Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez finished second for the first time during the 2025 MotoGP season at the French Grand Prix.
The six-time champion coasted around the Bugatti Circuit and finished nearly 20 seconds behind eventual winner Johann Zarco.
It was a disappointing day for Ducati, who were denied a shot at MotoGP history by claiming a 23rd consecutive victory.
Marquez was powerless in the conditions and was forced to focus entirely on not making another critical mistake.
Even after a solid start to the season, Marquez ‘definitely’ made a key change in France, showing that his hunger for speed only continues to grow.
According to fellow countryman Fermin Aldeguer, Marquez did something ‘scary’ during the race by showing excellent prowess in left-hand corners. It was a solid Sunday for him.
Marc Marquez had to face his ‘main struggle’ in MotoGP at the French Grand Prix
Twice this season, Marquez has crashed while in a top-three position. Arguably, it has cost him at least 35-40 points.
Bagnaia is hampered by a ‘problem’ in 2025 and is struggling to cope with the faster races, which is handing his teammate an advantage.
However, the 32-year-old has more time to monitor other areas of his game, such as relaxing too much and crashing again. A feat he avoided at Le Mans.
“It was a sigh, because I didn’t fail, which was my main struggle. It was about being on the bike and not failing at any time, especially because I usually fail when I’m relaxed,” he told Diario AS.
“But when I put the intensity I need, when I use my instinct and go to the limit I use the brakes well and when I’m more relaxed I don’t use the front or rear brake well and the balance of the bike changes and makes me make unexpected movements.
“That was the mental battle, one of the hardest of my career, especially in those last ten laps.”
How quickly could Marc Marquez wrap the 2025 MotoGP title up?
By claiming a seventh MotoGP title in 2025, Marquez would be setting a new record for the oldest rider to win in history.
His current form suggests it will be wrapped up with multiple races to go (3/4), but if he finds his groove, it could be even sooner.
He beats Valentino Rossi’s record by two years (32) and he isn’t going to stop there. He will have eyes on putting Ducati’s advantage to use in 2026 as well.
It’s the final year of the current regulations, so there’s one final opportunity to make use of their hard work before the grid is shaken up again.
Marquez will never say bad things about Ducati, which offers them a positive culture to work in. If they continue to be bold and develop their bike, they will win with him at the helm.
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