Before we begin the 2025 MotoGP™ season, let's update ourselves on the rider situation. Who is starting a new adventure, who are the contenders for the title, who are the rookies… Here is a short summary which should help you see things more clearly!
The Champion
Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing)
Recently crowned 2024 MotoGP™ World Champion, Jorge Martín's mission is to prove once again that he will have to be counted on. Ignored for the Ducati factory handlebars, the “Martinator” took the direction of Aprilia and won the 2024 title in spectacular fashion. Today, he drives the RS-GP to defend his crown and will be keen to show that being underestimated only fuels his flame. With new things to prove, the Spaniard is one of the biggest threats on the grid.
The suitors
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
Dispossessed but not defeated, Pecco Bagnaia is on the path to redemption. After two consecutive titles, he was dethroned by Jorge Martín in 2024. Today associated with Marc Márquez, the most successful driver in the history of the Italian brand must not only reconquer the crown, but also fight against his teammate, just as hungry for glory. Expect fireworks.
Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team)
The eight-time World Champion is looking for his ninth title in 2025. Relaunching his career with Gresini Racing after a difficult period marked by injuries dating back to 2020, the No. 93 returned to success in Aragon after 1043 days waiting. Two more victories followed in 2024, which allowed the #93 to inherit a factory Ducati handlebar. With the best machine and a newfound thirst to win, he is the supreme blend of experience and power in pursuit of another MotoGP™ title.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
The MotoGP™ phenomenon is entering its second year. After winning the Moto3™ and Moto2™ titles in the space of three years, Pedro Acosta concluded his first MotoGP™ campaign in the elite in an excellent sixth place and now has a factory KTM machine. The 2025 title may be far from certain, but the “shark of Mazarrón” intends to at least get his first victory in the premier category, and he could well surprise everyone.
The new kids
Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP™ Racing)
Moto2™ World Champion in 2024, Ai Ogura makes his MotoGP™ debut with Trackhouse Racing. After coming close to the title in 2022, the Japanese was finally crowned and he is now ready to tackle the premier category.
Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
Fermín Aldeguer burst onto the world stage as one of the most hyped rookies of recent years. With a record run of four consecutive victories in Moto2™ at the end of 2023, he pushed Ducati to act quickly and sign him in MotoGP™ from the start of 2024. The Spaniard is very fast and has undeniable skills. Will it live up to the hype it arouses?
Somkiat Chantra (LCR Honda)
The very first Thai Grand Prix winner makes even more history by becoming the first MotoGP™ rider from his country. The first season of Somkiat Chantra will begin with a return home to Buriram, where he will perform in front of his die-hard fans.
New beginning
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
With seven Grand Prix victories for Ducati, Enea Bastianini has become one of the most interesting talents to follow in MotoGP™. This year, he will offer his services to KTM Tech3, where he is eagerly awaited just like his teammate, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3). With a bike that suits his riding style, Enea Bastianini could create a surprise in 2025.
Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
Maverick Viñales begins a new chapter in his career with the KTM satellite team and aims to recapture the performance that once made him a title contender. Thanks to KTM's improvements, “Top Gun” has the tools necessary to make a splash in 2025, and potentially write a new page in history. In Austin last year, the No. 12 became the first rider in the MotoGP™ era to win on three different bikes (Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia), and a fourth could be added to the list this season .
Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
Three-time MotoGP™ race winner Franco Morbidelli is set for his return home in 2025. After rising through the ranks of the premier class with Yamaha, the Italian joined Prima Pramac Racing in 2024, where he took time to become familiar with Ducati machines. However, the collaboration between Pramac and Yamaha for 2025 pushed Franco Morbidelli to look for a new challenge. A resident of the VR46 Academy, he returned to the VR46 team and is preparing to compete in his second season on the GP24.
Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha)
Winner of four GPs in the elite with Honda and Ducati, Jack Miller is embarking on a new challenge after a two-year stint with KTM. Called by Pramac Yamaha, the Australian will take part in this new project in 2025, where he will bring his intrepid style and charisma. The No. 43 arrives on the M1 and will do everything possible to help Yamaha return to the forefront.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
After an exceptional 2023 season, Marco Bezzecchi had a disappointing 2024. Today, the Italian has the opportunity to make a real impact by riding a factory Aprilia. In 2025, he will be partnered with World Champion Jorge Martin and will aim to prove that he is still one of the best drivers on the grid.
Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha)
After a frustrating stint at Aprilia, Miguel Oliveira found a new base at Pramac Yamaha. Responsible for restoring Yamaha's image, the Portuguese rider has undeniable talent. For this new start, he is ready to show what he is capable of.
The adventure continues
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
A rider with an unusual history in the premier class, Fabio Di Giannantonio was on the verge of losing his seat in MotoGP™ after two decent but unspectacular seasons. However, a late surge in power in 2023 capped by an astonishing first victory in Qatar ahead of Pecco Bagnaia changed everything. At the dawn of his second season with VR46, “Diggia” will drive the third and final factory GP25 on the 2025 grid and can revise his ambitions upwards.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
One of the most popular drivers among fans, Brad Binder gained star status with his unforgettable victory at the 2021 Austrian GP on slick tires in pouring rain. Since then, he has been KTM's leading figure in the Championship, but with Pedro Acosta now alongside him in the factory team, the South African will have to work hard to shine. In 2025, he will try to take his first victory since that iconic day and break Ducati's dominance on the podium.
Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse MotoGP™ Racing)
Raúl Fernández set the world on fire during his rookie Moto2™ campaign, during which he claimed eight victories and came close to the title. This performance earned him a place in the premier category but since then, everything has not gone exactly as planned, even if the Spaniard has had some great moments. For his fourth year in the category and his third on an Aprilia, Raúl Fernández is determined to take things a step further.
Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
The younger Márquez brother continues his career with the Gresini Racing team, with the aim of improving his best result in the Championship, namely an eighth place in 2024. Double World Champion in the lower categories, the no. 73 counts five podiums and two Tissot Sprint victories to his credit but is still chasing his first Grand Prix success in the elite.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™)
The 2021 World Champion's mission is to regain success at Yamaha. After a few tumultuous seasons marked by irregular results, Fabio Quartararo wants more than ever to return to the top. Given Yamaha's recent progress, the Frenchman is expected to play a major role in the revival of the Iwata factory.
Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™)
Alex Rins begins his second season with Yamaha and continues to develop his M1 to make it a contender for victory in the premier class. A six-time MotoGP™ winner, his experience and racing sense are valuable assets for this project. Note, however, that the Spaniard has had a difficult period recently due to his injuries, which deprived him of 16 GPs during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Joan Mir (Honda HRC)
The 2020 World Champion is back with Honda HRC, where he hopes to turn things around after several difficult seasons. Brilliant moments have been rare since he joined the Japanese brand, but the end of 2024 offered a glimmer of hope with the improved performance of the RC213V.
Luca Marini (Honda HRC)
Valentino Rossi's half-brother continues to establish himself as a force in MotoGP™. After swapping Ducati for the Honda factory team in 2024, the Italian faced a steep learning curve before gaining ground in the second half of the season and scoring points. As Honda looks to rebuild, Luca Marini is a key part of their efforts.
Johann Zarco (LCR Honda)
Dean of the MotoGP™ grid, Johann Zarco brings significant experience to LCR Honda. Double Moto2™ World Champion, Johann Zarco has ridden for Yamaha, KTM, Ducati and now Honda during a career marked by versatility and perseverance. After holding the record for the most podiums without a victory, he finally made his mark in Australia in 2023, where he celebrated his success with his iconic backflip. Honda's best representative last year, Johann Zarco remains an essential element in the development of the machine in 2025.
