The MotoGP paddock has rolled into the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for Round 16 of the 2025 season. The Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera always carries a special atmosphere, and this year is no different. As the final European round before the overseas triple-header in November, Misano acts as a crucial pivot point in the championship — and the weekend promises drama on every front.
Who to Watch
Alex Márquez – Riding the Wave
Fresh from his Barcelona triumph, Alex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) arrives brimming with confidence. The younger Márquez brother overcame a Sprint crash to deliver a Sunday masterclass, delaying Marc Márquez’s title celebrations in the process. At Misano, Alex has the momentum and the support of Italian fans who view Gresini as one of their own. Could he go back-to-back for the first time in his MotoGP career?
Marc Márquez – Record Broken, Focus Unshaken
For Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), Barcelona marked the end of his 2025 unbeaten streak, but his mindset remains unchanged. With five Misano wins already under his belt, the #93 remains the benchmark at this circuit. A win here would be more than just points — it would reassert his dominance heading into Motegi, where the title could be wrapped up.
Francesco Bagnaia – The Garden Test
Bagnaia calls Misano “my garden”, a nod to the circuit’s proximity to his home and his strong history here. Yet, recent struggles have raised questions about his ability to fight at the front. Can Pecco turn home advantage into a turning point, or will Misano expose Ducati’s challenges against KTM and Aprilia?
Enea Bastianini – New Crew Chief, New Start?
Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) confirmed a change in his technical leadership this week, with a new crew chief stepping in for the San Marino GP. The “Beast” has history at Misano, including his first MotoGP podium, and the change in his garage could be the reset he needs.
Yamaha’s “Plan V”
Arguably the biggest off-track story is Yamaha’s unveiling of the V4-powered YZR-M1. The project — dubbed “Plan V” — marks a fundamental shift in philosophy for a manufacturer long associated with inline-four engines.
Test rider Augusto Fernández will make history this weekend as the first to race Yamaha’s prototype in a Grand Prix setting, entered as a wild card. Fans will also get to see factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins test the bike publicly on Monday after the race.
Yamaha insists the weekend is about data gathering, not results. Still, the symbolism of debuting the V4 at Misano — in front of a passionate Italian crowd and MotoGP’s global audience — signals just how serious the Iwata factory is about returning to the front.
The Press Conference
Thursday’s media session featured a mix of star power and homegrown talent. Alex Márquez was joined by Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), with the trio offering candid reflections on their form and the challenge ahead.
Highlights included Bagnaia praising Marc Márquez for his advice after the Catalan GP — “When Marc speaks, you need to listen” — a reminder of the mutual respect among rivals. Meanwhile, Marc himself downplayed the loss of his unbeaten record, insisting his mentality remains the same.
Beyond the Headlines
Fans tuning into MotoGP’s GearUP show heard directly from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Bezzecchi is eager to bounce back after a difficult Barcelona, while Quartararo hinted at curiosity about Yamaha’s V4 direction without giving too much away.
The weekly “This Week in MotoGP” feature also provided the broader picture, with updates across the paddock and insights into team developments leading into Misano.
What’s at Stake
- For Ducati: Can Marc Márquez move one step closer to his first title in red, or will Alex Márquez spoil the party again?
- For Yamaha: Does the V4 prototype show enough promise to convince riders and fans that the future is bright?
- For KTM and Aprilia: With recent podiums and momentum, can either manufacturer deliver a knockout blow on Ducati’s home soil?
- For Bagnaia and Bastianini: Will Misano be a revival, or another test of resilience?
Looking Ahead
Friday practice will give the first real clues about who has the pace to dominate at Misano. With new machinery on track, crew chief shake-ups, and championship storylines still in play, this weekend is shaping up as one of the most important of the season.
The European leg may be ending, but the San Marino GP feels like a beginning — the start of MotoGP’s sprint to the finish, with everything still to play for.
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