The most remarkable comeback in sports has concluded: Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is set to contend in the last five rounds of 2025 with his seventh MotoGP title secured. As we head to Lombok, Indonesia, the competition remains fierce across the standings. With no title implications looming, Marquez may race freely. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) is eager to demonstrate his skills, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has already made a significant mark at Motegi. Will he maintain his momentum and challenge for second overall?
BACK IN BUSINESS: Can Bagnaia Challenge Marquez in the Final Five?
Marquez faces challenges in Indonesia, a circuit where he hasn’t yet finished in a GP race, let alone claim a podium or victory. His 2022 season was derailed by a severe crash at Turn 7, amidst a series of comebacks since he last held the championship in 2019. Luck hasn’t favored him lately, including a technical DNF last season. However, he did secure a spot on the Sprint podium. A victory in the GP race would tie him with Valentino Rossi for wins at 23 different circuits, as Marquez currently has 22. With the pressure of the title lifted, he may be poised for a strong performance.
On the other hand, Bagnaia has had a strong comeback after a challenging season. Following his historic first Sprint win of 2025 and a Grand Prix victory at Japan, he aims to clinch second overall. Notably, he has won at this circuit before, starting from 13th on the grid in 2023. Last season, he also made it to the podium after winning the Sprint. Fans are eager to see if he can channel the spark from Jerez and Mugello into the final five races.
CLOSING UP: The Battle for Silver and the Fight for Fifth
Alex Marquez has concluded his title aspirations but is still determined to aim for second place, as well as the crown of top Independent Team rider, which he can secure this weekend if he maintains a lead of more than 148 points. He currently boasts 66 points to spare in the Championship. If Bagnaia regains his best form, it could lead to a thrilling contest for silver. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) is 32 points behind Marquez and had a tumultuous weekend in Japan but still managed a comeback to finish fourth. Eager to move up in the standings, he seeks to improve on his previous fifth-place finishes at Mandalika.
As the last quarter of 2025 approaches, an intense three-way battle for fifth unfolds. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) trails Alex Marquez by 144 points in the Independent Rider standings but holds a slim lead over Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by just one point after achieving a solid fourth place. Acosta faced a challenging Sunday in Japan, impacting his overall standing. Additionally, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) sits seventh, 14 points behind his teammate. Both Morbidelli and Acosta have good past performances at Mandalika, setting up an exhilarating fight for fifth.
HONDA HEROICS: What Comes Next?
After securing his first podium in four years and first for Honda, along with his best qualifying and Sprint results, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) leaves Motegi feeling optimistic. If he continues this trajectory, he could become a dark horse in the final stage of 2025, potentially targeting the top ten. Mir is currently 52 points behind Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who holds the tenth position, but with 185 points still available, everything remains possible. Meanwhile, teammate Luca Marini, who showed promising speed but had to retire in Japan, was a polesitter in Indonesia last year. Could Honda make a comeback at Mandalika?
BOUNCING BACK: Seeking Fortune in Lombok
Jack Miller’s (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) luck was lacking at Motegi, and he’s eager for a turnaround. His teammate Miguel Oliveira, who won the inaugural Grand Prix at Mandalika in 2022, aims to continue his streak of scoring points. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) has consistently scored in Indonesia and seeks to break his recent scoring drought. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), still recovering from a shoulder injury, is looking for a better performance. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) must pass a medical to race after withdrawing from the prior GP, while Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) will miss the event due to a collarbone injury he sustained in Japan.
With the champion decided and the race for silver heating up, the focus shifts to the final five races of the season, including the Team Championship for Ducati Lenovo. The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia kicks off this excitement, so be sure not to miss it — Lombok awaits!
