Aldeguer Takes Stunning Maiden Win in Mandalika as Marquez and Bezzecchi Collide in Explosive Opening Lap
What a way to announce yourself to the world stage. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) produced an unforgettable performance to take his first-ever MotoGP victory in sensational fashion at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. The rookie Spaniard dominated from start to finish, becoming the second-youngest rider in history to win a premier class race, sealing his place in MotoGP folklore.
The 19-year-old’s triumph came on a day of chaos and heartbreak for others — most notably Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who collided dramatically on the opening lap and crashed out at Turn 6. Behind Aldeguer, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) rode a gritty race to claim second, while Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing) completed a dream 1–2 finish for the Gresini squad in Mandalika.
Early Drama: Marquez and Bezzecchi Down on Lap One
From the lights, Pedro Acosta launched superbly from the front row to seize the holeshot into Turn 1, while Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) rocketed forward from sixth to second. Poleman Bezzecchi struggled once again off the line — mirroring his Sprint start — and immediately found himself in the thick of the pack.
But the race exploded just moments later. Charging into Turn 6, Bezzecchi went for an ambitious move up the inside of Marc Marquez, diving into a space that barely existed. Contact was inevitable. The Aprilia rider clipped Marquez’s Ducati, sending both tumbling out in a huge crash that stunned the crowd. The two championship heavyweights were out of contention before completing a single lap.
Both riders thankfully walked away, though Marquez suffered a right collarbone injury and will return to Europe for medical evaluation to determine if surgery is required. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was transferred to a local hospital for precautionary checks, according to Aprilia Racing.
Acosta Leads Before Aldeguer Unleashes His Pace
As the dust settled, the race quickly found a new rhythm. Pedro Acosta led the field with Aldeguer close behind, followed by Marini and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) in fourth. However, another contender fell by the wayside early when Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) crashed out at Turn 16 on Lap 2, ending what had been a promising weekend.
By Lap 7, the rookie Aldeguer made his move. With ice-cold precision, he dived up the inside of Acosta at Turn 10 to take the lead — only for the KTM star to fight straight back into Turn 1 a lap later. Acosta’s retaliation, however, carried him wide, and Aldeguer calmly slipped back through, immediately setting the fastest lap of the race to open a slender but significant half-second gap.
Further down the order, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) endured another nightmare outing. Running deep in the pack, the reigning world champion crashed at Turn 17 and failed to score points, compounding Ducati’s mixed weekend despite their already-secured Teams’ title.
Aldeguer Pulls Clear as the Podium Battle Boils Over
From that moment, Aldeguer disappeared into the distance. Lap after lap, his pace was unmatched — often half a second faster than anyone else. By Lap 11, his lead had ballooned to 2.5 seconds, and as Marini and Acosta squabbled behind him, the gap only widened.
Behind the leaders, the fight for the podium was electric. Raul Fernandez, Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha), Alex Marquez, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) all joined the mix, while Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) began an astonishing charge from 15th on the grid.
Lap 14 saw a key turning point. As Fernandez and Marini tangled through Turns 16 and 17, light contact sent both wide — an opening Rins and Alex Marquez gratefully accepted. Within seconds, Rins was up to third, followed by Marquez, while Fernandez dropped to fifth.
Aldeguer, now over six seconds clear, was untouchable. The rookie’s composure was staggering, his riding clean, calculated, and utterly fearless — the hallmark of a future superstar.
Late Laps Deliver a Podium Classic
With eight laps to go, the battle for second intensified. Acosta clung on valiantly as Rins and Marquez closed in. On Lap 20, Rins pounced — briefly taking second — but his soft rear tyre began to fade, and Alex Marquez saw his opportunity.
The younger Marquez passed both riders within two laps, moving into second and giving Gresini fans hope of a sensational 1–2. Acosta, refusing to surrender, fought back on Lap 22 with a brave dive at Turn 10 to reclaim P2. Binder, meanwhile, was flying — climbing into fourth after muscling past Fernandez in a gritty duel.
As the final lap began, Aldeguer was already in another postcode. With an 8.6-second lead, the Spaniard simply had to bring it home — and he did so flawlessly. The 19-year-old crossed the line to seal an emotional and historic first MotoGP victory.
Behind him, Acosta held firm to take second, while Alex Marquez completed the podium — strengthening his grip on second in the championship standings and ensuring a day to remember for the Gresini squad.
Indonesian GP: Full Top 10 Results
1. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing) – flawless from start to finish
2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – a hard-fought return to the podium
3. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing) – consistent, clinical, and rewarded
4. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – a heroic ride from 15th
5. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) – fought back strongly after early chaos
6. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) – another solid showing after Sprint success
7. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) – best Yamaha finisher again
8. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) – steady, top-10 form
9. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) – consistent points haul
10. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha) – strong pace, but tyre fade cost him
Further down, Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha) took 11th, followed by Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR), Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR), and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha) — the Australian salvaging P14 after a late crash from the top ten group.
Looking Ahead: All Eyes on Phillip Island
It was a race that had everything — elation, heartbreak, and high drama. As MotoGP now heads to Phillip Island, attention turns to whether Marc Marquez and Bezzecchi will recover in time to race.
For Fermin Aldeguer, though, Indonesia will forever mark the day he announced himself as a MotoGP winner — the day a rookie joined the sport’s elite. The Mandalika masterclass has set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable final stretch of the 2025 season.
Next stop: Phillip Island.
The title fight tightens, legends heal, and a new name rises. See you Down Under.
Destination Kuala Lumpur! MotoGP Confirms 2026 Season Launch in Malaysia
Destination: Kuala Lumpur! MotoGP Confirms 2026 Season Launch in Malaysia
It’s official — Kuala Lumpur will take center stage as MotoGP gears up for the start of the 2026 season. The vibrant Malaysian capital has been confirmed as the host city for the sport’s official season launch, taking place on February 6th and 7th, 2026.
The announcement marks another milestone for Malaysia’s growing connection to MotoGP, as fans, riders, and teams from across the world descend on Kuala Lumpur to kick off what promises to be another spectacular year of racing.
The event will bring together every MotoGP rider, team, and manufacturer on the grid, offering fans a first look at the new liveries, team line-ups, and machinery that will define the 2026 campaign. Media sessions, fan activities, and exclusive team unveilings will set the stage before pre-season testing begins at the nearby Sepang International Circuit.
Known for its rich motorsport heritage, passionate fanbase, and world-class facilities, Malaysia provides the perfect backdrop for the global premiere of MotoGP’s next chapter. With the 2026 season shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet, all eyes will be on Kuala Lumpur as the curtain rises on the most thrilling show in motorsport.
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