MotoGP: Alex Marquez Sets a New Record on final Sepang day

Alex Marquez set the fastest time on the final day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP test, narrowly edging out Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez, riding last year’s Ducati GP24 for Gresini Racing, posted the best time of 1m56.493s during the morning session, finishing just 0.007s ahead of Bagnaia. This performance capped off a strong three-day testing period for the Spaniard, who was closely followed by Bagnaia, who looked strong throughout the test.

The two Ducati riders dominated the top spots, with Marquez holding the lead for most of the final day. The session marked a promising start for Gresini Racing as Marquez showed consistent form across the three days, continuing his upward trajectory since joining the team.

The testing season also continues to be an essential period for teams, as they focus not just on speed, but also on the mental and tactical strategies required to succeed on the track. Fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on these sessions, with online platforms offering various ways to keep track of the odds and predictions, especially as the season draws nearer.

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The Sepang test saw a quick improvement in lap times, with riders pushing the boundaries of their machines. Marquez’s effort of 1m56.493s was only 0.156s off Bagnaia’s lap record from the previous year’s Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying, showcasing just how close the competition is.

Ducati riders filled the top positions, with Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli also clocking in solid times. Quartararo finished the day in third, posting a 1m56.724s, signaling that Yamaha is not far behind in terms of performance.

His teammate Morbidelli was close behind in fourth with a 1m56.948s, rounding out a competitive top four, signaling that he feels good on the Yamaha, and we could see a bright MotoGP future with the two again.

The day also saw the return of six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who, despite being slower in the outright lap time, impressed many with his long-run pace. Riding the factory Ducati, Marquez’s long-run average was particularly eye-catching, as he completed a 10-lap sprint simulation with an average time of 1m57.930s.

This performance was seen as a positive sign for Marquez, who has been working hard to regain his top form. His consistent pace over longer runs will be a key asset when the season starts, especially with the level of competition rising at every event.

KTM’s Pedro Acosta also stood out, securing sixth place overall with a time of 1m57.175s. As a rising star, Acosta continues to build on his previous experience, continuing the Red Bull KTM story showing that KTM has the potential to be a key player this season.

In the overall standings, Johann Zarco finished in seventh, just ahead of Honda’s Joan Mir, who had a solid day and ended in eighth. Marco Bezzecchi, riding for Aprilia, showed promise, clocking a time of 1m57.328s, just slightly faster than Alex Rins of Yamaha, who finished in 10th.

While the test offered valuable insights into the teams’ strategies and riders’ performances, it also highlighted some areas for improvement.

The newest rookies, such as Fermin Aldeguer, are gradually adjusting to the MotoGP bikes, but it will be a few races before their true potential can be fully gauged.

Aldeguer was classified 11th, just under a second behind his teammate Marquez, but this was still an encouraging result for the young rider in his first MotoGP pre-season test.

While the Sepang test wrapped up with promising results, the true test will come when the season begins, and teams must deliver under competitive race conditions. Ducati’s dominance is clear, but Yamaha, KTM, and Honda have all shown strong performances, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable year ahead.

Sepang MotoGP pre-season test results – Day 3