Balaton, Hungary – August 20, 2025: MotoGP is set for a historic return to Hungary for the first time since 1992, with Round 14 of the 2025 season taking place at the brand-new Balaton Park Circuit. Nestled beside Central Europe’s largest lake, the picturesque venue offers a fresh challenge as the world’s best riders go wheel-to-wheel on uncharted territory.

Marc Marquez the Favourite, But Rivals Closing In

Reigning force Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) arrives in Hungary after claiming his sixth consecutive Grand Prix victory – his best streak in over a decade. With 418 championship points, Marquez enjoys a commanding 142-point lead heading into Balaton. The anti-clockwise layout plays to the strengths of the #93, making him the rider to beat.

But challengers are lining up. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) is in fine form after securing back-to-back podiums, including pole position and a strong third-place finish at the Austrian GP – Aprilia’s first podium at Spielberg. The Italian has surged to fourth in the standings and looks ready to upset the script in Hungary.

Meanwhile, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) are seeking redemption after a tough outing in Austria, where penalties and hard battles saw them outside the top seven. Both will be aiming to reclaim ground as the fight intensifies.

P5 Battle Heats Up – Acosta, Morbidelli, and Di Giannantonio Tied

Behind the leaders, the fight for fifth overall is wide open. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is charging forward after a Sprint podium and a P4 in Austria, joining Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) on 144 points apiece.

Rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) also impressed with a career-best P2 in Spielberg, proving he has the pace to fight for a maiden victory on neutral ground.

KTM Rising, Yamaha Searching for Answers

The Austrian GP highlighted KTM’s resurgence with Acosta, Brad Binder, and Enea Bastianini all delivering strong rides. Injured Maverick Viñales remains sidelined, with Pol Espargaro stepping in as a replacement for Red Bull KTM Tech 3.

On the other hand, Yamaha endured struggles in Austria. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)leads the charge for Iwata’s factory, determined to bounce back and close the gap to Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) in the standings. Teammates Alex Rins, Miguel Oliveira, and Jack Miller will also be looking to turn their fortunes around at Balaton.

Underdogs to Watch – Can Balaton Spark Surprises?

Defending World Champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) is targeting redemption after crashing out in Austria. Teammate Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) continues his consistent run of top-ten finishes, while Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) will aim to repeat his season-best P6 from Spielberg.

Rookies also remain in the spotlight, with Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) eager for a reset at a new venue. Fellow rookie Somkiat Chantra remains sidelined with injury, replaced by veteran Aleix Espargaro.

Who Will Conquer Balaton Park?

As MotoGP takes on Hungary’s new Balaton Park for the very first time, the stage is set for history. With Marquez in unstoppable form, Bezzecchi charging, and Aldeguer proving the script can always change, the Hungarian GP promises drama and unpredictability.

Round 14 is game on – and the fight for glory begins this weekend.

Text and picture courtesy: www.motogp.com