The 2025 MotoGP season was remarkable, especially for Marc Márquez and Ducati, but it also showcased impressive efforts from other riders. The spotlight shone brightest on 32-year-old Marc Márquez, who overcame the lingering effects of a 2020 injury to clinch his seventh MotoGP world title and his first with Ducati.
Marc’s younger brother, Alex Marquez, showed notable strength in the early half of the season, though faced limited competition apart from Aprilia’s emerging challenge. The season also saw rookies make significant progress, underachievers improve, and dominant machines exceed expectations.
Here’s Crash.net’s list of the top 10 riders in 2025:
10. Luca Marini, Honda HRC
Despite initial doubts about his potential as Marc Márquez’s successor at Honda, Marini showed marked improvement in 2025 with a stronger Honda, achieving consistent top-10 finishes and proving to be a valuable asset. Though sidelined due to a serious crash, he finished the season just six points behind Honda race winner Johann Zarco.
9. Raul Fernandes, Trackhouse Racing Aprilia
As Aprilia’s lone returning rider, Fernandes struggled early but surged in the latter half with top-10 finishes, his first podium, and a Grand Prix win in Australia. Despite some inconsistency, his 2025 points tally revealed growth and potential for further progress in 2026.
8. Johann Zarco, LCR Honda
Zarco, who switched to Honda from more competitive bikes, was a bright spot for the team in 2025, highlighted by a wet-weather victory at the French GP. His performance declined in the second half, but with a contract running to 2027, there’s still hope he can make an impact.
7. Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati Corse
Bagnaia’s season was a disappointment relative to expectations, plagued by inconsistent handling of the GP25 and overshadowed by teammate Márquez. Despite early podiums and some wins, he faded in the latter part of the season, leaving questions about his future with Ducati.
6. Fermin Aldeguer, Gresini Racing Ducati
Aldeguer had a strong rookie season with Ducati, showing resilience after a slow start and quickly establishing himself with multiple podiums and a win in Indonesia. His tire management skills and consistency earned him Rookie of the Year honors and put him on track as a top contender for 2027.
5. Pedro Acosta, KTM Factory Racing
Acosta’s 2025 was personally frustrating as he failed to claim a win despite podiums and improved bike performance later in the season. His strong late-season run lifted him up the standings, reaffirming his status as a generational talent, though continued progress is critical.
4. Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing
Quartararo drew the most from Yamaha’s underpowered M1, securing poles, sprint podiums, and race results beyond expectations. Though Yamaha struggled with grip and power, Quartararo remained their top rider, with hopes for a more competitive bike in the V4 era.
3. Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing Ducati
Alex had a breakthrough year, improving significantly with the GP24 Ducati and claiming multiple wins and podiums. Despite some crashes, he demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level and secured a factory ride for 2026.
2. Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Factory Racing
Bezzecchi adapted swiftly to Aprilia, taking multiple victories and consistently finishing on the podium in the latter part of the season. His performance amid team drama and injuries was impressive, positioning him as a strong contender going forward.
1. Marc Márquez, Ducati Corse
Márquez dominated the 2025 season with numerous Grand Prix and sprint victories, showcasing a form reminiscent of his pre-injury peak. His ability to sustain this high level of performance at 32 years old after his serious injury marks a remarkable comeback, cementing his status as the season’s clear champion.
Fan Take: This recap of the 2025 MotoGP season highlights the thrilling resurgence of Marc Márquez and the evolving competitive landscape, which keeps Racing fans on the edge of their seats. With rising stars and shifting team dynamics, the sport promises even more excitement and unpredictability in the years ahead.
