The GAME’s motorsport expert witnessed the opener of the MotoGP 2025 World Championship and weighs in on what to expect this season.
The sports landscape has seen some seismic moves in recent history — Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari, Shohei Ohtani joined the LA Dodgers, Kylian Mbappé is now with Real Madrid, and Luka Dončić was traded to the LA Lakers. But in the MotoGP world, the biggest move as of late is Marc Márquez beginning his Ducati Factory Team era.
In basketball terms, that’s like Kevin Durant joining the dominant Golden State Warriors in 2016.
How dominant has Ducati been recently? Out of 20 races last season, 19 were won by Ducati bikes — 13 of those by the factory team (one went to Aprilia, while some satellite teams also use Ducati bikes). Now, one of the fastest machines on the grid is piloted by one of the greatest riders of all time.
After the first Grand Prix of the season wrapped up in Buriram, Thailand, with Marc Márquez taking the win, followed by his brother Alex and Pecco Bagnaia completing the podium, some believe this year’s title is already in the bag.
As four-time PSBK Champion TJ Alberto observed, “He’s too good, and now he’s on the fastest bike. It’s not going to be close.”
After witnessing the year’s first race in Thailand, here are three of the biggest storylines we think you should follow throughout the 2025 MotoGP.
A Formidable Ducati Lineup
Even before the weekend began, all eyes were on the Ducati Lenovo Team, which had assembled one of the strongest rider lineups in recent history. With two-time world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and eight-time world champion Marc Márquez sharing the paddock, the competition within the garage is expected to be intense.
Ironically, their biggest rivals could be each other — along with Gresini Racing’s Alex Márquez.
A Clash of Champions
Bagnaia entered the season determined to reclaim the title after falling short of a three-peat in 2024. His smooth riding style, technical precision, and ability to maintain composure under pressure had solidified his status as Ducati’s golden rider over the past several seasons.
His journey with Ducati has been one of growth and perseverance, culminating in the brand’s return to the pinnacle of MotoGP in 2022. That championship was extra special as Ducati’s triumph came with an Italian rider at the helm.
On the other side of the garage stands the legendary Márquez, one of the sport’s most decorated riders. With six premier-class titles and an aggressive, fearless riding style, he has long been a fan favorite. His willingness to risk everything for victory has made him a dominant force, but the past few seasons have tested his resilience. Injuries and struggles with Repsol Honda hampered his dominance.
Last season, a stopgap year with Ducati’s satellite team, Gresini Racing, proved he still had what it takes. His performances there were enough to earn him a seat on the factory team over reigning champion Jorge Martín, who will miss the first two race weekends due to injury.
Rival or Mentor? A Complex Dynamic
One of the most intriguing storylines this season is the dynamic between Bagnaia and Márquez. Will Márquez be Bagnaia’s fiercest rival, or will his experience help elevate Pecco’s performance as a mentor figure?
Their interactions during preseason testing showed mutual respect, and both have said the right things so far. However, once the visors are down and the lights go out, every racer knows the gloves will come off. The two already collided last season in Portugal — an incident that may have cost Bagnaia his third championship.
Now teammates, they appear to have moved on from that moment. Adding further complexity to this relationship is the presence of Valentino Rossi — Márquez’s former rival — who has mentored Bagnaia through the VR46 Academy. Rossi and Márquez’s infamous clashes on and off the track created one of MotoGP’s most intense rivalries.
Now, with Rossi guiding Bagnaia’s career, his influence could add fuel to the fire between the two Ducati teammates. Will Rossi’s mentorship help Bagnaia outsmart Márquez, or will Márquez’s experience and determination override past rivalries?
One thing is certain: this season is set to deliver fireworks, so grab your popcorn.
Banner image from AFP.