The MotoGP 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Marc Márquez and Ducati emerging as strong contenders. Márquez, who has been dealing with injuries and technical issues, has shown a demonstration of strength, leaving many to wonder about his possibilities and performance. The Spanish rider has not led a preseason training since November 2019, but he has changed everything with his recent performance in Buriram, where he commanded the two days of testing.
Márquez has already shown that he knows how to fly with the Ducati, one of his handicaps in 2024. He stayed a tenth of the record of the Thai layout and made 23 laps, with some being even faster than his best twist in the Sprint of 2024. His average was two tenths better than the fast return record, with no one approaching those records
The pressure is on his box neighbor, Pecco Bagnaia, who has fought for the last four World Cups and has won two. Márquez considers Bagnaia his main rival, along with Acosta and Álex, who was very strong, and Jorge Martín. Bagnaia tried to return the pressure to Cervera, stating that Marc comes most prepared to the first Grand Prix, but he had an extra problem and found good feelings rolling with used rubber.
On a return and those that put
In terms of other contenders, Álex Márquez is seen as the third in discord, with a goal of winning some races and doing well, but not fighting for the World Cup. He knows that having similar motorcycles will make it a completely different World Cup, but he is confident in his abilities. The two factory pilots, Márquez and Bagnaia, are very strong, but Álex is ready to exploit any opportunity that arises.
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Álex Márquez is not the only one who is confident, as Marco Bezzecchi has also made Aprilia better, pulling the car and rolling faster than a RS-GP in Buriram never did. Bezzecchi did a great job, and Jorge Martín will have a hard partner. Bezzecchi feels good from Barcelona, although he is still adapting, and the motorcycle gives him good feelings in front, making everything easier.
A great Álex Márquez
Pedro Acosta is another rider who remains as a reference for KTM, able to go strong to a single turn, or at least until the Ducati take out all their artillery. However, the doubts about KTM continue, with Brad Binder not shining and Maverick Viñales giving slight steps. Enea Bastianini admits that he needs to reset and pilot totally different from how he did with the Ducati.
Bezzecchi makes Aprilia better
In terms of other teams, Yamaha fell in Thailand, with Álex Rins confessing that this is more their reality. The problem with rear grip is maintained, and while they gave small steps forward, they need more to disturb Ducati. Fabio Quartarara maintains its explosiveness, but they require more to compete with the top teams.
KTM: Acosta and little else
Honda, on the other hand, has confirmed their progress, with Joan Mir making a very good career simulation at the end of the day and ending in the ‘Top 10’. The progress in aerodynamics is evident, and they look at the future with much more optimism than in 2024.
The season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with many contenders and storylines to follow. Will Márquez and Ducati dominate, or will other teams and riders be able to challenge them? Only time will tell.