Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) reaffirmed his title credentials with a masterful ride to clinch his 68th career MotoGP victory at the Motul Grand Prix of the Netherlands — equaling the great Giacomo Agostini — after fending off a fierce challenge from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) to win by 0.6 seconds.
The win came on a dramatic day at Assen, which saw title rival Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) crash out in a costly incident that left him with a fractured hand, putting a dent in his championship hopes.
The race started with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) grabbing the holeshot, while pole-sitter Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was immediately shuffled down the order. Marc Marquez quickly carved his way into P2 on Lap 2, overtaking teammate Pecco Bagnaia and setting the tone for what would become a thrilling battle up front.
Bezzecchi, meanwhile, moved into third by the end of Lap 2, as Alex Marquez began to struggle with traffic. Quartararo’s early promise faded as he slipped to P7, losing ground to Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) and Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Racing).
On Lap 6, disaster struck. In a heated exchange with Acosta, Alex Marquez crashed out on the back straight. A suspected issue with the front brake lever sent him tumbling — a major blow to his title charge. It was later confirmed he suffered a fractured left hand.
Moments later, his teammate Fermin Aldeguer also crashed out at Turn 11, triggering a chain reaction that caught Joan Mir and forced Quartararo wide into P13.
At the front, Marc Marquez took control by Lap 5 and never relinquished it. Bezzecchi overtook Pecco to move into second, while Acosta also found his way past to slot into P3.
As the laps ticked by, Bezzecchi kept the pressure on, but Marquez was clinical, managing the race with metronomic precision. Despite several fastest laps from Pecco and Bezzecchi, Marquez never faltered, stretching the lead to 0.7s heading into the final lap.
With Bezzecchi unable to launch a final-lap attack, Marquez powered through the final chicane and sealed a monumental victory — his ninth win of the 2025 season and a place alongside Agostini in MotoGP’s all-time rankings.
Bezzecchi handed Aprilia a double podium weekend, pushing Marquez all the way in second, while Bagnaia returned to form in third after a disappointing home GP in Italy.
Top 10 and Notable Performances
- P4 – Pedro Acosta: A solid ride by the rookie, continuing his stellar debut season.
- P5 – Maverick Viñales: Another strong result for KTM Tech3, helping the Austrian brand secure double top-five finishes.
- P6 – Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Racing): Quietly consistent and competitive all race long.
- P7 – Franco Morbidelli: Recovered well after a long-lap penalty.
- P8 – Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse): Notched his third consecutive top-10 finish.
- P9 – Enea Bastianini (KTM Tech3): Solid points haul.
- P10 – Fabio Quartararo: A frustrating Sunday after starting on pole.
History for Thailand
Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) made history by finishing in the points, claiming Thailand’s first-ever MotoGP point in P15.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
