The final stretch of the 2025 MotoGP season is officially underway. With only two rounds left on the calendar, the paddock arrives at the Algarve International Circuit for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal — Round 21 of 22 — before the curtain falls in Valencia next week.
The biggest prizes of the year have already been decided. Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the newly crowned World Champion, while younger brother Alex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) sealed second place after his stunning victory in Malaysia. Yet, even with the title settled, there’s still plenty left to fight for — and no shortage of storylines heading into the penultimate race of 2025.
At the top of the list sits the battle for third place in the championship. With Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) all still mathematically in the hunt, the race for P3 promises to be one of the weekend’s headline attractions. Each rider has something to prove — Bezzecchi’s consistency, Bagnaia’s pride, and Acosta’s fearless rookie drive — as the trio prepares for a two-race showdown that begins here in Portugal.
The pressure is off at the front, and that can only mean one thing: expect fireworks.
Thursday Talking Points: What We Learned in Portugal
Three-Way Fight for Championship P3
The spotlight falls firmly on Bezzecchi, Bagnaia, and Acosta as the battle for bronze takes center stage. Bezzecchi arrives with a slender advantage after Sepang, while Bagnaia, a former race winner at Portimão, is determined to bounce back from recent disappointments. Then there’s Acosta — the breakout rookie of the year — who’s quietly closed the gap and now finds himself within striking distance.
All three spoke confidently ahead of the weekend, acknowledging that with the title already decided, the gloves can come off. “We can take some more risks now,” one admitted, hinting at the aggressive mindset likely to define the next two races.
Bulega Set for MotoGP Debut
One of the biggest stories in the paddock this week is the arrival of Nicolo Bulega. Fresh off a remarkable WorldSBK campaign that saw him finish runner-up to Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the Italian will make his long-awaited MotoGP debutat Portimão.
Bulega, already signed to join Ducati’s 2026 testing project in preparation for the upcoming 850cc regulations, will step into Marc Márquez’s vacant seat for the final two rounds. After a brief shakedown test at Jerez, he now faces a baptism of fire — adapting to the GP25, Michelin tyres, and MotoGP race intensity in one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bulega said on Thursday. “I know it will be tough, but every lap will teach me something important for the future.”
Honda Chasing Concession Progress
While championship drama grabs headlines, Honda HRC continues its quiet resurgence. After a difficult 2024, the Japanese manufacturer is on the brink of a step forward in MotoGP’s concession ranking system — a potential move from Rank D to Rank C.
That progress would reward the recent podiums from Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Johann Zarco, reflecting tangible improvement across the second half of the season.
The riders spoke optimistically about Honda’s direction, even if the upgrade means losing some benefits — such as free private testing with any rider. “It’s a good problem to have,” Mir said with a smile. “It means we’re moving in the right direction.”
Pre-Event Press Conference & GearUP
Thursday’s Pre-Event Press Conference brought together a mix of experience and emotion. Alex Márquez, still buzzing from his Malaysian triumph, shared the stage with podium finisher Joan Mir and home hero Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). The trio discussed the final run-in, Bulega’s debut, and the intensity of racing at Portimão — a track that never fails to deliver surprises.
Oliveira, especially, spoke about the significance of racing in front of his home fans one last time. “It’s special every single year,” said the Portuguese rider. “But this one will mean even more.”
The stage is set
The titles may be decided, but pride, progress, and podiums are still up for grabs. And with riders ready to “take some more risks,” Portimão’s famous rollercoaster is about to deliver another unforgettable weekend of MotoGP.
