGP, you can go on your own, ask around, research, and go guerilla-style, or the spoiled way, where everything gets taken cared of and the only thing you really need to worry about is making sure you don’t lose anything in your travels. In my case, I discovered that there are brands that have package tours for MotoGP, where your dealers will set you up to experience one of the best things to happen on two wheels. I was lucky enough to have Ducati grant me this amazing experience. If you think about it, it’s the perfect brand to tie up with simply because Ducati is winning everything across the globe, from local and international races to the World Superbike to yes, as we have seen in the last 2 years, even MotoGP. It’s a great time to be owning a Ducati if you love motorsports.
Dream Package
With Php 195,000 , participants got round trip tickets, the van/shuttle service, food, accommodations, and not just in any hotel mind you, we’re talking about having your room right next to the race track! Guests woke up in the morning to a glorious sight. They got to see the paddock and be within spitting distance from the racebikes of the Ducati Racers. They even met the superstar riders, see them in the flesh, experience the grid. Plus, there’s a VIP section with a good flow of food and drinks. It’s an absolute moto race fan dream come true.
Race Days
The Tissot Sprint race that Saturday found the Top 8 finishers to be all from Ducati. That’s just insane. Enea Bastianini from Ducati Lenovo came out on top followed by Jorge Martin for Pramac Ducati, and crowd fave Pecco Bagnaia found himself in 3rd place. Marc Marquez came in 4th — much to the dismay of Marquez fans across the globe. Acosta crashed at 5th place at the Turn 3 hairpin.
The following day, the race track got wet thus dictating the tire choice of the riders. A soaked Buriram looked to give Pecco Bagnaia his 9th victory of the season. The Italian rode well and had exchanges against Marquez and Martin quite early in the competition. Pecco Bagnaia came in 1st place followed by Jorge Martin in 2nd and Pedro Acosta on 3rd. Marc Marquez unfortunately crashed on lap 13 with a heartbreak drop from 2nd place during a chase against Bagnaia. Marquez was so close from taking the lead from Pecco, but such is racing, and anything can happen.
This whole thing is but a slice of MotoGP, and that one slice is pretty filling. Ah yes. MotoGP. It’s something to experience in your motorcycle lifetime. It’s loud. It’s exciting. It’s nail-biting action and absolute fun. Thank you, Ducati Philippines. What you have to offer for your customers truly shows how serious you are with engaging with your patrons. Forza Ducati!
Afterword: Spain’s Jorge Martin was crowned this year’s MotoGP champion, with Pecco Bagnaia, the defending champion, finishing as runner-up and Marc Marquez in third.
