Alex Marquez: "Not Riding Free" in Final Push for MotoGP 2025 Runner-Up Spot

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Gresini Ducati rider Alex Marquez admits he is "not riding free" as he strives to secure second place in the 2025 MotoGP standings against Pecco Bagnaia in the season's closing rounds. His first chance to lock in his career-best championship finish arrives this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old currently leads factory Ducati counterpart Bagnaia by 88 points. Marquez can clinch runner-up if he departs Phillip Island with a 111-point advantage. The double Grand Prix winner aims to achieve this swiftly, feeling the championship pressure hinders his riding freedom.

“In the end, in the last races, also playing in the championship against Marc [Marquez], who won the title,” Alex Marquez said on Thursday at Phillip Island. “And again in Indonesia, fighting for second position, it’s not easy. You are not riding free on the bike. You are not always pushing. You are pushing, but always taking a little bit of care. So, for that reason, I want to close the second position as soon as possible to be relaxed but especially to ride in a really good way as we did in the beginning of the season. So, this will be a good target. But we have to go weekend by weekend. Now we have the Australian GP and it’s a really good track for me. We need to be fast to make a good result on Sunday.”

Sportrik Media's detailed analysis reveals this pressure is understandable, given the intense battles at the rear of the field following Marc Marquez's title dominance in 2025. The shift from a smooth early season to a calculated endgame demands strong mental adaptation from Marquez.

Wider Win Opportunities at Australian GP Without Marc Marquez

With Marc Marquez sidelined for the Australian Grand Prix due to injury, this weekend's Phillip Island round is viewed as the season's most open contest. Alex Marquez agrees, yet anticipates stiff competition from riders like Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi—serving a penalty for colliding with Marc Marquez in Indonesia—and Pecco Bagnaia.

“Especially when Marc is here, when you go to a track that is left-handed that’s already a large percentage of possibilities you lose to win,” he added. “So, he’s not here and it will open a lot all of those possibilities for the win. I’m expecting Bezzecchi to be really fast here with the Aprilia, also Pecco again. I think Fermin Aldeguer can be fast here; he was in the past in Moto2. So, it will be interesting to see where the people are. Everybody is getting closer at the end of the season. It will be interesting. We need to make things in a really good way to not have problems on Sunday.”

Moreover, Marc's absence not only opens doors for his brother Alex but also spotlights Ducati team dynamics. While Bagnaia remains the primary threat for second, Bezzecchi's Aprilia form post-winter transfer emerges as a fresh wildcard. Sportrik Media notes Phillip Island's left-hand dominant layout often suits Marquez's style, boosting victory chances considerably.

In broader terms, this rivalry heightens the 2025 MotoGP season finale tension. Other riders, including Fermin Aldeguer with his potential Moto2 pedigree, are expected to shuffle the order. Thus, weekend strategy must incorporate risk management, especially with Bezzecchi's penalty altering starting dynamics.

Championship Pressure's Impact on Performance

The strain to seal second clearly influences Marquez's approach. He concedes the "not free" sensation curbs his aggression, contrasting early-season pushes on the Ducati where burdens were lighter. This serves as a valuable lesson for young riders, balancing ambition with caution as success keys.

Transitioning to the Australian weekend, Marquez targets optimal outcomes to ease pressure swiftly. “We need to be fast to make a good result on Sunday,” he stated, stressing speed and consistency. Sportrik Media adds Phillip Island's variable weather as a key variable, urging quick team adaptations.

Season-End Prospects and Future Outlook

Overall, this weekend proves pivotal for Alex Marquez to secure second and build momentum into next season. Marc's absence widens win chances, though Bagnaia and Bezzecchi's rivalry stays fierce. Sportrik Media is optimistic Marquez leverages his experience for satisfying results, closing the championship stress chapter calmly.

Sportrik Media will keep tracking Marquez's Phillip Island progress, delivering in-depth analysis on end-season tactics and performance.