Acosta Tops Q2 Qualifying List for 2025 Malaysian MotoGP

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pedro Acosta of KTM Factory Racing led the practice sessions at the 2025 Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang, securing a direct Q2 qualifying spot for Saturday. Despite two crashes on Friday, the 21-year-old posted a commanding 1:57.599 in the second practice, showcasing his speed and resilience on the factory KTM.

The critical, rain-disrupted practice session, delayed by an oil spill, determined the top 10 riders advancing to Q2. Two KTM riders, three Ducati riders, two Hondas, and three Yamahas earned direct Q2 entry, while big names like Francesco Bagnaia face a tough Q1 battle.

Pedro Acosta’s remarkable performance despite two crashes placed him at the top, followed by Johann Zarco of Castrol Honda LCR in second. Jack Miller of Pramac Yamaha took third, highlighting Yamaha’s strength in tricky conditions.

Joan Mir of Honda HRC Castrol finished fourth, with Fabio Quartararo of Monster Yamaha in fifth. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli of Pertamina VR46 Ducati secured sixth and seventh, representing Ducati in Q2. Pol Espargaro of Red Bull KTM Tech3, substituting for Maverick Vinales, took eighth. Alex Marquez of BK8 Gresini Ducati and Alex Rins of Monster Yamaha completed the top 10.

Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo, finishing 12th, missed direct Q2 entry. He joins Fermin Aldeguer, Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing, Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Aprilia, Luca Marini, Brad Binder, and Enea Bastianini in Q1, vying for two remaining Q2 spots.

2025 Malaysian MotoGP Q2 Qualifiers

2025 Malaysian MotoGP Q1 Riders

The second practice session, delayed 35 minutes due to a support category oil spill, saw light rain disrupt the final 15 minutes. Riders like Acosta capitalized on a drying track, with soft tires proving crucial in mixed conditions.

The absence of Bagnaia and Bezzecchi from Q2 sets up a dramatic Q1 session, with experienced riders like Bagnaia and recent Australian GP winner Raul Fernandez competing for limited spots.

Acosta’s prowess in wet and dry conditions makes him a pole position favorite for Saturday. Alex Marquez, on track for second in the championship, faces pressure after practice crashes. Persistent rain threats demand adaptive tire and setup strategies.

Sportrik’s detailed analysis highlights KTM and Honda’s edge in variable conditions, with Yamaha’s three Q2 riders showing promise. Ducati must navigate a critical Q1 to advance Bagnaia. Sunday’s race is likely to hinge on weather-adaptive strategies, shaping the podium outcome.

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