As we embark on another season of MotoGP in 2025 this weekend, there are some very interesting talking points coming into the season. Marc Marquez namely, being on the factory Ducati with a GP25. Reigning champion Jorge Martin on the Aprilia. Based upon what has been seen at testing, Yamaha are going well and Fabio Quatararo is always going to be a player, whether or not they are challengers remain to be seen.
Marquez and Ducati
After a very successful year in 2024 at Gresini Ducati, Marc Marquez made the switch to Factory Ducati, beating out Jorge Martin to that ride which involved some controversy. Regardless of that, Marquez and Bagnaia will have the best bike to start the season. Which has led to a bit of belief that Marquez will walk to another world title, especially after what he produced last season on an inferior bike to both Bagnaia and Martin, Marquez on at GP23, while the other two on the GP24. Going in it is tough to see a fight for the title that doesn’t involve just the two factory Ducati riders. However, apparently the gulf between the GP25 and GP24 is not as big as the leap from the GP23 to GP24. Giving an indication that maybe the field might be a little bit closer. Obviously that comes with its fair share of doubt but who knows.
Yamaha
Yamaha’s downturn is recent years is no secret, but at the back end of 2024 Fabio Quatararo grabbed some good results for the team, along with a new engine they were testing out. Fast forward to testing and the signs have been positive. Of course its only testing so its tough to read into but Yamaha might have something they can fight with a bit. The jump of improvement won’t be championship contending, but to get a manufacturer up there again that is not Ducati can only be a good thing. With Quatararo on that bike too, the former world champion will try and get everything he can out of the machinery.
The Rookies
Fermin Aldeguer, Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra. The three rookies coming up to MotoGP this year. After Ogura’s great year in Moto2, he made an impact, so how will that affect Trackhouse? He’s proven his talent in the lower category, and current Moto2 champion, he’s definitely got the tools to prove himself in the top category. Aldeguer is someone people have a bit of hype around and understandable as to why, he finished 5th in the Moto2 standings last year. Not to mention he will be with Gresini Ducati, on a GP24, so clearly at Ducati they have faith in him. Then to Somkiat Chantra, riding for LCR Honda and will have a home Thai GP coming up. Finished 12th in Moto2 last year, but in saying that he has had a number of impressive performances through the last few years. Whether it be a breakout year in 2022, grabbing a race win in Mandalika battling wet conditions, or a big win at the Japanese GP in 2023. 2024 might not have been the best year results wise but there is prior form to recognise that he deserves a ride this season.
KTM financial issues to affect off track?
Between lagging behind in some aspects on track and financial issues off track, KTM aren’t having the easiest of times as of late. If they can get some headlines by performing out on track this season there might be some good things to come out of that. Their rider lineup is very good, with Acosta and Binder in the factory team, while Bastianini and Vinales head up Tech3. Last season, Acosta managed to pull out some incredible results for KTM, Binder with only the one podium though. While this will be another chance for Acosta to get a win this year, KTM are quite uncertain at the moment.
Martin and Aprilia to compete?
Reigning world champion Jorge Martin is on the Aprilia this year and after suffering a highside at the Sepang test, is a chance at missing the Thai GP as he suffered a fracture in both his right hand and left foot. Whether he is back remains to be seen, or maybe just hold him off until Argentina. Either way it will be an interesting watch this year to see how he goes on the Aprilia. Expectations are set low as the chance at him retaining the crown is not very high but we know he will fight as much as he can to get into winning positions, and proved over the last few years how good he really is.
There is a lot going on in MotoGP as the season is almost at go time, as the Thai GP is only a few days away now. Argentina being back on the calendar is a great thing too, with these first two rounds giving a sense of challenge to the riders.