Reigning champion Marc Marquez is confident he can wrap up his sixth MotoGP world title in Buri Ram this Sunday.
The 26-year-old Honda rider only has to gain two points more than his nearest rival Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati at Chang International Circuit to claim this year's championship.
Thanks to his dominant display on home turf at Aragon a couple of weeks ago, Marquez has his first match point of the season this weekend. The 26-year-old's eighth triumph of the season meant he now has 300 points and a lead of 98 in the world championship standings with five races left.
Marquez defeated Dovizioso in a thrilling duel to win the inaugural race in Buri Ram last year.
"We had a great week in the Aragon Grand Prix. It was a great victory in front of my Spanish fans and I expect to have another strong weekend here in Thailand," said Marquez during Thursday's press conference.
"We were very excited to be here last year for the inaugural race and I hope to do well again this year. Last year Dovizioso had a great race here and Yamaha also did well."
He added, "We start on Friday with the mentality to fight for the victory on Sunday."
Dovizioso, meanwhile, admitted Marquez is in a strong position to win his sixth world title but the Ducati rider believed the team can benefit from his good performance in Buri Ram last year.
"I did well here last year so with all the information we have I believe we can do well again here. It will definitely be another exciting race this weekend," said the Italian.
Italian great Valentino Rossi, who has not been on the podium since the third race in the United States, finished a solid fourth in Buri Ram last year.
"I was second in the qualifying last year and did well during the race. I believe I have a shot at a podium finish this week," said the 40-year-old nine-time world champion.
The Thailand Grand Prix officially begins today with the morning and afternoon practice sessions. The third practice session will take place tomorrow morning while the qualifying session starts at noon.
The race weekend at the 2018 championship was the most attended and voted the best of the season by the MotoGP paddock.
Upwards of 220,000 people passed through the turnstiles over three days.