Winners and Losers: MotoGP 2025 Misano Grand Prix

Written by Ramiza Donlic, Edited by Gabriel Tsui

When MotoGP landed in San Marino, all eyes were on Marc Márquez. After crashing out of Saturday’s sprint, the championship leader had a point to prove. On Sunday, he did just that, holding off a ferocious Marco Bezzecchi to extend his dominance in the title race. But while Márquez set records, others left Italy with bitter frustration. Here is who came out smiling - and who did not.

Winner: Marc Márquez

Misano was the 11th win of the season for Marc Márquez I Credits: Michelin Motorsport via X

The eight-time world champion once again reminded the paddock why he is on a different level in 2025. After the disappointment of the sprint, Márquez was laser-focused on Sunday. He made a clean start, quickly took control at the front and then managed the relentless pressure of Bezzecchi lap after lap. 

A controlled but unrelenting ride gave Márquez his latest win, stretching his championship advantage to an almost absurd 182 points. With a new all-time single-season record to his name, Misano was less about survival and more about legacy. 

“Messi does his talking with a football, I do mine on the bike.” - Marc Márquez on his Sunday win. 

Winner: Marco Bezzecchi

Bezzecchi claimed second place at home ground I Michelin Motorsport via X

Bezzecchi was the star of Saturday with a superb sprint victory, but he wasn’t done. Few riders managed to trouble Márquez this season, but Bezzecchi came closest. His sprint win electrified the home crowd, and on Sunday, he hounded Márquez to the flag, refusing to give him a moment of comfort. The Italian may not have the consistency to fight for the title, but he proved he has the pace and the grit to challenge anyone. 

Winner: VR46 Ducati

Fabio Di Giannantonio produced one of the best comeback rides of the race. Starting from mid-grid, he fought his way into the top ten by lap five and steadily picked off rivals to finish fifth. Combined with Franco Morbidelli’s fourth place finish, VR46 left its home round with both bikes in the top five. Against factory outfits with far greater resources, the team proved it can be a nuisance in the podium fight. For Valentino Rossi’s project, this was validation on home soil. 

Loser: Francesco Bagnaia

Bagnaia's home curse continues I Credits: Gold & Goose

The Francesco Bagnaia home curse continues. Misano has never been kind to Bagnaia, and 2025 was no different. A crash erased his hopes of a strong finish, adding another chapter to a season of missed opportunities. Once considered Márquez’s main rival, Bagnaia now looks more like a rider in need of a reset. 

Loser: Pedro Acosta

Picture of the day: Pedro Acosta loses chain and propulsion I Credits: Gold & Goose

The rookie’s talent is undeniable, but MotoGP can be cruel. Running in a promising position, Acosta’s race ended with a chain failure — a gutting way to leave empty-handed. For a rider tipped as the future of the sport, technical gremlins like this are robbing him of the results his speed deserves. 

Loser: Jorge Martín 

Martín’s weekend unraveled before it even began. Forced to switch to his second bike, he then picked up a Long Lap penalty that further derailed his chances. Once the dust settled, he was stranded in the midfield, unable to make progress. For a rider who built his reputation on consistency and aggression, Misano was a rare and costly off-day.

Remember to tune in for the Japan GP at Motegi Circuit on the 28th of September, at 05:00 GMT.