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The landscape of the 2025 MotoGP championship took an unexpected turn during lap nine of the Grand Prix of the Americas, leaving fans and participants reeling.
Initially, the narrative favored Marc Marquez, with expectations that his brother Alex would press him but ultimately fall short, while Francesco Bagnaia would be in contention but not secure a win. However, this storyline was upended when Marquez fell, allowing Bagnaia to claim victory and Alex to assume the championship lead. This twist indicates that the season’s script is far from complete.
The next event on the MotoGP calendar is the Qatar Grand Prix at Losail, a circuit that has not been particularly favorable for Marquez but where his teammate Bagnaia has seen significant success. With its smooth track surface, sweeping corners, and high grip, there is potential for a surprise podium from Yamaha or Aprilia. KTM and Honda could also aim for a valuable points result.
Here are five critical aspects to keep in mind as the Qatar GP weekend unfolds.
The Reigning Champion’s Return
Martin has not been on his MotoGP bike since preseason testing in Sepang
Photo by: Aprilia Racing
April’s performances have been lukewarm, with both 2024 Moto2 champion Ai Ogura and ex-Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi achieving notable results, yet the RS-GP has struggled to threaten Ducati’s dominance. This situation is particularly challenging for reigning champion Jorge Martin, who is set to make his debut with the Aprilia factory team this weekend after missing the first three rounds due to injuries sustained in a preseason training crash. Observing how the 27-year-old adapts to a new, less competitive bike while still managing the consequences of his injuries will be particularly interesting.
Bagnaia’s Pursuit of the Title
Bagnaia basked in victory in Texas
Photo by: MotoGP
Despite expectations that Marquez would outperform Bagnaia, the Italian has found himself outshined, not offering a strong challenge for victories. Notably, Bagnaia’s ability to claim the win at COTA was partly due to Marquez’s misfortune. As Marquez approaches a track he finds challenging, Bagnaia may see this as an opportunity to gain ground. However, it is crucial to note that Bagnaia’s previous performances haven’t demonstrated a commanding presence; his achievements thus far have lacked convincing merit. His initial sprint lap in COTA showcased this inconsistency, indicating that while he might be capable of mounting a championship challenge, expectations should be tempered.
A Surprising Championship Leading Contender
Alex Marquez arrives in Doha as the surprising points leader
Photo by: David Buono – Icon Sportswire
While Marc’s crash and Bagnaia’s win took center stage, Alex Marquez quietly established himself as the championship leader, showing impressive consistency with a series of second-place finishes in all races and sprint events thus far. Some might argue that he had a more legitimate claim to victory at COTA than Bagnaia, underscoring a strong start to his season. With his consistent performance, it seems likely that Alex could secure his first MotoGP win soon; however, his ability to do so on sheer speed remains uncertain. His past leads have been aided by brother Marc’s strategic decisions, raising questions about whether he can challenge for victories independently. The Qatar race will provide an opportunity to clarify this.
The Yamaha Rollercoaster
Quartararo challenged the VR46 Ducatis in Texas
Photo by: Media VR46
During preseason testing, Yamaha appeared to be a formidable contender against Ducati. Yet, following a lackluster start to the season, their performance seems to have rebounded somewhat at COTA. The upcoming Qatar GP could present an opportunity for Yamaha to ascend the manufacturers’ rankings if they can maintain their momentum. With Jack Miller finishing fifth and Fabio Quartararo in sixth—both showing competitiveness against the Ducatis—there’s potential for either the factory team or the Pramac satellite squad to make a notable impact in Qatar. However, given Yamaha’s current standing at the bottom of the leaderboard, it remains to be seen whether COTA’s successes are sustainable or merely a temporary uptick.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Pramac’s switch from Ducati to Yamaha this season, in a seven-year deal following a long affiliation with the Italian brand, invites further scrutiny. Under current circumstances, it may be prudent for Pramac’s management to minimize discussions about this significant transition.
KTM’s Defining Moment
KTM’s season has struggled so far in 2025
Photo by: KTM Images
The standings have positioned KTM among the less competitive bikes, contending for the title of lowest performer on the grid. While Brad Binder has managed to earn points, and Pedro Acosta has showcased solid qualifying runs, the overall issues are palpable. At COTA, KTM faced significant challenges with tire wear and vibration, only kept competitive by the RC16’s impressive straight-line speed. The parent company’s financial difficulties over the winter have been discussed extensively, but whether this is the root cause of their competitive struggles—or if it’s attributable to their technical strategies—remains uncertain.
However, Qatar could prove pivotal, as Binder previously achieved a second-place finish at this track last year. For KTM, this weekend is crucial: the outcomes could either nurture hope or deepen disappointment. If the bike falters in Qatar, it may signal ongoing difficulties throughout the season.
Source
www.autosport.com