Alex Márquez Conquers the Heat

Alex Márquez's victory at the 2025 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix also sealed his runner-up spot in the riders' standings

- Report: Gaurav Davare

TWO-TIME PREMIER class champion Francesco Bagnaia's (Ducati Lenovo Team) 2025 campaign has been of many lows, but also some highs. The 2025 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix weekend got under way on a high note with pole position in the final few seconds of qualifying. It was close, though, as Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing) was just over a few hundredths of a second behind in second place, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounding off the front-row positions.

Sprint

BAGNAIA CONTINUED HIS positive start by getting a decent launch off the line, but Alex Márquez was a serious threat during the early laps with some overtaking attempts. Bagnaia was unfazed and began eking out a comfortable lead soon after, which was enough to take the Sprint win. Márquez managed to hold on to second place, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continuing his consistent podium run, finishing in third position.

Race

AS IN THE SPRINT, BAGNAIA had a decent start, but Márquez once again was on the attack. This time, however, it worked on the second lap with a decisive move up the inside. The action didn't stop there as Acosta joined in on the fun, demoting Bagnaia to third momentarily on the following lap, but Bagnaia countered immediately to take back second position.

There was no respite in the battle for second and third positions as both Bagnaia and Acosta kept going elbow-to-elbow. This allowed Márquez to sail off into the distance with ease. A few laps later, however, the situation settled down with the top three riders running in a stabilised position.