Jorge Martin brushed aside the significance of Ducati’s 88-race MotoGP podium streak ending at the Thai season opener.
The Spaniard, who won the 2024 title with Pramac Ducati, was among four Aprilias in the top five at Buriram.
KTM runner-up and title leader Pedro Acosta was the only rider to break the perfect RS-GP sweep.
Meanwhile, Ducati was absent from a grand prix podium for the first time since the 2021 Aragon round.
However, Martin was quick to highlight that reigning champion Marc Marquez, who retired from fourth after late wheel-rim damage, was on course to finish second behind Marco Bezzecchi.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Fastest rider for each brand: 2026 Thai MotoGP race.
© Peter McLaren
“Ducati was strong, Marc was super strong at some points,” Jorge Martin said.
“He had the issue with the tyre, but he was catching Raul [Fernandez] and Pedro, so I think he would be in second position.”
Although Buriram has been a happy hunting ground for Ducati in the past – including a perfect top-eight sweep in the 2024 Sprint – similar harder construction rear tyres proved tricky for the Desmosedicis at Mandalika last season.
“This track is quite different to normal tracks, so I still think they will be super-strong all season,” Martin said.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“Here, we were also able to make more laps [in the pre-season test], so we were more ready.
“And for sure, they have more bikes on track [to help them recover].”
Nevertheless, Martin already sees Aprilia as a championship contender.
“I think Aprilia is strong and we have our chances to fight for this championship,” he said.
Martin left Buriram holding fourth in the championship standings, 18 points behind Acosta and seven from team-mate Bezzecchi.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
VR46’s Fabio di Giannantonio was the leading Ducati rider in sixth at the end of the Thai Grand Prix weekend.
The Italian is also the highest-placed Ducati in the standings, in seventh, just ahead of Sprint runner-up Marc Marquez.
Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter