Marc Marquez returns to Termas de Rio Hondo after six years

Marc Marquez aims for victory at Argentina MotoGP after Thai GP triumph.

Ducati Lenovo's Spanish rider Marc Marquez, the first-place qualifier, gestures to fans after the qualifying session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 1, 2025. Photo by Mohd Rasfan/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez made a dominant start to the 2025 MotoGP season with the factory Ducati squad, securing victory in both the sprint and main race at the Thai Grand Prix. Now, MotoGP shifts to Argentina for its first visit to Termas de Rio Hondo since 2023, with Marquez making his return to the track for the first time since 2019.

The Spanish rider, who missed previous editions due to injuries, COVID-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021, and financial constraints forcing the 2024 race to be scrapped, will return to the scene of one of his most commanding wins. In 2019, while riding for Honda, Marquez stormed to victory with a margin of 9.816 seconds, though he was over 12 seconds clear at the start of the final lap.

Marquez thrives in tricky track conditions

Track conditions at Termas de Rio Hondo tend to be dusty, particularly after a prolonged absence from the MotoGP calendar. This could play into Marquez’s hands, given his proven ability to master low-grip surfaces. Last season, his strong performance at Aragon, another circuit with challenging conditions, highlighted his natural instinct for adapting to tricky tracks.

Speaking on the latest Crash MotoGP Podcast, senior journalist Lewis Duncan suggested Marquez could be the clear favorite in Argentina.

"Much like Thailand, I think this is a race that suits Marc perfectly," Duncan said. "In the past, riders who have been quick here are the Marquez brothers. The last time Marc raced at Termas in 2019, he won by almost 10 seconds over Valentino Rossi. After just a few laps, he was already two seconds ahead."

Duncan emphasized how the dusty track conditions, combined with Marquez’s ability to adapt quickly, could make him difficult to beat.

"We haven’t been there in a few years, and that means we’re arriving to conditions that are ideal for Marquez. A good reference is Aragon last year, where his natural feel for grip took over. It’s going to be tough for anyone to challenge him," he added.

Marquez’s confidence grows after Thai GP victory

Marquez’s win in Thailand has given him an extra boost of confidence, which could spell trouble for his rivals.

“He’s gotten that first weekend out of the way now, winning in Thailand," Duncan explained. "The nerves and expectations are gone. Now he knows exactly what he can do on that Ducati, and he’ll be more relaxed coming into Argentina. That’s a big problem for the others.”

Crash MotoGP Podcast host Jordan Moreland echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that Marquez is at his most dangerous when he finds his rhythm.

“When he’s in that flow state, he’s incredibly hard to beat," Moreland said. "It’s hard to believe this is his first time back here since 2019. That day, he won by a mile, and the podium had Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso—both of whom have since retired. The sport has changed a lot, but Marquez is still a force.”

Can anyone challenge Marquez in Argentina?

With Marquez in top form, the biggest question heading into the Argentina MotoGP is whether anyone can mount a serious challenge. His younger brother, Alex Marquez, has also been strong at Termas de Rio Hondo in recent years. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi, now riding for Aprilia, could be a contender.

For reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia, Argentina has historically been a tricky venue. He hinted after the Thai GP that he is aware of how strong both Marquez brothers will be in the coming rounds.

As MotoGP returns to Termas de Rio Hondo, all eyes will be on Marc Marquez to see if he can continue his winning momentum and secure back-to-back victories in the 2025 season.