MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Alex Marquez delivered a commanding performance to win the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit, cementing his status as a top MotoGP talent. Riding for Gresini Ducati, Marquez overcame early setbacks to secure a defining victory. This in-depth analysis explores his success and challenges faced by other teams.
Marquez entered Sepang with high expectations after a strong pre-season test in February. However, two crashes on Friday left him ninth in practice. “I made the mistake of expecting it to be easy,” he admitted. Despite this, Gresini provided a flawless bike for the 20-lap race. Marquez struck early, overtaking Pedro Acosta of KTM and Pecco Bagnaia of Ducati Corse at Turn 4.
His lap-two time of 1m58.873s set the tone, building a near-one-second lead by lap four. On lap 12, a 2m00.103s lap extended his advantage, outpacing Acosta by 0.5 seconds. With an average pace of 2m00.166s, Marquez finished 2.676 seconds ahead of Acosta, expertly managing his soft rear tire. “I controlled the race, overtaking early and setting my rhythm,” he said.
As the younger brother of Marc Marquez, Alex has often been overshadowed. Yet, his two world titles in Moto3 and Moto2 prove his pedigree. In 2020, he secured Honda’s only podiums during Marc’s injury absence. After struggling with LCR Honda, his 2023 move to Gresini Ducati reignited his potential. Victories in Spain and Catalunya in 2025, followed by Sepang, highlight his growth. “My MotoGP path wasn’t easy, but Gresini gave me a chance,” he noted.
His sprint podium in Sepang secured second in the championship behind Marc, marking a historic 1-2 for the Marquez family. “We’re not getting the credit we deserve,” Alex said, addressing public perception.
While Marquez thrived, Aprilia faced challenges. Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Factory Racing finished 11th, with Ai Ogura as the top Aprilia in 10th. Issues with activating new tires and a medium front tire choice hindered performance. Despite recent podiums, Aprilia’s Sepang struggles underscore the challenge of rivaling Ducati in 2026.
Alex Marquez’s Sepang victory proves he deserves greater recognition. With newfound confidence and Gresini’s support, he is poised for more wins. Meanwhile, Aprilia must address technical shortcomings to challenge Ducati. The 2025 season’s final rounds promise intense competition, with Marquez as a standout star.
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