Record-Breaking Crowds and Blistering Pace in Termas
Argentina clearly missed MotoGP. After the event was cancelled in 2024 due to economic struggles, the 2025 Argentina Grand Prix returned in spectacular fashion, drawing a record-breaking 208,979 fans to the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit.
The weekend wasn’t just record-breaking in attendance—Marc Marquez shattered long-standing track records. His 1:36.9 qualifying lap became the fastest-ever at the circuit, while his 1:38.2 best lap time in the race further cemented his dominance. Marco Bezzecchi’s Aprilia also added to the record books, reaching an eye-watering 350.4 km/h down the circuit’s longest straight.
Marc Marquez Sweeps Argentina – Can Anyone Stop Him?
Marquez is proving that life as a Factory Ducati rider suits him just fine. After a clean sweep in Thailand, the Spaniard did it again in Argentina, taking:
✅ Pole Position
✅ Sprint Race Win
✅ Main Race Win
✅ Fastest Lap in Both Races
With two perfect weekends to start the season, many are already wondering if the 2025 championship fight is already over.
Alex Marquez: The Biggest Surprise of 2025?
While all eyes are on Marc, his younger brother Alex Marquez is proving to be his biggest challenger. Riding for Gresini Ducati, Alex led most of the Argentina Grand Prix before Marc made his move in the closing laps.
Where has this extra speed come from? Part of it could be his 2024-spec Ducati, which—thanks to the Factory Team running nearly identical equipment—puts him on a more level playing field. However, Alex is also riding better than ever, even outperforming fellow Ducati riders he battled last season.
There’s also another factor—brotherly mentorship. The two Marquez brothers appear closer than ever, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Marc has been sharing some of his winning secrets during the off-season.
What’s Going on with Pecco Bagnaia?
Two-time champion Pecco Bagnaia is having a rocky start to the season. Fourth place in Argentina, finishing 5.5 seconds behind Marc and with three other Ducati riders ahead of him, is a worrying sign for the Italian.
However, Bagnaia has historically been a slow starter, only hitting his best form midway through the season. While he’s already 31 points behind Marc, there’s still plenty of time for a turnaround.
Honda’s Unexpected Revival
After five years in the wilderness, Honda is showing real signs of life. Johann Zarco had a sensational weekend, frequently running in the top five among Ducati riders before finishing seventh in the Main Race.
Zarco’s teammates, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, also delivered, placing ninth and tenth to give Honda three bikes in the top ten—a huge improvement from last year, when they were regularly stuck at the back.
Aprilia’s Strong Pace Doesn’t Reflect on the Results
The Factory Aprilia team has been quietly impressive in 2025, though Argentina’s results don’t tell the full story.
- Jorge Martin remains out with injury, delaying his Aprilia debut until Round 5 at Jerez.
- Marco Bezzecchi looked competitive, qualifying ninth and finishing seventh in the Sprint Race, but his Main Race lasted only one corner after a collision with Fabio Quartararo sent him flying.
Rookie sensation Ai Ogura had another strong race, finishing eighth—until post-race scrutineers disqualified him for illegal software.
KTM’s Troubles Continue
KTM is not where they expected to be. Young sensation Pedro Acosta admitted that the team has gone backwards since pre-season testing, still struggling with rear grip and tire wear.
Brad Binder had a chaotic weekend, with mistakes in qualifying leaving him 11th on the grid, then getting taken out in the Sprint Race by Franco Morbidelli.
Despite this, Binder salvaged seventh place in the Main Race, finishing as the top KTM rider and beating:
✔️ Acosta by 1.4 seconds
✔️ Viñales by 8.1 seconds
✔️ Bastianini by a massive 26 seconds
For a rider expected to challenge for wins, seventh place and 14 seconds behind the leader isn’t what Binder wants, but he remains KTM’s strongest asset.
🟢 SportPesa recently partnered with Brad and Darryn Binder! Read more here:
➡ SportPesa x Binder Brothers
Next Stop: Texas
The next round of MotoGP takes place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, from 11–13 April. Marquez has traditionally dominated COTA, but will anyone be able to stop him?
Top 10 MotoGP Championship Standings (After Argentina)
1️⃣ Marc Marquez – 74 points
2️⃣ Alex Marquez – 58 points
3️⃣ Pecco Bagnaia – 43 points
4️⃣ Franco Morbidelli – 37 points
5️⃣ Johann Zarco – 25 points
6️⃣ Fabio Di Giannantonio – 22 points
7️⃣ Brad Binder – 19 points
8️⃣ Ai Ogura – 17 points
9️⃣ Marco Bezzecchi – 14 points
🔟 Pedro Acosta – 13 points
About the Author: Donovan Fourie
Donovan Fourie first started riding motorcycles at the age of four, crashing his PW50 into a wall—an omen for a wild racing career ahead. He began racing at 13 and has competed in everything from club events to National Superbike Championships, winning three Battle of the Twins titles.
A motorcycle journalist for 23 years, Donovan is the host of The Bike Show on IgnitionTV, bringing expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insights to MotoGP fans.
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