No one can deny that after the preseason of MotoGP 2025, based on training in Sepang and Buriram, there’s a name standing out above the rest: Marc Márquez’s. The eight-time world champion showed a great career rhythm in the challenging Malaysian layout and took another step forward in Thailand. He sent a strong message with two imposing records, was the best in rhythm, and made it clear that he is already comfortable with the GP25 – or an improved GP24 – of the official Ducati Lenovo.
Marc Márquez, with a rogue gesture, has made his presence known. Anyway, he downplayed his chances when throwing bells on the flight after the preseason. “At most, I am the second favorite. Of course, I must be, I am in an official Ducati. But the favorite is Pecco Bagnaia,” he explained. The Italian knows the engine better, having touched the title against Jorge Martín, and Márquez still has a margin of improvement. Although he showed very interesting brushstrokes in the career rhythm, it’s clear that he’s not getting ahead of himself.
A race weekend is different, but simulation is one of the most important points. “I was calm, fluid, and without errors. The tires fell, of course. But I could control it,” said the ’93’. He did not fail, especially in Malaysia when he attacked. The progression was relentless to beat the great reference of the previous sessions, his brother Álex. It was a great message, one that showcases his growing confidence and skill.
Pecco Bagnaia doesn’t deny that Márquez starts in advantage. “He’s the favorite,” says the Italian. He bases his justification on form, saying, “It seems better, he had the opportunity to work more, and I wasn’t in that situation of feeling comfortable.” Bagnaia suffered more problems, and perhaps his best moment of preparation was in the training of Sepang, where they followed the work method that Ducati asked. This focus on development, unique to the dominating motorcycle, will be crucial, with the engine as the main element, similar to last year.
## The Favorites
Marc Márquez points out four main rivals: “My main rival is Bagnaia, and they will also be Pedro Acosta and my brother Álex. I don’t forget Jorge Martín.” The Italian, logically, monopolizes bets after dominating Sundays of 2024 and being two-time. Acosta leads a KTM that has doubts from the offices. Álex Márquez has been the great revelation of winter. And Jorge Martín is the champion, although his fall in the first test of Sepang opens an unknown before the first appointment with the RS-GP of the Noale factory.
The title will be put into play, again, in Thailand, with a great list of candidates. Márquez’s humility and focus are evident, even as he’s considered the favorite. With his performance in the preseason and his experience, he’s certainly one to watch. The competition, however, will be fierce, with Bagnaia, Acosta, Álex Márquez, and Jorge Martín all vying for the top spot. It’s going to be an exciting season, with each rider pushing the others to be their best.
