MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix 2025: Preview

Marc Márquez will be looking for an eighth consecutive win this weekend | Credit: MotoGP

Following the chaos and confusion that arose after MotoGP’s debut at the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary, it heads to one of its more beloved, old-school venues; the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya; for the Catalan Grand Prix. 

A perfect weekend could see Marc Márquez remarkably wrap up the title next week in Misano; and in front of a packed-out home crowd, the omens seem perfect for another obliterating weekend for #93. Or perhaps, another may surprise? 

The Catalan Grand Prix: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Barcelona is always home to packed-out grandstands | Credit: MotoGP

A staple on all major motorsport series’ calendars, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of, if not the most used circuit in all of Europe. Located just on the outskirts of the bouncing metropolis of Barcelona, it stretches 2.894 miles (4.657 kilometres) through the Spanish countryside, and poses the challenge of 14 turns, the majority of which are multi-lined, long and sweeping overtaking hotspots.

Another unique feature of the track is the stupendous long run down to Turn One; which often provides drama at the start and can welcome some crazy battles; especially in the likes of Moto3 and Moto2. So much so, then-Ducati’s Enea Bastianini led there last year on the first lap, after grabbing the slipstream from starting all the way back in P8!

It’s a track that invites brilliant battling with the grippy and wide asphalt, meaning that riders can go three, sometimes four wide in most sections of the racetrack. Turns one, five and ten are the overtaking prime places. However, as has been proven on many occasions, the last corner, if you're feeling brave, can provide equal drama and opportunity. 

Past results

Last year, the circuit had the honour of hosting two MotoGP races; the annual Catalan Grand Prix, then held in May, and the Solidarity Grand Prix, which replaced the Valencian Grand Prix following the horrendous floods in the region. On both occasions Francesco Bagnaia reigned victorious; but it is most certainly not a circuit which he considers a favorite.

Last year, Bagnaia crashed out of the lead on the final lap of the race | Credit: MotoGP

In 2023, Bagnaia crashed out on the opening lap, and then got ran over by KTM’s Brad Binder, suffering a leg injury but remarkably returning a fortnight later in Misano. A year later, in the sprint, he crashed out on the final lap whilst leading, handing a poignant home victory to Aleix Espargaró. 

He wasn’t the only one as well! Both Binder, and Trackhouse’s Raúl Fernández crashed whilst leading in what was deemed MotoGP’s ‘best ever sprint’. And, later that year, he ultimately lost the championship to Jorge Martín, despite winning both the sprint and main race. 

Marc Márquez has won here just the twice; and Yamaha riders Miguel Oliveira (PRAMAC) and Fabio Quartararo have also won here in the premier class.

The battle of the century: Barcelona 2009 | Credit: DIVEBOMB

It is a track that breathes drama. From the infamous end to the 2009 race, where Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo duked it out to the very last corner, to a decade later, where both were wiped out in a four-rider pileup at Turn Ten; practically handing Marc Márquez an easy victory. 

Often, it is a track best suited to Aprilia machinery, with Aleix Espargaró going extremely strong here, claiming a win in 2023 and a sprint win a year later, and the Italian bikes often running up right to the sharp end of the order. With Marco Bezzecchi banging on the door of Marc Márquez’s reign, is this his best opportunity yet to claim his second victory of the season?

Key notices

Aleix is back at his home circuit after the most poignant of victories here last year | Credit: MotoGP

Catalan hero and homeboy Aleix Espargaró is returning for a wildcard appearance at Honda in front of his beloved crowd; his fourth appearance for the Japanese manufacturer this season. Also in the Honda garages, Thai rider Somkiat Chantra is back after missing 2 months of racing due to a training accident. 

With rumours circulating about being ousted out of his seat or Brazilian blockbuster Diogo 

Moreira for 2025, he will be looking for a good return to action and hopefully put some more points on the board. 

Another rider returning is Maverick Viñales for his home race, after his awful accident during a wet qualifying at the Sachsenring in July. 

His teammate, Enea Bastianini, will be looking to build upon his recent strong form, which saw him claim a sprint podium in Spielberg and be victim of bad luck whilst running high up the order last time out in Balaton. 

Other riders that will be looking to build on recent form are Honda’s Luca Marini, and reigning champion Jorge Martín, who sensationally claimed fourth in Hungary just four months after his awful Qatar crash.

Ducati’s new hero will be looking for another wipeout weekend at home in Catalunya | Credit: MotoGP

Somehow, after just 14 rounds, Marc Márquez’s lead stands at a hardly believable 175 points, over his brother Álex Márquez. If results go his way, he can win the world championship next week, in the Ducati Dreamland of Mugello. That’s the story we will all have our eyes on this weekend; but with Acosta, Bezzecchi, Martín and more knocking on the door, trying to topple the reign of the Ducati dictator, is this the weekend where they finally surmount the challenge?

Tune in to find out, it’s gonna be good! Lights out at 1pm BST!