Marquez Edges Acosta in Tactical Brno Sprint Battle

KTM Scores Double Podium as Late Drama Shakes Up the Tissot Sprint

Marc Marquez proved once again why he’s the man to beat in 2025, taking a well-timed and calculated victory in the first-ever Tissot Sprint at Brno. The eight-time World Champion steered his Ducati to gold in a race filled with tyre drama, unexpected pacing tactics, and fierce competition from a young Pedro Acosta and a resurgent Enea Bastianini—who helped KTM secure two podium spots for the first time this season.

Bagnaia Starts Strong, Marquez Finishes Stronger

All eyes were on Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who lined up on pole for the first time in 2025. But when the lights went out, it was clear this race wouldn’t follow a script. Bagnaia nailed the launch and led into Turn 1, but by Turn 3, his teammate Marc Marquez had already muscled his way to the front.

Behind them, the opening laps saw plenty of action. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) got bogged down off the line, falling to 19th, while chaos struck early as Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha Factory Racing) crashed at Turn 3, collecting Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and ending both their races.

Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was wasting no time. By Lap 2, he had slotted into third after getting the better of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha), who was busy in a fairing-bashing duel with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). Reigning Champion Jorge Martin, making his return from injury, was up to seventh early on, looking sharp and competitive.

Strategy or Struggle? Ducati Duo Slow Mid-Race

As the race settled, something unusual unfolded. On Lap 4, Pecco Bagnaia suddenly backed off exiting Turn 4, allowing Acosta, Bastianini, and Quartararo to pass him in quick succession. Just one lap later, Marquez did the same—easing off and letting Acosta sweep past into the lead.

The synchronized slowing of the two Ducati riders sparked immediate speculation. Were they managing tyre pressures to stay within the regulated minimum? Given the quick return to competitive pace from both riders, that theory gained traction. Regardless of the reason, it set the stage for a thrilling final three laps.

Acosta led with Marquez in tow, while Bastianini and Quartararo kept them in sight. Behind them, Bezzecchi found another gear, pushing past Bagnaia into the top five, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP) close behind.

The Final Fight: Marquez Pounces, KTM Celebrates

Bezzecchi continued his late-race charge, grabbing fourth from Quartararo on the penultimate lap. But the real battle was just ahead. Marquez, ever the tactician, struck decisively between Turns 8 and 9, reclaiming the lead from Acosta with a clean and aggressive move. That pass would prove decisive.

Marquez controlled the final lap to take another Sprint win and extend his Championship lead. Acosta’s second-place finish marked his first Tissot Sprint podium since Aragon 2024, while Bastianini made it two KTMs on the rostrum—his first top-three finish of the season, and a much-needed confidence boost.

A brief cloud loomed post-race as officials reviewed Marquez’s tyre pressure data, but the investigation concluded quickly, and his win stood.

Results Recap: Bezzecchi P4, Martin 11th

Bezzecchi narrowly missed the podium in fourth, while Quartararo settled for fifth. Raul Fernandez’s gritty ride earned him sixth, just ahead of poleman Bagnaia, who faded late. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and stand-in rider Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) rounded out the final points-paying positions.

Jorge Martin, returning from injury, finished 11th—a respectable showing but short of his championship needs. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took 10th, and Alex Marquez’s rough start left him 17th with no points to show for it. He drops another 12 points to brother Marc in the title chase, with Sunday’s full-length race offering a chance at redemption.

Moto2: Baltus Snatches Pole from Roberts

Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) stunned the Moto2 paddock by going from Q1 to pole position at Brno. The Belgian rider edged American Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) by a razor-thin 0.020 seconds—and added insult to injury by setting the time directly behind him on track.

Roberts’ teammate Marcos Ramirez secured third, while title leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) had to settle for fourth.

Championship contender Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) crashed early in Q2 and will start way back in 18th. Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) led the rookies in P5, with Senna Agius (Gonzalez’s teammate) completing the second row. Local favorite Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS) will launch from P9 in front of his home fans.

Moto3: Pini Takes Career-First Pole Amid Chaos

Moto3 qualifying was its usual unpredictable spectacle, and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) came out on top to take his first-ever pole. He’ll lead the grid ahead of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with David Muñoz originally third—but due to a grid penalty, he’ll start from the back.

That bump moves David Almansa (Leopard Racing) up to the front row. Behind them, Maximo Quiles will lead Row 2 alongside Dennis Foggia and Valentin Perrone.

Rookie Marco Morelli (DENSSI Racing – BOE) impressed on debut with a spot just inside the top 10, and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) advanced from Q1 to qualify in 10th, translating to a P9 start.

Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA), who crashed in FP2, did not participate in Q2 and will be medically evaluated before Sunday’s race.