he first race weekend of the MotoGP World Championship is never easy: a lot of work during the winter, high expectations… and a track that tests you straight away.

The Chang International Circuit gives nothing away. If conditions were perfect during testing, race weekend is a whole different story — everything becomes more complicated.

From FP1 we showed that the potential was there. Direct access to Q2 in first place, pole position, strong pace, a positive feeling.

Then in the Sprint, a small mistake that cost me dearly: when you’re always on the limit, there’s a very thin line between being a genius and being an idiot.

I was disappointed, no point hiding it. But deep down I knew one thing: that mistake would serve me well. In Sunday morning warm-up I was arriving at that corner on the limit every time and taking too many risks. I told myself, “Marco, wait, take a breath, otherwise we’ll do damage again today.”

For the race I felt fired up and fully focused. Very good start.

Straight into the lead. My Alba Rosa was fantastic: traction, stability, clean response every time. A bike that gives you confidence lap after lap.

I set myself a simple rule: push when needed, manage when it matters. No unnecessary rush. No mistakes.

From that moment on, it was a race built meter by meter. Leading from the first lap, consistent pace, maximum concentration.

After Saturday’s disappointment, it was the response I wanted to give to myself before anyone else.

The championship is very long. But starting like this gives you energy.

And above all, it reminds you that sometimes the difference comes down to one extra breath.