MotoGP: Marquez Outguns Bezzecchi in Misano Thriller, Nears Seventh Title

Marc Marquez returned to winning ways at the 2025 San Marino Grand Prix after a tense duel with Marco Bezzecchi at Misano. The result made up for his Sprint race crash and strengthened his push for this year’s MotoGP World Championship. It also gave Gresini Ducati a strong result on home soil, adding to Marquez’s remarkable first season with the team. Starting from the second row, Marquez wasted little time in moving into second. He shadowed Bezzecchi in the opening laps before pouncing at Turn 8 when the Aprilia Factory rider ran wide. Once ahead, Marquez controlled the pace, keeping his advantage in check.

Also Read: MotoGP: Yamaha Revels V4-Powered M1 Prototype Bike Ahead of San Marino GP Race Debut

Bezzecchi mounted a late charge with ten laps to go, closing the gap as the Misano crowd urged him on. The pair traded fastest laps, but Marquez kept his rhythm and absorbed the pressure. He crossed the line first, collecting maximum points to stretch his lead in the championship.

Alex Marquez added to Gresini’s day with a podium finish in third. Pedro Acosta had shown podium pace for KTM until a broken chain forced him out, the latest frustration for the Austrian outfit after earlier issues during the weekend.

The race was not short on drama elsewhere. Francesco Bagnaia ended his run in the gravel after a slow-speed fall, while Fabio Quartararo slipped back to eighth despite a strong start for Yamaha. Augusto Fernández salvaged points on Yamaha’s new V4 prototype despite serving two long-lap penalties.

Also Read: MotoE Placed on Hiatus After 2025 Season: Here’s Why

Pre-race incidents also shaped the grid, with Marquez making a late tyre change, Jorge Martín taking a bike swap and penalty, and a collision between Johann Zarco and Joan Mir on lap 1 ending their chances. Marquez now heads to Motegi with the opportunity to secure the 2025 MotoGP crown.