MotoGP’s Unpredictable Thriller Continues: All Eyes on the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia
By Izhar Safuan
The final fly-away race of the 2025 MotoGP season arrives at the sweltering Sepang International Circuit for the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, and the drama is far from over. Despite Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) already wrapping up his seventh premier-class title, the grid is a hotbed of unpredictability, with major injuries shaking up the final results and setting the stage for a tense three-way battle for the remaining championship honors.
The Replacement Riders: A New Dynamic
The biggest talking point is the absence of three front-running riders due to injuries sustained in the hectic final rounds. Champion Marc Márquez is out, replaced by factory test rider Michele Pirro. Title contender turned factory Aprilia rider Jorge Martín is also sidelined, handing the reins of his RS-GP to Lorenzo Savadori. Finally, the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 bike of Maverick Viñales will be steered by the experienced Pol Espargaró.
These temporary changes mean the flow of the race is almost impossible to predict, especially given Sepang's notorious weather, which can switch from blistering heat to torrential rain in minutes.
The Race for Runner-Up: Márquez vs. Bezzecchi
With the championship trophy already claimed, the intense focus shifts to the battle for second place overall. Álex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) has a golden opportunity to secure a stunning 1-2 for the Márquez brothers in the final standings. The younger Márquez brother is within striking distance of locking up the runner-up spot, particularly if he can post a strong result in the Saturday Sprint.
Hot on his heels, however, is Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). Bezzecchi has been a standout performer in the recent rounds and is Álex Márquez’s chief challenger. His impressive form means he cannot be counted out as he looks to cap off his strong season with a high-profile championship finish.
The Fight for the Top Five
Further down the standings, the battle for a coveted place in the overall top five is heating up. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is desperate for a return to form after a couple of challenging weekends. Sepang, a circuit where he has won before and that suits his aggressive braking style, offers him a chance at redemption and securing a solid championship position.
He will face stiff competition from a resurgent Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who has consistently fought for the podium, and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who has hit peak form after a podium in Australia. A strong finish here is vital for these three riders as they aim to end their seasons on a high note.
Will Sepang Deliver an Eighth Winner?
The 2025 season has already seen seven different Grand Prix winners, highlighting the immense competition in the premier class. The final question looming over the Sepang weekend is: Will we see an unprecedented eighth winner this season?
New Grand Prix winners Fermín Aldeguer and Raúl Fernández are riding a wave of confidence and will be pushing to keep their momentum. Meanwhile, the extreme heat and humidity, which places immense physical stress on the riders, and the unpredictable nature of the temporary replacements ensure that the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia is set to be a spectacular and unpredictable showdown.