Another flawless weekend for Marc Marquez

Marc Marquez secures back-to-back victories in MotoGP 2025, holding off his brother Alex Marquez at Termas de Rio Hondo.

Marc Marquez celebrates on the podium of the Argentina Grand Prix at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo on March 16, 2025 in Rio Hondo, Argentina. (c) Gold & Goose/LAT Images

By Rochem Noor and Anna Fadiah

Marc Marquez wasted no time establishing himself as a dominant force on the factory Ducati, securing his second straight victory of the 2025 MotoGP season. After a stunning performance in Thailand, the eight-time world champion delivered another masterclass at the Argentina GP, becoming the first Ducati rider to open a season with back-to-back wins. The triumph at Termas de Rio Hondo also brought Marquez level with Angel Nieto at 90 career wins, placing him third on the all-time winners list.

Marquez owned the Argentina GP from start to finish, taking pole position, winning the Sprint Race, and executing a brilliant race strategy to clinch the main event. Just like in Thailand, he found himself behind his younger brother, Alex Marquez, early on. However, this time, it was not part of a deliberate race plan.

On the fourth lap, after initially seizing the lead, Marc Marquez made a minor mistake that allowed Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini Ducati, to move ahead. Regaining control of the race was not straightforward.

As the race progressed into lap 15 of 25, Marquez had a scare at Turn 11 when his factory Ducati momentarily lost stability. Despite the wobble, he maintained composure. His first attempt to retake the lead on lap 18 was unsuccessful, as he ran wide at Turn 5.

Finally, on lap 21, he made the decisive move. A perfectly timed braking maneuver saw him slip past Alex Marquez, and from there, he never looked back, pulling away to win by 1.3 seconds.

Alex Marquez continues to impress in MotoGP 2025

For the second consecutive race, Alex Marquez finished as runner-up but remained positive about his performance. His celebrations with his older brother showcased their strong bond, reinforcing their mutual respect despite being rivals on the track.

Alex Marquez has always performed well at Termas de Rio Hondo. In 2023, he secured his first MotoGP pole at the circuit and later claimed his maiden Ducati podium there. This time, he proved again that he could compete at the front, even against a factory Ducati.

Throughout the race, Alex Marquez appeared to have optimized his GP24 setup better than Marc. His corner speed and fluid riding style allowed him to challenge the eight-time champion in multiple sectors.

“Alex had a better setup for flowing through the corners, while I focused more on braking,” Marc Marquez admitted. “I couldn’t brake the way I wanted when I was behind him.”

One of Alex Marquez’s biggest advantages came at Turn 6, where he consistently outpaced his older brother. Marc Marquez repeatedly attempted to find a better line through that section but struggled to match Alex’s precision.

Marquez’s late-race surge secures victory

The turning point came in the final laps, where Marc Marquez once again demonstrated his mastery of race management. Much like in Thailand, he managed his front tire pressure effectively before launching his final attack.

Once he regained the lead on lap 21, his pace immediately increased, allowing him to extend the gap over Alex Marquez. In the last five laps, he was nearly three-tenths of a second faster per lap, sealing his second victory of the season in commanding fashion.

Alex Marquez acknowledged the difference in late-race performance. “When Marc started pushing, I nearly crashed in every corner trying to keep up. He was just faster at the end, and that made all the difference.”

Francesco Bagnaia struggles as Marquez brothers dominate

While the Marquez brothers dominated the Argentina GP, reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia endured another frustrating weekend. The factory Ducati rider finished fourth, unable to mount a serious challenge for victory.

Although Bagnaia managed a podium in the Sprint Race, he struggled in the main event. Even as Franco Morbidelli, riding with softer tires, lost performance toward the end, Bagnaia failed to capitalize, finishing behind him.

Now 31 points behind Marc Marquez in the championship standings, Bagnaia admitted his struggles. “I don’t have the same confidence in my Ducati as last year. I know I can be faster, but I haven’t found the way yet.”

With Marquez thriving on the GP24 and Alex Marquez proving a formidable competitor, Ducati’s concerns about Bagnaia’s form are growing. If he does not rediscover his speed soon, his chances of defending his title could slip away.

MotoGP 2025 title race heats up ahead of the USA Grand Prix

With two rounds completed, Marc Marquez has emerged as the clear title favorite. However, Alex Marquez has proven that he is capable of fighting for wins and could become a serious championship contender.

Meanwhile, Bagnaia and Ducati face mounting pressure to turn things around. The upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, could be crucial. Historically one of Bagnaia’s strongest circuits, COTA offers him a chance to regain momentum.

However, if the Marquez brothers continue their dominance in the United States Grand Prix, it could be a sign that the 2025 MotoGP season is firmly in their hands. Bagnaia and Ducati must find solutions quickly, or the championship fight could become a Marquez family affair.

The MotoGP 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling battle. Will Marc Marquez extend his winning streak? Can Alex Marquez secure his first victory of the season? Or will Bagnaia bounce back?

The answers will unfold at Circuit of the Americas as the MotoGP stars return to action!