The 2025 Indonesian Grand Prix at the Mandalika International Street Circuit delivered a dramatic twist to the MotoGP season. What began as a battle expected to be between Marco Bezzecchi and world champion Marc Márquez turned into a breakout victory for Fermin Aldeguer, who claimed his maiden win dominantly after chaos struck early on.
Early Drama Takes Out Favourites
The race’s opening lap set the tone for an unpredictable afternoon. Bezzecchi, who had broken the lap record in qualifying with a stunning 1:28.832, collided with Márquez at turn seven. Both riders went down heavily, ending their race before completing a single lap.
Unfortunately for the newly crowned world champion, Márquez sustained a right collar bone fracture, according to Ducati’s post-race update. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks. The crash wiped out two of the weekend’s fastest riders and instantly reshaped the race’s complexion.
Fermin Aldeguer Seizes Control
With both of the front-runners eliminated early, the door opened for Fermin Aldeguer and Pedro Acosta to take centre stage. Aldeguer, riding for BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati, looked composed from the outset, biding his time behind Acosta before executing a clean overtake at turn 10 on lap seven.
Read More: Comeback Complete: Márquez Returns to Glory With Seventh Motogp Title in Japan
From that point, Aldeguer never looked back. His pace was relentless, building a commanding lead of nearly nine seconds by the final laps. While chaos unfolded behind him, the 20-year-old Spaniard maintained near-perfect rhythm and focus, delivering one of the most dominant performances of the season.
It was a victory of maturity and composure, qualities not typically seen in a rookie, since Márquez himself, making him the second youngest Grand Prix winner behind the current MotoGP champion. He is the first rookie race winner since Jorge Martin’s breakthrough in 2021.
Acosta and Álex Márquez Complete The Podium
Behind the runaway leader, a thrilling battle emerged for the remaining podium spots. Pedro Acosta, continuing his excellent debut campaign with Red Bull KTM, fought hard to hold off Álex Márquez, who was also showing strong pace on the second Gresini Ducati. The pair exchanged positions in the final laps before Acosta pulled away to secure second place, with Márquez taking third.
Read More: Bagnaia Breakthrough as VR46 Confirms GP24 Ducati Test at Misano.
Brad Binder recorded his best finish of the season in fourth, narrowly missing the podium, while Luca Marini claimed fifth in what was a rare bright spot for Honda.
It was an attritional race overall, with only 14 of the 19 starters reaching the chequered flag, with multiple crashes and mechanical issues marking the event.
Full Race Results
- Fermin Aldeguer – 41m 7.651s
- Pedro Acosta – +6.987s
- Álex Márquez – +7.896s
- Brad Binder – +8.901s
- Luca Marini – +9.129s
- Raul Fernandez – +9.709s
- Fabio Quartararo – +9.894s
- Franco Morbidelli – +10.087s
- Fabio Di Giannantonio – +10.350s
- Alex Rins – +13.223s
- Miguel Oliveira – +19.769s
- Johann Zarco – +27.597s
- Somkiat Chantra – +48.035s
- Jack Miller – +55.540s
- Enea Bastianini – DNF
- Francesco Bagnaia – DNF
- Joan Mir – DNF
- Marc Márquez – DNF
- Marco Bezzecchi – DNF
Team Fortunes and Title Picture
Although Marquez’s injury does not affect the championship outcome, he had already clinched the title in Japan, and it may have implications for the upcoming rounds as Ducati manages his recovery.
The result, however, was a massive boost for Gresini Racing, which secured a double podium and demonstrated the strength of their Ducati package. KTM also had reason to be pleased, with Acosta and Binder both inside the top four. Honda’s Marini offered encouragement with a competitive showing, while Yamaha continued to struggle for consistency.
A Statement Win for a Rising Star
For Fermin Aldeguer, the Indonesian Grand Prix will be remembered as a defining moment. At just 20 years old, the Spaniard showcased a rare blend of aggression and composure to capture his first MotoGP victory, announcing himself as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.
“It’s a dream come true,” Aldeguer said in his post-race interview. “I knew I had the pace, but to win like this feels incredible. I want to thank my team and my family for believing in me.”
As the MotoGP paddock now shifts focus to the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Aldeguer’s breakthrough has added a fresh dimension to the grid. The young Spaniard’s victory serves as a reminder that MotoGP’s next generation is not only ready to compete but ready to win.
