The world of MotoGP is abuzz with speculation and excitement as the 2025 season draws nearer. In a recent interview, one of the sport’s most successful riders, Marc Márquez, dropped a bombshell by revealing a select list of riders he believes will contend for the MotoGP title in 2025. The Spaniard, a six-time world champion, shared his insights during a candid conversation about the future of the sport, his career, and the rising stars in the MotoGP paddock.
Márquez, who has been through a rollercoaster journey of triumphs and struggles with injury, shared that the competition in the MotoGP paddock has never been more fierce, with several riders stepping up to challenge the established stars. The 30-year-old Honda rider acknowledged the changing dynamics of the championship and predicted that 2025 will be a season marked by an exciting battle for supremacy. Here’s a deeper look into the five riders that Marc Márquez believes will be the top contenders for the 2025 MotoGP title.
1. Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s name was at the top of Márquez’s list. Bagnaia, the 2022 MotoGP World Champion, has been one of the most consistent and formidable riders in recent years, and Márquez believes that he will continue to be a major threat for the title in 2025.
Bagnaia has already proven his talent and resilience on the Ducati, clinching the world championship in 2022 after a thrilling season. His calmness under pressure and exceptional racecraft have been key to his success. Márquez pointed to Bagnaia’s ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his impressive performances on a variety of circuits, making him a strong contender for the 2025 season.
“I think Pecco has the maturity and the speed to challenge for the title in 2025,” Márquez said. “He’s shown he has what it takes to win a championship, and with Ducati’s constant improvement, he will be one of the riders to beat. He has a lot of confidence, and that’s a huge advantage in this sport.”
Ducati’s dominance in recent years, combined with Bagnaia’s consistency, means that the Italian will undoubtedly be one of the key figures in the upcoming season.
2. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
Another rider on Márquez’s list is the 2021 MotoGP World Champion, Fabio Quartararo. The Frenchman, known for his silky smooth riding style and exceptional consistency, has been a major force in the championship ever since his breakthrough year. Though Yamaha has struggled with performance issues in recent seasons, Quartararo’s resilience and ability to extract the maximum from the bike have earned him a spot as a potential contender for the 2025 title.
Márquez acknowledged that Quartararo’s unique style gives him an edge over many of his competitors, especially in tight battles. He also noted that while Yamaha’s struggles in terms of bike development have been well-documented, there is always the possibility that the Japanese manufacturer will step up its efforts to give Quartararo a competitive package for the 2025 season.
“Fabio has the raw talent to fight with anyone, and when Yamaha gives him a good bike, he can win anywhere,” said Márquez. “He has that mental strength, and even with Yamaha’s ups and downs, he always finds a way to be competitive.”
As Yamaha continues to work on developing a more competitive machine, Quartararo’s determination and experience will be crucial in determining whether he can make another push for the title in 2025.
3. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Márquez also included Australian rider Jack Miller in his list of title contenders for 2025. Miller made the switch to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2023 after a successful stint with Ducati, and he has quickly established himself as a strong rider within the KTM ranks. His aggressive riding style and confidence on the track make him a dangerous proposition for his rivals.
Miller’s experience with Ducati, combined with his fresh start at KTM, has shown promise in terms of both performance and results. KTM’s increasing competitiveness in recent seasons has brought the manufacturer closer to the top of the MotoGP hierarchy, and Márquez believes that Miller will be one of the key riders to watch in 2025.
“Jack is a rider who can really fight for the championship when everything clicks,” Márquez said. “He’s already shown he can challenge for podiums and wins, and KTM is improving all the time. In 2025, if everything falls into place for him, I think he could be a serious contender.”
KTM’s rising performance and Miller’s adaptability make him a wildcard for the 2025 title, and his aggressive style could be a key factor in his pursuit of MotoGP glory.
4. Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing Team)
Aleix Espargaró’s inclusion on the list might surprise some, but Marc Márquez has been a long-time admirer of the Spanish rider’s work ethic and determination. Espargaró has been one of the standout riders for Aprilia, and his progress in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Espargaró has been instrumental in the development of the Aprilia RS-GP, and in 2022 and 2023, he showed flashes of brilliance, including podium finishes and competitive performances on a regular basis.
Márquez believes that Espargaró’s ability to continuously push the limits of his machinery, despite being in a smaller team compared to the likes of Ducati and Yamaha, makes him a real contender for the 2025 MotoGP title.
“Espargaró is a fighter, and he’s shown that he can perform on any bike,” Márquez commented. “Aprilia is a team that has been working hard to improve, and Aleix has been at the forefront of that development. If they can give him a consistently competitive bike, he’ll be in the mix for the title.”
With Espargaró’s vast experience and the continued improvement of the Aprilia team, 2025 could be the year where he finally breaks through and takes his first MotoGP championship.
5. Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing Ducati)
Last but certainly not least, Marc Márquez included the young and talented Jorge Martín in his list of title contenders for 2025. Martín, who races for the Pramac Racing Ducati team, has shown incredible speed and maturity since entering MotoGP. His raw talent, combined with Ducati’s powerful machinery, has made him a consistent front-runner in races.
Márquez has been particularly impressed with Martín’s ability to perform under pressure, as well as his pace on both qualifying and race days. Though still relatively young, Martín has already established himself as one of the most promising riders in the paddock. Márquez believes that, if given the right opportunity, Martín will be a force to reckon with in the 2025 season.
“Jorge has all the tools to be a champion,” Márquez said. “He’s fast, he has a great mindset, and with Ducati’s support, he’ll have everything he needs to fight for the title. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a top contender in 2025.”
As Martín continues to gain experience and confidence, his performances on the Ducati are expected to improve, and he will undoubtedly be one of the riders to watch in the 2025 season.
Conclusion
As the MotoGP paddock gears up for the 2025 season, Marc Márquez’s insight into the title contenders gives us an exciting glimpse into the future of the sport. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the 2025 championship promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.
Pecco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Jack Miller, Aleix Espargaró, and Jorge Martín will undoubtedly be the riders to watch as they battle for supremacy. With Márquez continuing his recovery from injury and pushing his limits on the Honda, the 2025 MotoGP season will be a thrilling spectacle for fans across the world. The stage is set, and the next few years in MotoGP are sure to deliver some unforgettable moments.