MotoGP Round 21 | Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi reigns supreme in Portimao Portugal. Not a wheel wrong or out of place, the #72 really was ‘Simply the Bez’ as the #73 and #37 earned Sunday podiums. A fantastic weekend of racing on a brilliant track Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

0.088s covered the top three at the end of Day 1 in Portimao. We’ll have some of that. It was Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) who led the field thanks to a 1:37.974, as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37) hunted the #73 very closely on what turned out to be another brilliant Friday afternoon in MotoGP.

Well, that wasn’t a bad qualifying session, was it? Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) grabbed pole for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal with a 1:37.556 in a relentless MotoGP Q2 that saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) earn a first front row start of the season in P2. Third place went the way of Q1 graduate Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP #20), who once again pulled a rabbit out of the hat in qualifying trim.

Moto2

With a late rain shower during Moto2™ Practice, the standings were decided before the chequered flag as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing #44) topped the order. Getting out early, the Spaniard was able to sport a 0.192s lead ahead of the opposition and lead the charge into Saturday.

The Moto2™ title was on the line this weekend, and Championship leader Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) put himself in a prime position for that first match point. He took pole in Portugal ahead of Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) and rookie Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo #95).

Moto3

David Almansa (Leopard Racing #22) was the Moto3™ pacesetter heading into Saturday’s action in Portugal after his 1:47.056 was good enough to see the Malaysian GP podium finisher beat the Malaysian GP winner, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia #72), by 0.135s. A flurry of personal best lap times before the rain fell saw Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) complete the top three.

Australian Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA #66) claimed a ninth front row of 2025 and a second pole in the last three Grands Prix with a stunner in Portugal. He denied Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power #19), who put in a late charge to start second, with Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) rounding out the front row. It was a closely fought session, with 16 riders covered by less than a second.

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) vs Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). It was the sky blue of Marquez that edged the blazing orange of Acosta in a barnstorming Saturday showdown that will live long in the memory. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) had the perfect view – and a big say – as the polesitter finished just 0.5s from victory in a spectacular Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal Tissot Sprint.

Bezzecchi launched perfectly from pole to grab the holeshot, with Acosta holding P2 ahead of a lightning-fast start from Marquez, who jumped two places as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #1) slipped to fourth and fifth.

By Lap 2, Bezzecchi had Acosta glued to his rear wheel, and the rookie sensation made his move into Turn 1 to hit the front. Marquez was next to strike, copying Acosta’s move on Lap 3 to take second, as the leading trio broke 1.5s clear of Quartararo, Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #49).

Lap 4 claimed Nicolo Bulega (Ducati Lenovo Team #11) at Turn 13, while Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36) was forced to retire soon after. Up front, Marquez attacked again, and the duel that followed was breathtaking. Acosta briefly reclaimed the lead at Turn 5, only for Marquez to counter with a clean run out of the final corner to retake P1 into Turn 1.

The pair traded blows again as Bezzecchi hovered menacingly behind, ready to pounce. But with three laps to go, Marquez found an extra gear, stretching a slender 0.4s gap heading onto the final lap. Acosta dug deep, closing right up, but the Gresini man held firm to win by just 0.120s, with Bezzecchi third, half a second adrift.

Quartararo secured P4 to round off a strong showing for Yamaha, with Di Giannantonio completing the top five – a thrilling Sprint that showed MotoGP at its absolute best.

“I was feeling really good, and at the last corner, our acceleration was really good so I was able to attack at that point. It’s true that I used too much tyre in that point to overtake, but that was my plan. The plan was perfect,” Marquez stated.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati)
2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+0.120s)
3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+0.637s)
4. Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha (+5.276s)
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+6.088s)

Sunday
MotoGP

It was perfection from start to finish for Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72), who led every one of the 25 laps at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal. The victory moves him comfortably clear in the battle for third overall in the Championship, with only a handful of points needed to secure it next week in Valencia. Behind him, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) held off a late surge from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37), reshuffling the podium from Saturday’s Sprint.

Acosta had a lightning start but couldn’t overcome Bezzecchi, who grabbed the holeshot from pole. Marquez mirrored his Sprint start to climb into third, while drama unfolded further back. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #21) was caught in a bundle at Turn 5 but escaped unscathed. On Lap 2, Marquez moved past Acosta into second and began chasing the leader, while Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36) retired with another technical issue.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #1) ran fourth until crashing at Turn 10 on Lap 11, handing the position to rookie Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #54), who had earlier made a bold Turn 5 pass on Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #33). Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP #20) battled hard in fifth but ultimately ceded positions to Aldeguer and Binder.

At the front, Bezzecchi steadily extended his advantage, reaching 2.2s over Marquez by Lap 15. Acosta was 2.4s further back, holding a comfortable margin over Aldeguer and Binder. In the closing stages, Acosta found a late burst, reducing Marquez’s lead to just one second with two laps remaining, but couldn’t mount a final challenge.

Further back, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #79) passed Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR #5) for seventh, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #49) taking eighth.

Bezzecchi’s commanding ride from lights to flag secured a majestic victory, becoming the sixth different winner in as many Grands Prix and giving Aprilia a historic third win of 2025 – the first time the manufacturer has claimed three wins in a single season. Marquez and Acosta completed the podium, with Aldeguer fourth ahead of Binder and Quartararo.

“Very happy, it was a fantastic race for me. This morning I felt better, and yesterday evening we worked a lot in the box to try to find that last step that was missed. I was super afraid of Pedro and Alex because yesterday they were super quick, but I was also very motivated to try to get a win. It’s super important to be back on the top of the podium,” Bezzecchi said.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing
2. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati (+2.583s)
3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+3.188s)
4. Fermin Aldeguer BK8 Gresini Ducati (+12.860s)
5. Brad Binder Red Bull KTM (+16.327s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Marc Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati – 545
2. Alex Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 445
3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 323
4. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 288
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 285

Moto2

A champion’s performance from Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #21) saw the Brazilian move decisively towards the Moto2 World Championship with a superb victory at Portimão. The points gap heading to Valencia is now 24 in Moreira’s favour after Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) finished sixth, leaving the odds firmly stacked for the Brazilian. Completing the podium were two rising stars: Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo #49) claimed his first Moto2 rostrum in P2, with David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #80) taking his third straight podium in P3.

From pole, Moreira needed a win or second to strengthen his title bid and executed a perfect start to grab the holeshot ahead of Veijer. Gonzalez was sixth on the opening lap, while Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) dropped to third. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing #7), third in the standings, lost several positions after sitting up at Turn 1, falling to P11.

By Lap 3, the top six – Moreira, Gonzalez, Veijer, Dixon, Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team #13) and Alonso – were tightly bunched. Veijer led briefly into Turn 1 on Lap 4, but Moreira regained control, putting pressure on the rookie, while Gonzalez struggled following a dramatic moment at Turn 5 on Lap 5 and dropped to P7. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing #44) moved past Gonzalez and Dixon to push into podium contention.

With five laps to go, Moreira was closing in on Veijer, Alonso 0.8s behind and Canet in fourth. Turn 11, with two and a half laps remaining, saw Moreira make a decisive move up the inside of Veijer to reclaim P1, opening a 24-point advantage in the championship fight.

The last lap saw Dixon crash out from P7, leaving Moreira unchallenged. Veijer took second, Alonso third, Canet fourth and Baltus fifth. With the Fantic duo and Dixon now out of title contention, the championship will come down to Moreira vs Gonzalez in Valencia. Fantic can celebrate the Moto2 Teams’ title, thanks to strong rides from Baltus and Canet.

Moreira’s flawless win under pressure sets him up in ideal fashion for next weekend’s showdown, while Gonzalez will hope for a miracle to close the gap at the season finale.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team
2. Collin Veijer Red Bull KTM Ajo (+0.090s)
3. David Alonso CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team (+0.492s)
4. Aron Canet Fantic Racing (+0.992s)
5. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing (+5.214s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team – 281
2. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 257
3. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 232
4. Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 226
5. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 215

Moto3

The penultimate Moto3™ showdown of the season saw a superstar performance from Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) as he escaped the group to cross the line over a second clear. Angel Piqueras (QJMotor – FRINSA – MSI) put up a huge fight for second and secured it, limiting the damage as he fights for second overall in the Championship. Malaysian GP winner Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) completed the podium, taking back-to-back rostrum finishes for the first time in his career.

Off the line it was a dream start for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) as he led Quiles early on, but the group remained close. On Lap 3, Joel Esteban (Red Bull KTM Ajo #78) was able to attack into second before having a twitch at the final corner, with the resulting reaction seeing Quiles then drop down to sixth as the slipstream effect down the straight made it all change again behind Kelso.

The Australian led the way for the first half of the race, keeping some tenths in hand, but on Lap 10 he was wide at Turn 5, and the door was open for Quiles and Piqueras. Kelso slotted into third, but the battle was hotting up, and it was soon several riders wide as they jostled for position. As the dust started to settle again, Quiles led Furusato as Piqueras was left scrambling for position in the group. But the #36 hung on to move back into third and then second by Turn 1 on the penultimate lap.

Onto the final lap, Quiles had time in hand over Piqueras, who likewise had just enough over Furusato. They crossed the line in that order as the fight behind took its final shuffle, with Esteban next up as he managed to just stay ahead of rookie teammate Alvaro Carpe.

Moto3 Race Results

1. Maximo Quiles CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team
2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI (+1.663s)
3. Taiyo Furusato Honda Team Asia (+2.886s)
4. Joel Esteban Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+3.243s)
5. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo (+3.537s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 365
2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 271
3. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 263
4. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 197
5. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo – 195

MotoE

It was title-decider day in the final ever MotoE season – and it did not disappoint! Fans were treated to two thrilling races at the Portuguese GP, where Alessandro Zaccone (Aruba Cloud MotoE Team) ultimately clinched the electric class crown in Portimão.

Arriving as the Championship leader, the Italian could hardly have asked for a better start, converting pole position into a hard-fought Race 1 victory ahead of Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) and Jacopo Hosciuc (MSI Racing Team). That triumph gave him a commanding 17-point advantage heading into the second lights-out of the day.

With the title within reach, the mission was simple: finish P7 or better. In the end, a composed ride to P4 was enough for Zaccone to seal the deal and secure the crown. Up front, Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) pushed hard to keep his title hopes alive, but Oscar Gutierrez (MSI Racing Team) snatched victory by just 0.098s, with Nicholas Spinelli (Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE) completing the podium. It proved an emotional and electric final day of the MotoE season.

MotoE Race 1 Results

1. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team
2. Eric Granado LCR E-Team (+0.105s)
3. Jocopo Hosciuc MSI Racing Team (+0.185s)
4. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team (+0.740s)
5. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP (+1.718s)

MotoE Race 2 Results

1. Oscar Gutierrez MSI Racing Team
2. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team (+0.098s)
3. Nicholas Spinelli Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE (+1.281s)
4. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team (+2.105s)
5. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP (+4.521s)

MotoE Championship Points

1. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team – 198
2. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team – 188
3. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE – 168
4. Eric Granado LCR E-Team – 162
5. Nicholas Spinelli Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE – 159

How Did the Aussies Do?

Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP ace Jack Miller (#43) finished the Sprint race in 14th place after advancing through Q1. He then followed that up with a 12th in the main race, in a bout where he struggled severely with grip.

Senna Agius (#81) made a strong start to the weekend, finishing third in FP1 and fifth in Friday afternoon’s practice. The Australian then qualified 13th and remained hopeful of a solid result. In the race, Agius ultimately claimed P9 – a result he was content with despite showing rapid pace, as a poor start ultimately cost him a better finish.

Joel Kelso produced a superb performance to secure pole position at Portimão, topping the timesheets with a composed and confident display. After starting from pole, Kelso brought his machine home in seventh at Portimão, as he fought hard but struggled with tyre wear in the latter stages.

Jacob Roulstone (#12) was forced to miss the Portuguese GP after undergoing successful surgery on his fractured left hand that occurred in Malaysia. The Australian will now focus on his recovery, with the goal of returning to action for the season finale in Valencia.

MotoGP Round 20 | Alex Marquez clinches Sepang victory. The #73 reigned supreme in Malaysia, Acosta impressed with P2 and a late bike issue for the #63 handed Mir a place on the Sunday podium. Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

How about that for a MotoGP Practice outing? Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37) delivered the goods on Friday to set the pace with a 1:57.559 as the #37 beat Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR #5) by 0.019s, while Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP #43) rounded out the top three in an unpredictable session. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) squeezed into Q2 despite a second crash of the day, but our last three Grand Prix winners – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63), Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #54) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25) – would face Q1. Oh, and so did Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing).

Casting his Indonesia and Australia woes to one side, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) did it the hard way to grab pole at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, coming through Q1 to the top of the pile. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) missed out on pole by 0.016s, whilst Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #21) made it a Ducati front-row lockout just one week on from the factory’s 98-race front-row streak coming to an end. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72), meanwhile, failed to make it out of Q1 and started P14.

Moto2

With the sun coming out for Moto2™ Practice, it was Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) who ended Friday on top. Moving up to P1 with less than five minutes to go, ‘Manugas’ was hoping it would be the start of a strong weekend, where he aimed to extend his Championship lead after it’d been whittled down in recent rounds by Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10); the Brazilian joined his title rival in Q2 directly, finishing in P10, with Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2 #75) completing the top three.

Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team #27) started the Moto2 Malaysian GP from pole position after setting a late, scintillating new lap record to head the field by over half a second. The rookie’s sublime 2:02.858 was by far the best lap of a mouthwatering Q2 that saw the tension between title contenders Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) ramp up as they diced on track.

Moto3

World Champion Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo #99) headed into the weekend as the rider to beat in Moto3 after the #99 topped a delayed Practice on Friday afternoon. Rueda’s 2:11.152 was top but only 0.035s quicker than his rookie teammate and second-fastest rider Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo #83), with him enjoying a perfect start to the Malaysian GP.

Rocketing to a second pole of 2025, David Almansa (Leopard Racing #22) left it until his final flying lap to deliver the goods at Sepang on Saturday. Still chasing his first podium, he’d have Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia #72) right next to him for the first time in over a year, whilst Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) lined up third.

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

There was simply no stopping Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on Saturday at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. The reigning double World Champion was untouchable as he converted pole position into a commanding Tissot Sprint victory, finishing 2.2 seconds clear of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). The result sealed second place in the championship for the #73, securing a historic Marquez brothers 1-2 overall. It was also a day of celebration for the BK8 Gresini Racing team, as Fermin Aldeguer claimed Rookie of the Year honours for 2025 thanks to a strong P3 finish – even though a post-race tyre pressure penalty later cost him the podium spot on paper.

From pole, Bagnaia nailed his launch to lead into Turn 1. As ever, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) rocketed off the line to grab an early third, while Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) fought back from a sluggish getaway to end the opening lap in fourth after a fierce scrap with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP #20). Further back, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36) and Aldeguer provided early fireworks, the 2020 World Champion eventually taking fourth by the end of Lap 1. But at the front, Bagnaia was already stretching clear. By Lap 3, his lead was a second over Marquez and growing rapidly as he lapped half a second faster than the chasing trio.

Mir’s hopes of a podium ended abruptly with a crash at Turn 9, promoting Aldeguer to fourth and into podium contention. The rookie showed blistering pace, reeling in Acosta by more than half a second a lap. With three laps remaining, Aldeguer made a clean pass at Turn 9 to grab third and secure his Rookie of the Year title. Honda’s afternoon took another hit when Luca Marini crashed at Turn 14 after contact with Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #44).

Up front, Bagnaia remained flawless to take a lights-to-flag win ahead of Marquez, with Aldeguer crossing the line in third before his penalty promoted Acosta to the final podium spot. Morbidelli finished a solid P5 behind Quartararo, rounding out a strong top five at Sepang.

“I’m happy, the team is deserving of these results because I think I’m in trouble, but they are in trouble too to understand the situation. It’s not clear, it’s not easy – one week ago we were struggling, yesterday I was struggling a bit, and today I was competitive,” Bagnaia insisted.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati (+2.259s)
3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+5.155s)
4. Franco Morbidelli Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+6.541s)
5. Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha (+8.468s)

Sunday
MotoGP

After sealing second place in the MotoGP World Championship on Saturday, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) capped off a stellar weekend with a commanding victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The Spaniard produced a flawless ride to beat Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by 2.6 seconds, while a late issue for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) handed Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) a welcome P3 at Sepang.

Just like in the Sprint, Bagnaia launched perfectly to grab the holeshot, with Acosta slotting into second. But Marquez wasted no time – first dispatching Acosta at Turn 4, then overtaking Bagnaia a lap later with a decisive inside move. For the first time all weekend, the #63 Ducati wasn’t leading.

Read our other MotoGP reports here…

Acosta and Bagnaia exchanged blows in a thrilling early duel, their battle allowing Marquez to stretch his lead to nearly a second. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) ran fourth, closely followed by Mir, while Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) trailed just behind.

On Lap 10, Mir finally found a way past Quartararo to move into P4, setting his sights on the podium battle 2.7s up the road. Tyre management was becoming critical as the race entered its second half. Drama struck on Lap 12 when Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP #88) both crashed out. Up front, Marquez continued to pull clear, half a second per lap faster than his rivals. Acosta finally made a move stick on Bagnaia at Turn 11, while the Italian began to struggle on his medium front tyre.

Marquez was relentless, clocking a 2:00.546 on Lap 14 to extend his advantage beyond two seconds. Mir’s charge continued in fourth, while Morbidelli’s late pace hinted he wasn’t done yet either. The closing laps brought heartbreak for Ducati. Fermin Aldeguer crashed at the final corner, and moments later, Bagnaia suffered a technical issue, slowing dramatically and eventually retiring – a cruel end to an otherwise strong weekend.

Marquez cruised home 2.8s ahead of Acosta to claim his first win outside Spain. Acosta delivered another outstanding podium for KTM, finishing comfortably ahead of Mir, who secured Honda HRC Castrol’s second Sunday podium of the season. Morbidelli showed strong late-race pace to finish P4, while Quartararo completed the top five after a close Turn 15 battle with the VR46 rider.

“We started suffering a lot with two crashes on Friday, and later on the feeling was not really perfect, but today the strategy was clever,” Marquez explained.

“The strategy was the winning one, I was really clever at the point to make the move [on Bagnaia] and to be aggressive in that moment of the race, because I knew it was tricky. I lost one race here two years ago [by] waiting too much, so I just tried to go for it. It’s a really important win for us to celebrate second [in the championship].”

MotoGP Race Results

1. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati
2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+2.676s)
3. Joan Mir Honda HRC Castrol (+8.048s
4. Franco Morbidelli Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+8.580s)
5. Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha (+11.556s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Marc Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati – 545
2. Alex Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 413
3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 291
4. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 286
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 260

Moto2

A dramatic Moto2™ Malaysian Grand Prix ended with victory for Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), who mastered the restarted race at Sepang to take his third win of the season. The Brit hit the front on Lap 3 of the restart and never looked back, finishing ahead of David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team #80) and Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing #7). The result also reshaped the title fight as Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) crashed out from a top-five position, allowing Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) to claim fifth and move nine points clear in the standings.

The original race began with a perfect launch from Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team), but chaos unfolded when Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team #16) crashed at Turn 5, bringing out the red flag. Roberts walked away unhurt, but the race was shortened to an 11-lap sprint.

Holgado repeated his lightning start in the restart, with Dixon locked in an intense early fight with Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2). By Turn 14, the #96 had powered through to second, and a lap later at Turn 4, Dixon dived past Holgado to take control. From there, the Brit set a relentless pace, stretching his lead as Gonzalez and Baltus fought hard behind.

Further back, Moreira was climbing the order after contact with Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #28) while battling for ninth. With four laps to go, he had moved to sixth and was closing fast on Arenas. But disaster struck for Gonzalez with three laps remaining – the Spaniard crashed at Turn 15, surrendering his championship lead and giving Moreira a clear path to fifth.

At the flag, Dixon took his seventh career Moto2™ win, with Alonso claiming a fourth podium of the year and Baltus third, keeping both riders mathematically in title contention. Holgado finished fourth, reinforcing his Rookie of the Year credentials, while Moreira’s fifth was enough to hand him the championship lead heading into the final two rounds.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing
2. David Alonso CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team (+2.035s)
3. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing (+2.745s)
4. Daniel Holgado CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team (+4.358s)
5. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team (+5.672s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team – 256
2. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 247
3. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 221
4. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 215
5. Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 213

Moto3

The Moto3™ Malaysian Grand Prix was delayed following a serious incident on the sighting lap involving Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power #55) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Both riders were airlifted to hospital in Kuala Lumpur, prompting the start to be postponed until the medical helicopter returned.

Rueda was later confirmed to be awake and alert, suffering several contusions and a suspected hand fracture. Dettwiler’s team released a statement confirming the Swiss rider had sustained serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries, adding: “He is in good hands, and we kindly ask you to respect his privacy. We will not be sharing further details at this time. Noah is a true fighter, and the entire CIP Green Power team is right behind him. We will keep you updated as soon as possible.”

When racing finally got underway, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) claimed a stunning first career victory, leading from start to finish in the shortened 10-lap contest. Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing #31) completed the podium in a thrilling scrap behind the dominant Japanese rider.

From the start, Furusato seized the holeshot, with polesitter David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team #28) in close pursuit. Almansa briefly reclaimed the lead on Lap 3, but Furusato quickly struck back, establishing a one-second cushion by mid-race distance.

Behind him, Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), Quiles and Fernandez traded positions in a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots. Fernandez carved through the pack to second, while Pini’s later fall at Turn 15 ended his hopes of a rostrum finish. Almansa also ran wide at the final corner on Lap 8, slipping down to sixth.

As Furusato pulled clear, Piqueras capitalised on a late mistake from Fernandez at Turn 9 to secure second place. The Honda rider crossed the line 1.2 seconds behind Furusato, with Fernandez completing the rostrum. Almansa recovered to fourth, making it three Hondas in the top four, while Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #6) finished fifth ahead of Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo).

Moto3 Race Results

1. Taiyo Furusato Honda Team Asia
2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI (+2.259s)
3. Adrian Fernandez Leopard Racing (+2.625s)
4. David Almansa Leopard Racing (+4.167s)
5. Ryusei Yamanaka FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI (+4.338s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 365
2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 251
3. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 237
4. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 197
5. Joel Kelso LEVELUP – MTA – 183

How Did the Aussies Do?

Caught in some early chaos, Jack Miller dropped to 15th on the opening lap of the Sprint. After battling through the early laps, he settled into a groove and finished 14th. Miller then backed this up with a solid 14th in the main dance as well aboard his Prima Pramac Yamaha on a weekend where he dealt with grip issues throughout.

Senna Agius (#81) endured a disappointing weekend at the office, for he was forced to retire on lap six with engine failure after starting 23rd. It was a tough blow following his brilliant win at the Australian Grand Prix, but he’ll have a chance to bounce back in two weeks.

Following a 10th-place qualifying result, Kelso (#66) could manage only 12th in the race after admitting he had to run a tyre that didn’t favour him for the 10-lap sprint. The Malaysian GP weekend didn’t go to plan at all for Jacob Roulstone (#12). After a practice crash, checks revealed a left-hand fracture, which is a cruel blow for the talented youngster.

Fermin Aldeguer became the second-youngest MotoGP winner as the #72 and #93 collided on Lap 1. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) took a Sprint Race win while Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Jose Antonio (Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo) took wins… Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

Well, who expected that sort of Friday afternoon to unfold? There was drama aplenty as newly crowned World Champion Marc Marquez (#93) crashed twice and ended up missing the Q2 cut for the first time this season, and his Ducati Lenovo teammate Francesco Bagnaia (#63) found himself in Q1 too on a rare forgetful day for Ducati. There were no such troubles for Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72), though, because the Italian was a dominant P1 ahead of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #54) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37), with no one able to get within four tenths of the #72 in Practice.

Read our previous MotoGP reports here…

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) set a searing new lap record of 1:28.832 on Saturday morning to take a third pole of the season at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. He maintained his impressive advantage at the top, with those on the chase shuffling amongst themselves as rookie Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25) completed the front row. Fresh from taking the crown, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) suffered his worst qualifying of 2025 in P9, and teammate Francesco Bagnaia didn’t make it out of Q1.

Moto2

No one could get close to Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) on Day 1 at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, as the Moto2 championship leader set a new all-time lap record to top Friday’s timesheets. Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team #27) was the only rider to get within two tenths of Gonzalez’s 1:32.996, as the Japanese GP winner was P2, while Daniel Muñoz (Red Bull KTM Ajo #17) completed the top three.

Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) earned pole for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the Brazilian slamming in a new lap record right at the end of qualifying to deny David Alonso (CFMoto Power Electronics Aspar Team #80) the top spot. Alonso would start second ahead of Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #28), with Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) pushed down to P4.

Moto3

Not giving up without a fight, Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) may have had his back against the wall in the title scrap heading in, but he came out meaning business on Friday in Indonesia. The #36 headed the field into Saturday’s all-important qualifying day, giving him a solid platform to build on in a vital weekend.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing #31) made a late dash for pole at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the fight for the front rows going down to the final seconds in classic Moto3 style. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #64) and Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA #66) rounded out the front row.

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) pulled off a stunning last-lap victory over Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing) in a thrilling Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia Tissot Sprint. After a poor launch from pole and dropping to P8, Bezzecchi carved his way through the field to snatch the win at Turn 10 on the final lap.

Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol #10) briefly led from P6 before running wide, letting Aldeguer, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) through. Further back, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP #42) collided at Turn 10, earning Marquez a Long Lap penalty that dropped him to P13.

Up front, Aldeguer led by 1.8s after Acosta crashed out at Turn 1. Bezzecchi, now up to third, passed Fernandez for P2 on Lap 8 and immediately began closing the gap, posting a fastest lap of 1:29.638 to Aldeguer’s 1:30.379. With two laps to go, the gap was just 0.5s. On the final lap, Bezzecchi pounced at Turn 10, ran slightly wide, but held off a spirited response from Aldeguer through Turn 12 to take a dramatic victory.

Fernandez held on for his first MotoGP podium in P3. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) finished a lonely P4 to strengthen his grip on second in the championship, with Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36) completing the top five. Aldeguer may have missed out on victory, but the rookie’s ride was outstanding – while Bezzecchi showed why he’s one of MotoGP’s finest fighters.

“It was a fantastic race. We have to understand what happened at the start, because I lost a lot of time. But afterwards, I was so confident and so fast. Fermin was already gone, so I didn’t expect to catch him. But I didn’t give up. I am destroyed, but it was incredible in the last lap. I wanted this win so bad,” Bezzecchi said.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing
2. Fermin Aldeguer BK8 Gresini Ducati (+0.157s)
3. Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia (+4.062s)
4. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati (+5.832s)
5. Joan Mir Honda HRC Castrol (+8.759s)

Sunday
MotoGP

Take a bow, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). The 19-year-old rookie claimed his first-ever MotoGP win with a dominant ride in Mandalika, becoming the second-youngest premier class winner in history. His victory came after a chaotic opening lap that saw Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) collide and crash out.

Bezzecchi’s poor start from pole saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) grab the holeshot, with Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) slotting into second. But at Turn 6, Bezzecchi lunged into a non-existent gap on Marquez, causing a heavy crash that eliminated both frontrunners. Marquez suffered a right collarbone injury and will return to Europe for further checks, while Bezzecchi was sent to a local hospital.

On Lap 2, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) also crashed out, clearing the way for Acosta to lead from Aldeguer and Marini. By Lap 7, Aldeguer took the lead with a textbook move at Turn 10, and despite a brief counter from Acosta, the rookie immediately pulled away with the fastest lap of the race.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) later crashed out in P16, capping off a miserable weekend for the newly crowned Teams’ World Champions.

By Lap 13, Aldeguer’s lead ballooned to 4.3s as Acosta fended off Marini, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). A fierce scrap behind him reshuffled the podium battle, with Alex Marquez and Rins emerging in pursuit of Acosta.

Marquez made decisive moves on Acosta and Rins to momentarily make it a Gresini 1-2. But Acosta wasn’t done – he reclaimed P2 with a brave move at Turn 10 with three laps to go.

Aldeguer, meanwhile, was long gone. Crossing the line 8.6s ahead, he sealed a dream victory. Acosta held on to a hard-fought second, with Alex Marquez finishing third and further solidifying his place as runner-up in the championship.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #33) surged from P15 to a season-best P4, while Marini rounded out the top five in a truly unforgettable race.

“I don’t believe [it]. I’m super happy. I have a lot of words to say – to be a rookie, we are doing incredible work. We knew before this race, we have to continue like this. It’s not time to relax,” Aldeguer reflected.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Fermin Aldeguer BK8 Gresini Ducati
2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+6.987s)
3. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati (+7.896s)
4. Brad Binder Red Bull KTM (+8.901s)
5. Luca Marini Honda HRC Castrol (+9.129s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Marc Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati – 545
2. Alex Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 362
3. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 274
4. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 254
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 215

Moto2

Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) delivered a flawless ride to win the Indonesian GP and slice into Manuel Gonzalez’s (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) Moto2 title lead. But the biggest drama came after the flag, as Gonzalez, who had finished P2, was disqualified for a technical infringement, scoring zero points.

That handed Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) second place – his first podium of the year and second in the class – while Aron Canet (Fantic Racing #44) was promoted to P3 after a sensational ride from 21st on the grid to keep his title hopes alive.

Guevara led briefly on Lap 1 before Moreira took control on Lap 2. Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) slotted into P2 after a strong start but crashed out at Turn 17 on Lap 6.

A thrilling mid-race battle unfolded between Guevara and Gonzalez, with the latter getting the upper hand. Meanwhile, Canet was charging through the pack and into the top five by mid-distance, just ahead of Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2 #75).

At the front, the gap between Moreira and Gonzalez held steady around one second, neither rider giving much away. Behind them, Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing) climbed to P5 after passing Arenas with six laps to go.

Moreira remained untouchable, securing a dominant 22-lap victory at the same venue where he claimed his maiden Moto3 win. Gonzalez’s post-race DSQ dropped him from first in the standings to just nine points ahead of Moreira with Australia up next.

Canet’s P3 gives him renewed hope in the title chase, while Baltus’s P4 capped a strong day for Fantic Racing. Arenas returned to the top five for the first time since Austria, followed by Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team #16).

Moto2 Race Results

1. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team
2. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+4.678s)
3. Izan Guevara BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 (+7.261s)
4. Aron Canet Fantic Racing (+9.050s)
5. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing (+9.518s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 258
2. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team – 229
3. Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 202
4. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 193
5. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 178

Moto3

Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo #99) sealed the 2025 Moto3 World Championship in dramatic style at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. The race ended early with a red flag, triggering a parc ferme reshuffle that confirmed Rueda as the winner, followed by Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in P2 and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #94) earning his first Moto3 podium in P3. Post-race penalties to Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) shuffled the final order.

The race started with Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) leading from Turn 1, ahead of David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Fernandez. Rueda dropped to P13 early on, while title rival Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) quickly moved up to P6 by Lap 1 and P4 by Lap 2. At the front, Quiles and Fernandez battled for the lead.

Piqueras ran wide on Lap 5 after being squeezed by Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo #83) and Muñoz, dropping to P10 behind Rueda. Kelso crashed out at Turn 10 on Lap 5, ending his podium challenge.

By Lap 7, Quiles led and Rueda had climbed to P6 in a tight front group of twelve. At halfway, Rueda was up to P3 – enough to secure the title if the race ended then.

Fernandez led until Lap 13 when Rueda took the lead at Turn 10. Quiles fell back to P8 after penalties for short-cutting Turn 9 affected him and Piqueras. Multiple crashes on Lap 14 further thinned the pack.

With three laps remaining, Rueda was leading when Muñoz briefly took the lead, but contact with Fernandez sent Muñoz off track, allowing Rueda back in front – just before the red flag stopped the race.

Rueda was crowned 2025 Moto3 World Champion and Indonesian GP winner after Fernandez’s double Long Lap penalty. Lunetta and Pini were promoted to the podium spots, with Quiles finishing P4 after a post-race penalty. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #12) achieved his best career result in P5 on what was a memorable day for many.

Moto3 Race Results

1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo
2. Luca Lunetta SIC58 Squadra Corse (+0.305s)
3. Guido Pini Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.388s)
4. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (+3.027s)
5. Jacob Roulstone Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+4.978s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 340
2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 231
3. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 217
4. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 197
5. Joel Kelso LEVELUP – MTA – 159

How Did the Aussies Do?

Jack Miller (#43) finished 11th in the Sprint race after a tough start, caused by the front device failing to disengage properly. In the main race, a late crash saw him eventually cross the line in 14th place. Up next for the popular Aussie – and his fellow countryman featured below – is their home Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

Dissatisfied with qualifying 22nd, Senna Agius (#81) bounced back with a strong performance in the race by charging through the field with gusto to finish 12th. This solid result came despite a collision at the start, which forced him to serve a Long Lap penalty.

After securing an excellent P3 in qualifying, all the signs pointed to a quality race for Joel Kelso. However, a frustrating crash dashed his hopes. To his credit, he remounted from 25th and stormed back through the field to finish an impressive 10th.

Although qualifying 13th wasn’t ideal, it was a joy to watch Jacob Roulston come out swinging in the main event, where he delivered a brilliant performance to claim an exceptional fifth in the gruelling heat.