MotoGP: Alex Marquez wins Malaysian GP in Dominant Style, Pecco Baignaia Retires

Alex Marquez delivered a commanding performance to win the 2025 Malaysian GP at Sepang, giving Gresini Ducati a major boost in the closing phase of the MotoGP season. Starting from second on the grid, Marquez overtook Bagnaia on the second lap and maintained the lead for the rest of the 20-lap race. The Spaniard maintained consistent pace in humid conditions and displayed precise control under pressure from the chasing riders. His victory came after a composed weekend that saw him translate strong practice and qualifying form into a well-managed race strategy.

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Bagnaia’s race started well but ended in retirement after due to a suspected rear tyre puncture with three laps remaining. The Ducati rider had initially resisted pressure from Pedro Acosta but began losing time in the final stages. Acosta took advantage to secure second place for KTM, continuing his strong run in the rookie campaign. Joan Mir benefited from the late retirement to claim third for Honda, earning his second podium of the year and highlighting Honda’s recent technical progress.

Tyre decisions played a central role in the race under hot and demanding track conditions. Most riders opted for the soft rear following Michelin’s recommendation, while choices varied at the front. Several riders, including Bagnaia, chose the medium front compound for durability, but that option failed to produce a clear advantage. Marquez and Mir both managed tyre wear efficiently, allowing them to maintain steady lap times in the final stages.

The race also brought several retirements that shaped the midfield order. Fermin Aldeguer crashed from seventh. Miguel Oliveira, Raul Fernandez, and Pol Espargaro also failed to finish due to separate incidents.

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Marco Bezzecchi took eleventh for Aprilia. Yamaha’s V4 prototype made a second wild-card appearance, with Augusto Fernandez finishing eighteenth and collecting data for further development.