MotoGP kicks off in Thailand

After a long winter break, the MotoGP season is ready to begin, starting in Thailand, where a thrilling championship awaits. With 22 races on the calendar—including Hungary’s debut and Brno’s return—the season will conclude in Valencia on November 16. The first race weekend at Buriram already carries high expectations, with Ducati leading the pack and a fierce rivalry brewing between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

Reigning world champion Jorge Martin will be absent due to a scaphoid injury, a setback that could force him to miss multiple races. Having moved from Ducati Pramac to Aprilia, Martin’s chances of defending his title are now uncertain. If his recovery takes longer than expected, he may only return at the Jerez Grand Prix, by which point the championship battle will be well underway.

Marc Marquez has wasted no time in playing mind games. The Spanish rider, who joined Ducati with the clear ambition of winning a ninth world title to equal Valentino Rossi, dominated pre-season testing, sending a strong message to his rivals. However, his toughest opponent might be Bagnaia, who knows the bike inside out and has opted for the GP24 over the newer GP25, prioritizing better corner stability.

The reigning champion remains calm, but there is little doubt that tensions could rise inside the Ducati garage. Managing these two strong personalities will be the job of Davide Tardozzi, who will have to keep the team balanced throughout the season.

Among the dark horses is Fabio Quartararo, the last non-Ducati rider to win the title. After two disappointing seasons due to Yamaha’s lack of competitiveness, the Frenchman is hoping for a turnaround. Thanks to Massimo Bartolini’s engineering expertise, Yamaha has shown signs of improvement in testing, but whether it will be enough to fight for podiums remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Paolo Campinoti’s Pramac Racing has embarked on a new adventure, switching from Ducati to Yamaha, with Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller leading the charge. This strategic shift could introduce unexpected dynamics throughout the season.

The off-season was not easy for Enea Bastianini, who struggled to adapt to Ducati’s latest evolution. Pedro Acosta also had a challenging start with KTM, though the Austrian manufacturer has reportedly stabilized financially, allowing them to fully refocus on racing.

Honda, after enduring multiple disastrous seasons, is looking to make a fresh start with Luca Marini, who aims to reverse the brand’s recent decline. Meanwhile, Franco Morbidelli has joined VR46, Valentino Rossi’s team. After an inconsistent period, the Italian has shown promise in testing with the GP24, and alongside teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, he hopes to become a regular contender.

With Ducati leading the charge and rider dynamics shifting, the 2025 MotoGP season promises intense rivalries and unexpected twists. The first real test will come at the Thailand Grand Prix, with the Sprint Race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday at 9:00 AM CET. The stage is set, and the fight for the title is officially on.