As the 2025 season approaches its final nine rounds, Hungary takes the spotlight, hosting its first race since 1992 at Balaton Park, situated by central Europe’s largest lake. This beautiful venue presents a unique challenge for drivers. Round 14 promises to be competitive, but will it follow the expected outcome or surprise us with an unexpected twist?
FINE FORM: #93 Leads as P2 Contest Heats Up
Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the leading contender after securing his sixth consecutive Grand Prix win, a feat not seen in 11 years. The new, predominantly left-handed circuit aligns perfectly with Marquez’s strengths. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) demonstrated his skill by clinching back-to-back podiums at Spielberg, including pole position. After leading most of the Austrian GP and finishing third—Aprilia’s first podium at that venue—Bezzecchi has moved up to fourth in the standings.
Close behind the top two at the Red Bull Ring were Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Alex Marquez faced a Long Lap Penalty and finished tenth, while Bagnaia struggled to eighth place. With Marc currently holding 418 points, he has a massive 142-point advantage going into Round 14, but Bezzecchi’s consistent performance is fueling a potential three-way battle behind him.
P5 BATTLE INTENSIFIES: Three Riders Tied on 144 Points
Bezzecchi’s rise to fourth overall places him ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Franco Morbidelli, who sit in fifth and sixth, respectively. Both riders have not finished a race since Assen and need points from Hungary to re-enter the P4 competition. Joined by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who recently achieved a Sprint podium and fourth place, these three riders are locked in a thrilling competition. Acosta, along with rival Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), aims for strong performances on this new track, with Aldeguer fresh off a career-best second place.
KTM AND YAMAHA: Different Paths, Same Goals
While Acosta led KTM’s efforts in Austria, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) had his best Sunday finish this season. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also performed well, finishing seventh and showing consistent form. On the other hand, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) may miss the race after being deemed unfit in Austria.
As KTM sees an upswing in performance, Yamaha faced challenges in Styria. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) aims to improve his standings against compatriot Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR). Teammate Alex Rins also looks to contribute, following behind Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Jack Miller, all eager to find form in the unfamiliar setting.
UNDerdogs: Can Balaton Surprise Us?
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), the reigning world champion, experienced a crash in Austria but is optimistic about facing Balaton Park without any prior reference. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) finished ninth in Austria, marking his sixth top-ten finish this season and inching closer to the overall top ten. Meanwhile, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) achieved his best result since India 2023 with a sixth-place finish and aims for another strong showing in Hungary. Luca Marini is also ready to vie for a top-ten finish. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) hopes a new circuit revitalizes his season, while fellow rookie Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR), still recovering from a knee injury, is replaced by Aleix Espargaro.
As competition heats up on this new, anti-clockwise track, Marc Marquez remains the man to beat. However, Bezzecchi has shown he’s determined to challenge for front positions, and Aldeguer has proven anything can happen. With Alex Marquez free from penalties this time around, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in Balaton? Stay tuned to find out!
