Ducati Lenovo rider withstands Bezzecchi pressure; Alex Marquez completes podium as title race heads to Japan

Marc Marquez’s sensational comeback season in MotoGP 2025 moved one step closer to a fairytale conclusion after the Ducati Lenovo Team star clinched victory at the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano. The six-time MotoGP World Champion held off relentless pressure from home hero Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) to seal his latest triumph, putting him on the brink of another world title.

With only the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi standing between Marquez and his first chance to be crowned champion, the #93 now has momentum on his side. The only rider left in mathematical contention is his younger brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who finished third to secure a popular podium for Gresini on home soil.

Pre-race drama for Jorge Martin

The drama began even before the lights went out, as Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) suffered an RS-GP issue on the sighting lap. Forced to start the warm-up lap from pit lane, Martin reclaimed his grid spot but was handed two Long Lap penalties, effectively ending his podium hopes before the race had settled.

Marquez and Bezzecchi duel for supremacy

At the start, Bezzecchi launched into the lead, while Marc Marquez immediately slotted into second, with Alex Marquez and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) following closely.

The early stages saw several big names fall. Johann Zarco and Joan Mir crashed out at Turn 4 on Lap 1, while Ai Ogura followed on Lap 3. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) retired on Lap 5, just as Pedro Acosta looked threatening in the top five, only for a chain failure to end his charge. Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) also crashed out from P7, capping a miserable weekend.

By Lap 10, the top three of Bezzecchi, Marc Marquez, and Alex Marquez had broken clear. A small error from Bezzecchi at Turn 8 on Lap 12 allowed Marc Marquez to seize the lead. From there, the battle intensified, with Bezzecchi glued to his rival’s rear wheel.

Bezzecchi pushes, but Marquez delivers

With 10 laps remaining, Bezzecchi was just two-tenths behind, refusing to let Marquez escape. The Italian even clocked the fastest lap late on, briefly closing the gap to 0.3s. But Marquez responded with trademark brilliance, stretching the margin back out to half a second.

On the final lap, the gap was 0.415s. Despite Bezzecchi’s best effort, Marquez held his line and powered to victory, banishing memories of his Sprint race crash and collecting a crucial 25 championship points.

Misano MotoGP 2025 – Race Results (Top 10)

1. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) – 41:09.XXX
2. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) – +0.4s
3. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) – +7.7s
4. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing)
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing)
6. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)
7. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol)
8. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
9. Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP)
10. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Eyes on Japan: Will Marquez be crowned champion?

With Bezzecchi’s challenge repelled and Alex Marquez the only remaining title rival, Marc Marquez arrives at Motegiwith his first 2025 MotoGP World Championship match point. If results go his way, the #93 could seal the crown at the Japanese Grand Prix (27–29 September).