The excitement of Round 15 is upon us, taking us from the new Balaton Park to the historic circuit in Barcelona. With many riders competing at their home Grand Prix, this venue promises to be thrilling. In 2025, can anyone challenge Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) on his home ground? This weekend, the #93 has a chance to secure championship points at Misano. Yes, Misano.
175 POINTS AHEAD: Marc opens his homecoming in Barcelona
However, it’s noteworthy that Marc Marquez hasn’t won here since 2019. Despite this, he has a streak of seven consecutive Grand Prix and Sprint victories, extending his Championship lead over brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) to 175 points. If he gains ten or more points in Barcelona, he’ll have a shot, albeit slim, at the championship during the San Marino GP. It’s up to #73, Alex, to stop him, but he hasn’t been on the podium since Germany and is hungry for success.
BEZZECCHI CLOSING IN: Tight competition for P3 as Aprilia shines
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) recently faced challenges in his factory Ducati role but is the latest Barcelona winner, having claimed double victories in last year’s events. Like Alex, he hasn’t placed on the podium since Germany and now feels pressure from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) in the standings. With only 31 points separating them and eight rounds remaining, the competition for third place is intense.
KTM’S SURGE: Acosta leading the Austrian charge
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has impressed with four podium finishes in the last three events, putting him fifth overall in the standings. His teammate Brad Binder has also improved, ranking in the top eight in recent races, crediting the enhanced performance of the RC16. Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) has also found his rhythm, consistently competing in the top ten, despite some recent misfortunes.
P6 BATTLE: A fierce struggle unfolds
Acosta’s rise comes amid challenges for Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who now sits seventh overall after being overtaken by teammate Franco Morbidelli. Just 28 points behind, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) continues to pursue Di Giannantonio, although his recent performance in Hungary was not a highlight.
PAST MASTERS: Aiming to replicate previous successes
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), currently tenth in the standings, cherishes his memories from Catalunya, where he secured his first GP win in Moto2™ back in 2018. He will aim to be more competitive this weekend. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), just ahead in the standings, has two MotoGP podiums here and hopes to climb the ranks again. All three riders are looking to prove themselves this weekend.
EYES ON PRIZES: Riders with something to prove
Heading into Barcelona, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) hopes to build on his best Honda performance, while teammate Joan Mir seeks to replicate his last top-four finish from 2022. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has struggled recently but historically performs well on race day. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) aims to return to the top ten after recent turbulence. The local hero, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), seeks extra motivation at his home GP, while Somkiat Chantra’s (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) participation depends on a medical check.
Barcelona promises excitement with its beautiful Mediterranean setting and its historic racetrack. Don’t miss the Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalonia this weekend!
