HOT HEADLINES: Brace yourself for a lights-out showdown in Thailand.
New rivalries, fresh talent, and unexpected line-up changes—get ready for Buriram as MotoGP roars back into action!
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Get ready for a weekend of heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action—last lap showdowns, championship deciders, and hair-raising battles that will have you cheering from the stands. The most thrilling sport on Earth is back in full force this weekend in Thailand. Just over two weeks after an unforgettable Season Launch in Bangkok, the racing gods have gathered in Buriram—a temple of pure passion—to kick off a 22-Grand Prix season packed with more twists and turns than ever before. Join us as we dive into the adrenaline-fueled action!
PECCO VS MARC: The Showdown of the Season
A topic that’s been buzzing since late 2024, this clash has captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Ducati’s dream team is here, as Francesco Bagnaia (Pecco) now rides alongside the legendary Marc Marquez. With a combined eight MotoGP titles and years of fierce rivalry, these two are set to draw first blood on identical machinery. Both have tasted victory at Buriram before, and the tests hint that the #93 might have a slight edge—but never count Pecco out; he’s built his reputation on proving everyone wrong.
PLOT TWIST: Martin Out, Aprilia’s Hopes on Dark Horse Bezzecchi
Just when you think the path to glory is clear, fate throws you a curveball. Jorge Martin, once the beacon of Aprilia Racing, had his 2025 dreams shattered after a crash at Sepang on Day 1, followed by another training incident that left him with fractured left-hand bones. The ‘Martinator’ now faces a rocky start to his title defense. In his place, newcomer Marco Bezzecchi has emerged as a real dark horse, showing remarkable promise during testing. And with Raul Fernandez also looking to unleash his potential, can the Noale factory bounce back with a vengeance after this early setback?
SHARK ATTACK: Acosta’s Explosive KTM Debut
Pedro Acosta’s ascent in MotoGP has been nothing short of meteoric, and now he’s ready to take his factory KTM debut by storm. Confident and lightning-fast through testing, last year’s rookie revelation is hungry for his first Grand Prix win. With teammate Brad Binder keeping pace, KTM’s golden lineup is primed to make waves—watch as they set the track on fire in Thailand and throughout 2025.
At Red Bull KTM Tech 3, it’s all about adaptation. Maverick Viñales clicked on the final day of the Buriram Test, while Enea Bastianini, despite a challenging pre-season, is eyeing a breakthrough. With a roster boasting multiple World Champions, KTM’s true prowess will only be revealed when the lights go out on Grand Prix Sunday.
ARE YAMAHA BACK? Quartararo Shines, Prima Pramac Shows Promise
Yamaha has seen its share of changes, but the core factory lineup remains intact. Fabio Quartararo stole the spotlight at the Sepang Test with his relentless speed, though his performance at Buriram was more measured. Still, both he and teammate Alex Rins have found their stride for 2025. Meanwhile, a major shift sees last year’s championship-winning Prima Pramac Yamaha now fielding Iwata factory machinery. With Jack Miller already settling in and Miguel Oliveira yet to fully unlock his potential, Yamaha now has a formidable four-bike squad that promises to thrill.
ROOKIE WATCH: New Stars on the Horizon
Keep an eye on Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing MotoGP, who was a standout during testing—racking up more laps than anyone else alongside fellow Aprilia rider Bezzecchi. The #79 might just be the surprise package this season. Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also had a dazzling pre-season, and although the Buriram Test was a tough challenge, when the pressure is on, he’s sure to deliver.
Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU LCR Honda) faces one of the toughest tasks for a rookie—debuting at home on a Honda that’s still finding its footing. Already a local hero from the Season Launch, he’s determined to have a standout weekend both on and off the track.
DARK HORSES: More Fast Faces Ready to Surprise
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is chasing that elusive first MotoGP Grand Prix win, and at the Sepang Test, he was the rider to beat—setting blistering pace both in the outright times and over race distance. Meanwhile, Franco Morbidelli is keeping the Ducati GP24 machinery in prime condition, enjoying flashes of his former brilliance as he consistently topped testing times. Despite teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio missing much of the test due to a collarbone fracture, he’s expected to return at Buriram. These riders are well-acquainted with the podium, and they could very well be the dark horses this season.
HONDA POSITIVE: Progress is Paying Off
The Honda HRC Castrol bikes of Joan Mir and Luca Marini shone at the Buriram Test, making significant strides on their road back to success. During a sprint simulation, they performed on par with Yamaha, leaving fans optimistic about 2025. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) also delivered strong performances, solidifying his role as a key asset for Honda. With Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami joining the development team, Honda is clearly cooking up something special—it’s only a matter of time before they unleash their full potential.
In short, with 15 MotoGP winners, a slew of lineup changes, and captivating stories unfolding at every turn, this season promises MotoGP like you’ve never seen it before. Tune in for the PT Grand Prix of Thailand—the first chapter of a season that’s destined to go down in history, whether it’s because Marc Marquez equals Valentino Rossi’s record of seven MotoGP titles or because someone finally brings him down.
Moto2™: 2025’s New Generation Gears Up for Battle!
With the switch to Pirelli tyres in Moto2™ and Moto3™ back in 2024, lap records weren’t just broken—they were obliterated worldwide. In the midst of this historic performance revolution, Colombia’s rising star David Alonso shattered Valentino Rossi’s 24-year win record, clinching the title and graduating to Moto2 for 2025 with the CFMoto Inde Aspar Team. So, what can we expect for 2025 after all the jaw-dropping moments of 2024?
After a season that featured nine different winners from five countries, the challenge for 2025 is set high. Yet, with reigning Moto3 Champion Ai Ogura, Spanish youngster Fermin Aldeguer, and Thai sensation Somkiat Chantra moving up to the premier class, plenty of opportunities are opening up in Moto2. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) stands out as the highest-placed returnee, now entering Moto2 as a proven Grand Prix winner. Meanwhile, Manuel Gonzalez’s breakthrough—marked by five podiums and a win en route to a bronze medal finish in 2024—sets the stage, with seasoned frontrunners Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) and Celestino Vietti also returning to the class.
Jake Dixon endured a tough 2024, starting injured yet managing two wins and a remarkable stretch of four consecutive podium finishes—a feat no other rider achieved last season. If he can replicate that form while adapting to a new team at Elf Marc VDS Racing and a new Boscoscuro chassis, the Brit is sure to be a formidable contender.
Tony Arbolino has switched gears by leaving his former team to join the all-new BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2™ squad alongside Izan Guevara. On the other side, the OnlyFans American Racing Team retains both Joe Roberts—a Grand Prix winner last year—and Marcos Ramirez, who added another podium finish to his record. And keep an eye on Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team); the Brazilian, hailed as a rising talent, wrapped up his rookie season with several top tens and his first podium, setting his sights on becoming the first Brazilian winner in the intermediate class.
Beyond these established names, fresh faces are also making their move into Moto2. The graduation of Alonso, paired with long-time Moto3 rival and sparring partner Dani Holgado, promises exciting battles ahead. Additionally, 2024 Moto3 champions Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINA – MSI) are stepping up to earn their stripes in Moto2. Last season’s podium finishers—Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Intact Dynavolt GP), and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo)—are eager to build on their success, while reigning World Supersport champion Adrian Huertas joins the Italtrans Racing Team, following in Manuel Gonzalez’s footsteps.
In total, 30 riders from 14 countries across 6 continents will battle it out for the title in what promises to be another epic season of Moto2. Get ready for an unforgettable 2025 as the intermediate class gears up for a year of relentless competition and groundbreaking performances.
Moto3™: Favourites, Rookies, and Dark Horses Ready to Shake Up the Field
After a groundbreaking year in Moto3, 2025 is set to burst onto the scene with a mix of seasoned contenders and a wave of fresh talent. New rivalries, fresh stories, and a surge of youthful energy promise an exciting season ahead. Last year, David Alonso racked up 14 wins—seven of them consecutively—and his record now stands as the benchmark that many will aim to surpass.
One of the season’s key narratives will be whether last year’s world number five, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Intact Dynavolt GP), can capture his first Moto3 win. Despite four podiums in 2024 and eight career podiums, Muñoz has led six races but has yet to seize victory at the crucial moment. Equally hungry for success is 20-year-old Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), who enjoyed his best season last year by notching his first podiums and is eager to clinch his maiden win.
Returning to the mix is 2022’s Red Bull Rookies and JuniorGP™ champion, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who added a win to his resume in 2024. Rookie of the year Angel Piqueras, now with FRINSA-MT Helmets-MSI, also looks set to build on his impressive four podium finishes and win from last season.
Meanwhile, riders such as Joel Kelso (LEVEL UP – MTA), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA-MT Helmets-MSI), and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) all tasted podium success last year but fell just short of victory—leaving them with clear goals for 2025.
A host of new names is also stepping up from JuniorGP™. Champion Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and multiple race winner Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team)—the latter a former Red Bull Rookies and European Talent Cup champion—are set to make their mark. They’ll be joined by JuniorGP race winners Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), along with promising South African talent Ruche Moodley (BOE Motorsports) and the returning New Zealand representative, Cormac Buchanan.
So, as the grid fills with both familiar faces and rising stars, the burning question remains: Who will leave their mark on Moto3 in 2025?
Official MotoGP Press Release
