Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Take On Final Round of Flyaway Triple Header in Thailand

25-10-2023

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Take On Final Round of Flyaway Triple Header in Thailand

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team have travelled to the Chang International Circuit for Round 17, the Thailand Grand Prix, held this weekend. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are looking forward to receiving the support of the Thai fans.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team have travelled from the Australian GP to the Chang International Circuit for the Thailand Grand Prix. It is the last stop of the flyaway triple header. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are looking forward to enjoying the great atmosphere at this venue again.

After a tough GP weekend in Australia, Quartararo still holds 10th place in the championship standings. The MotoGP paddock has visited the Buriram circuit three times before, in 2018, 2019, and 2022. El Diablo was in the Moto2 class in 2018 when he scored fifth place there. In 2019 he had made the step up to MotoGP and secured second place on Thai soil. With his 2022 efforts spoiled by rain, the number-20 rider hopes to have a rematch this year.

Morbidelli is keen to head back to the Chang circuit, a track that he enjoys. The Italian was inspired by the passion of the Thai motorsports fans during his previous visits and feels fully motivated to get back to work in Buriram this weekend. He achieved his best result on the Yamaha there in 2019, securing sixth. The number-21 rider is currently 13th in the overall MotoGP rider standings and is eager to score points this weekend.

The Chang International Circuit opened in 2014. Only one year later, the FIM Superbike World Championship started racing at the venue, and in 2018 MotoGP made its debut there. The circuit is located about 410 km northeast of the country‘s capital, Bangkok, and close to the town of Buriram. Buriram translates to ’City of Happiness‘, and it delivered. The Thai GP became a big hit with the teams and riders. Many were excited by the Chang track‘s 4.5 km layout, including a 1 km longest straight, and five left and seven right turns.

For those who want to get to know the Chang International Circuit better, check out this week‘s MotoGP eSport video.

The Grand Prix of Thailand is held in the GMT +7 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 10:45 - 11:30 local track time and Practice will be held from 15:00 - 16:00. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10 - 10:40, and the qualifying sessions from 10:50 - 11:30, followed by the Sprint that starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 10:40 - 10:50 and the Race starts at 15:00.

Fabio Quartararo

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"We had a difficult weekend at Phillip Island, so we know we need to work. We hope for better luck with the weather. Last year‘s Race at the Chang circuit didn‘t go as planned, but overall I really like this track. For sure, we will give our 100% again to get back towards the front."

Franco Morbidelli

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"The abrupt end to the Australian GP was a pity, but it was not unexpected. We hope that the Thai round will be a more ’normal‘ race weekend, so we can go through our work schedule as usual. We have a lot to improve on compared to last week, and Buriram might be the place to do it. This is a circuit that I like, and it suits my riding style, so let‘s see what happens."

Massimo Meregalli

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Team Director

"We have arrived in Thailand for the final race weekend of the triple header. It was disappointing not to be able to race last Sunday in Australia. We feel that the best way to make up for it is to give it our all again this weekend in Buriram and put on a good show. The triple headers are always tough, and after a difficult weekend like we had at Phillip Island, it‘s important to regroup and keep the motivation high. But we always like going to Thailand, so we‘re looking forward to starting work at the Chang International Circuit."