Marco Bezzecchi Dominates from Lights to Flag to Win the Portuguese GP at Portimão

Portimão, Portugal, November 9, 2025:
It was a flawless display of racecraft and composure from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who led every single lap of the Portuguese Grand Prix to claim a commanding victory at Portimão. The Italian delivered a masterclass performance from pole, resisting early pressure from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and later easing clear to secure Aprilia’s third win of the 2025 MotoGP season — a historic first for the Noale-based manufacturer.

Bezzecchi’s victory also strengthens his grip on third place in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, needing only a handful of points at Valencia to seal the position behind title contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta.

Lightning Start: Bezzecchi Controls, Acosta Attacks

The race began with Acosta making a blistering start from the front row, but Bezzecchi held firm into Turn 1 to retain the holeshot. Behind them, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) replicated his Sprint launch to grab third, setting up a three-way fight at the front.

There was early drama at Turn 5 when Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was caught in a tangle but fortunately escaped unscathed. Meanwhile, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) suffered heartbreak with a technical failure at the end of Lap 2, ending his race prematurely.

By Lap 2, Marquez moved past Acosta into P2, setting off in pursuit of the Italian leader.

Mid-Race Battles: Bagnaia Crashes Out, Aldeguer Shines

Behind the front trio, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) held fourth ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). However, rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) continued his impressive form, charging through the pack with daring moves — including a bold overtake on Binder at Turn 5.

Aldeguer climbed past Quartararo to take fifth before inheriting fourth when Bagnaia crashed out at Turn 10 on Lap 11, marking the fourth consecutive Sunday DNF for the reigning World Champion — a major setback in his fight for third in the standings.

Acosta’s Late Charge, But Bezzecchi Untouchable

As the laps wound down, Bezzecchi’s metronomic pace saw him stretch a comfortable 2.2-second lead over Marquez by Lap 15. Acosta, though initially adrift, mounted a spirited late charge in the closing stages, clawing back nearly a second per lap in the final four tours.

With two laps remaining, the gap between Marquez and Acosta was just one second, setting up a thrilling finish. Despite Acosta’s relentless push, Marquez held his nerve to secure second place, while Bezzecchi took the chequered flag unchallenged — his second victory of the 2025 season and Aprilia’s milestone third.

Top 10 Results – MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix 2025 (Portimão)

1. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) – Winner
2. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) – +2.089s
3. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – +2.994s
4. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)
5. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
6. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
7. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
9. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR)
10. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech 3)

Historic Triumph for Aprilia and Bezzecchi

The win marks Aprilia’s first-ever hat-trick of victories in a single MotoGP season, underlining the Italian manufacturer’s growing strength and consistency. Bezzecchi’s dominant ride also cements his reputation as one of the premier class’s top performers — a blend of precision, aggression, and cool-headed control.

Next Up: Valencia Season Finale

With the 2025 MotoGP World Championship nearing its conclusion, all eyes now turn to Valencia, where the final race of the season promises high drama as Bezzecchi aims to clinch third overall and Acosta looks to end his rookie campaign on a high.