MotoGP Malaysia 2025: Battle for Second Heats Up as Sepang Set for a Showdown

Sepang, Malaysia – October 22, 2025: The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia marks the final stop on MotoGP’s demanding flyaway leg — and with seven different winners already this season, Sepang could yet deliver another chapter of unpredictability. As the championship arrives in the humid heat of Southeast Asia, the title fight may be settled, but the race for second place and top-four honours is anything but over.

State of Play: Marquez Brothers Lead the Storyline

With Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) all sidelined through injury, their replacements — Michele Pirro, Lorenzo Savadori, and Pol Espargaró — bring a fresh mix to the grid.

The 2025 MotoGP title is already secured, but the battle for the runner-up spot is alive and well. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing) is closing in on second overall and could lock it in with a strong Sprint performance at Sepang. The Spaniard has shown excellent form in recent rounds, while Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) remains his closest challenger after a string of consistent podiums.

Bezzecchi, however, hasn’t tasted Sunday victory since Silverstone, and with five different winners from the last five Grands Prix, he’ll be desperate to end that streak in Malaysia.

Fight for Fourth: Bagnaia, Acosta, and Di Giannantonio in the Mix

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) arrives in Sepang seeking redemption after two difficult weekends. A three-time podium finisher at the circuit — including wins in 2022 and 2024 — the Italian’s aggressive braking style could serve him well once more.

Bagnaia’s 41-point buffer over Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is far from safe. The rookie sensation continues to impress with podium-contending pace and now eyes his first MotoGP victory.

Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) reenters the fight for the top five after his Phillip Island podium, aiming to put past Sepang injuries behind him and maintain momentum into the final stretch.

Rising Stars: Aldeguer and Fernandez Chase Another Upset

MotoGP’s newest victors, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), have injected fresh excitement into the grid. Aldeguer, a Moto2 winner at Sepang two years ago, will look to rebound after a tricky outing in Australia. Fernandez, meanwhile, is enjoying his best form yet — two Sprint podiums and a Grand Prix win have propelled him into the top ten overall, just 20 points behind Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha).

Quartararo, a past winner in Malaysia, returns to a circuit where Yamaha has historically thrived, hoping to reclaim lost ground after a mixed season.

The Outsiders: Bastianini, Binder, and Yamaha’s Comeback Trail

All KTM riders finished inside the top ten at Phillip Island — and if qualifying improves, Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini could be podium threats. Bastianini, last year’s Malaysian GP winner, will be eager to repeat that success.

Elsewhere, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) continues his upward trend, now within eight points of being top Honda in the standings. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha), enjoying back-to-back top tens for the first time since 2023, returns to a track where he excelled last year, while Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha Factory Racing) joins as a wildcard with Yamaha’s V4-powered M1 prototype.

Points to Prove: Redemption Runs and Late-Season Goals

Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Racing) looks to bounce back after a tough outing in Australia, while Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) aims to recover after falling out of the top ten in the standings.

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP) and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha) are both hungry for strong finishes, while Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha) targets a seventh consecutive points finish — his longest run since 2022. Local favourite Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU LCR Honda) rounds out the grid, hoping for another home points-scoring ride after top-ten finishes in his last two Moto2 appearances at Sepang.

What to Expect at Sepang

The Sepang International Circuit has a history of producing unpredictable, drama-filled races — and with the 2025 season already boasting seven unique winners, the question remains: will we see an eighth different winner under Malaysia’s tropical skies?

The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia promises scorching temperatures, high grip levels, and an unpredictable mix of pace, strategy, and survival. Fans can tune in all weekend as MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 light up Sepang for one last flyaway showdown before the season finale.