2025 MotoGP: Marc Marquez bounces back with San Marino GP victory

Marc Marquez had extra motivation after his sprint race crash ended his winning streak the day before, and he channelled that disappointment into a masterful performance in the main race. Marquez passed pole sitter Marco Bezzecchi on lap 12 of 26 and then held off the sprint winner to take the chequered flag and his 11th win of the season.

1. Marquez bounces back from sprint crash to claim 11th win of 2025
2. Championship rival Alex Marquez finishes third, extending the points gap
3. The title could be decided at the next round in Japan

Marquez vs Bezzecchi thriller

Bezzecchi puts up an excellent challenge but falls short

Bezzecchi started on pole at Misano, alongside Alex Marquez and Fabio Quartararo. The Aprilia rider had already tasted victory in Saturday’s sprint race after Marc Marquez crashed out and seemed determined to make it a double. However, he ran wide at turn 8 on lap 12, allowing Marquez – who had climbed up the order after starting in fourth – to take the lead.

The battle between Bezzecchi and Marc was intense throughout, with both riders trading fastest laps even in the closing stages of the race. In the end, the championship leader was able to hold off any advances from Bezzecchi and went on to take his 11th GP win of the season and 99th win of his career.

The two were also clearly the fastest riders on track by a fair margin, as Alex, who was keeping pace in the opening stages of the race, was unable to keep up and crossed the line in a relatively lonely third place, 7.734s behind Bezzecchi.

Forgettable weekend for Bagnaia

Leaves home GP weekend with zero points

Francesco Bagnaia’s nightmare season continued after the Italian left the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli with zero points. After qualifying in eighth place, the two-time MotoGP champion had a disappointing sprint, finishing outside the points in 13th. His Sunday was even worse after he started off holding his own in eighth but crashed out after eight laps. Pecco is currently third in the overall championship with 237 points – just 8 points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi. 

On the other hand, the remaining Ducatis fared much better. The VR46 duo of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio finished in fourth and fifth, respectively, ahead of Fermin Aldeguer, who crossed the line in sixth.

Luca Marini was the best Honda rider, taking seventh, as the Japanese manufacturer continues to rebuild after Marc Marquez left at the end of the 2023 MotoGP season. Quartararo fell down the grid after starting from the first row and crossed the line in eighth.

Pedro Acosta put up an excellent show on his KTM and climbed up the order into fourth place after starting in ninth. Unfortunately, on lap 8, the chain on his motorcycle came flying off, and he was forced to retire.

Reigning champion Jorge Martin qualified in 11th place; however, a technical issue in the sighting lap meant he was forced to return to the pit lane and jump onto his secondary bike. This resulted in a double long lap penalty, despite which he managed to cross the line in 13th.

2025 MotoGP standings

Marquez could seal the championship in Japan

Six more rounds remain, but Marc Marquez’s commanding points lead means the championship could be decided as early as Japan next weekend. As the paddock prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix, all eyes will be on whether Marquez can finally seal his first championship since 2019.

With Alex Marquez only finishing third, the gap between the two brothers leading the championship has extended to 182 points, with Marc leading with 512 points. This means that if he outscores Alex by just three points in Motegi, he will win his seventh premier class title and ninth overall – completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history.

As things stand, Aprilia looks to be the only manufacturer capable of consistently taking the fight to Ducati. With Martin expected to be back to full fitness next season on the factory Aprilia, 2026 could deliver a closer championship fight.

2025 San Marino MotoGP results