Marc Marquez was left ‘wide-eyed’ after seeing what Marco Bezzecchi just did at Argentina Grand Prix

Add as preferred source on Google

Marc Marquez is looking to extend his advantage in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship. The Spaniard has the perfect chance to do that at the Argentina Grand Prix.

The Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo has been a strong track for Marquez over the years. He has the joint-most wins around the circuit with three along with Hugh Anderson and Mick Doohan.

2025 marks the first visit to Argentina for Marquez in six years. The Grand Prix has had three cancellations in that time – two because of the COVID-19 pandemic – while the 32-year-old has missed other runs of the race through injury.

Despite having not raced at Termas de Rio Hondo since 2019, Marquez will come to Argentina full of confidence. The Ducati rider dominated the season opener in Thailand with maximum points.

Everyone in the paddock thinks Marquez will win in Argentina. But after free practice, it is clear that the 32-year-old has competition on his hands for qualifying.

Marc Marquez looked ‘wide-eyed’ after Marco Bezzecchi broke his Argentina lap record

Argentina has proven to be a strong track for Aprilia in recent years. Aleix Espargaro claimed victory for the manufacturer in 2022 while Marco Bezzecchi – now currently riding for them – won for Ducati in 2023.

Many expected Aprilia to mount a challenge to Ducati this weekend – and that is exactly what Bezzecchi did. With 14 minutes to go in free practice, the Italian topped the timesheets with a 1:37:510.

The lap broke Marquez’s record around Termas which was set back in 2014. The Spaniard, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez all went on to beat the Aprilia’s time, with the No.93 setting a new record of 1:37:295.

But Gavin Emmett noticed Marquez looked ‘wide-eyed’ as Bezzecchi initially broke his 11-year record. Speaking on TNT Sports, he thinks the Ducati rider was thinking he has competition in Thailand.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marco Bezzecchi from net worth to race number

“Marco Bezzecchi in the third sector chaps, could be about to set a breaker record that’s been standing there since Marc Marquez came here in 2014 in the middle of his run of 10 Grand Prix wins,” said Emmett as the Aprilia rounded the final corners.

“And he’s done it. A 1:37:5, a new all-time lap record in Argentina and it’s for Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia.

“Who saw that coming? And that looked a bit wide-eyed there from Marc Marquez. ‘Oh, we’ve got company lads!”

Marco Bezzecchi is thriving in Jorge Martin’s absence – but when will the champion return to MotoGP?

Since joining Aprilia, Bezzecchi has been a much-needed breath of fresh air. The Noale-based outfit have been hit hard with the loss of Jorge Martin through injury.

The defending champion suffered a violent highside mere minutes into pre-season testing in Malaysia. During his recovery, he crashed in training with his injuries potentially ruling Martin out for three months.

The 27-year-old confirmed he would not be at the Circuit of the Americas and cast doubt over a return in Qatar. Martin’s mother has asked MotoGP to retake the 2025 grid photo – the premier class has had to start the season without their 2024 champion.

Many have raised concerns about how the Spaniard will perform when he does return, given he will still have to get accustomed to the RS-GP25. Martin cannot complete private tests under the concession system, but Aprilia could get a test exemption to get him somewhat up to speed.