Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez returned to form in fine style as he won the Sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider had his first slip-up in 2025 in Austin as he crashed from the lead on lap nine. It was a repeat of 2024, as Marquez retired from the race and handed the win to teammate Francesco Bagnaia.
It put the Italian back into the championship hunt heading into the Qatar Grand Prix. However, his optimism came to a grinding halt as Bagnaia crashed during Q2, leaving him down in 11th.
Marquez claimed his seventh pole of the season and commanded the field to win the Sprint and his sixth race of the season. The 32-year-old has reclaimed the lead of the championship from younger brother Alex by two points.
Franco Morbidelli locked out an all-Ducati podium in third. But MotoGP fans were all paying attention to the rider who finished fourth with a stunning performance.
MotoGP fans were in awe of Fermin Aldeguer’s ‘Marc esque’ performance in the Qatar Sprint
After qualifying an impressive P8, Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer produced a sensational ride to finish fourth. He passed Fabio Quartararo at the final corner on the last lap after an intense battle.
It marks Aldeguer’s strongest result since making the step up to MotoGP. The Spaniard sits on nine points heading into the Grand Prix on Sunday, and fans were more than impressed as they lauded his performance on X (formerly Twitter).
One fan said: “Great work,” while another wrote: “VAMOSSS FERMIN.”
Another user wrote: “IM BEYOND PROUD OF YOUUUU.” One fan liked Aldeguer to Marquez as they said: “I love this kid man. Him and Ai. He was coming off as an Acosta esque, but I think he’s a Marc’s esque. He takes risks, whether they pay off or not. Far less mistakes and he’s got balls.”
One user admitted to doubting Aldeguer’s ability: “Ok i thought bro wasnt good to race in front after Cota but that pass against Fabio at the end.”
Finally, another fan had a bold prediction for the Gresini talent as they said: “He will win a race this year.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
Fermin Aldeguer has found confidence in MotoGP with stunning Qatar performance
It had been a slow start to life in MotoGP for Aldeguer. The Spaniard had only scored points at the season opener in Buriram prior to Qatar.
The Gresini rider looked on course for a strong finish at COTA before he crashed out in the difficult conditions. Michael Laverty told Aldeguer to be ‘realistic’ about his rookie season as he appeared frustrated with his qualifying performance.
The 20-year-old’s display in the Sprint in Qatar proves he has already found his feet in MotoGP. Aldeguer is now finding himself battling with some of MotoGP’s most experienced names.
Aldeguer loved winning the battle with Jack Miller in Austin. After beating Quartararo in Qatar, the Gresini rider will have full confidence for the rest of the season.
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