As MotoGP™ races past the first third of 2025, the European leg rolls into one of its most iconic stops: the rolling hills of Tuscany. The Brembo Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello isn’t just another race—it’s a spiritual homecoming for Ducati and the Italian faithful. With Marc Marquez leading the standings for the Ducati Lenovo Team, the pressure is intense. A fourth consecutive home victory isn’t just a target—it’s the minimum expected. But can someone flip the script?
Ducati Territory: Marquez Leads the Charge, Bagnaia Seeks Redemption
Fresh from a commanding Aragon performance—where he led every session of the weekend—Marc Marquez is riding high. No rider has led a full GP weekend since Marquez himself did it in 2015. This time, Mugello presents a unique challenge. Last year, Marquez was off the podium on his Ducati debut here, but now, he arrives in unbeatable form—and as the favourite.
Yet, Mugello has traditionally been Francesco Bagnaia’s domain. The reigning double champion has won here for three years running, but his recent form has been patchy. If there’s a moment for Pecco to reset and rise, it’s now, on home soil. Could this weekend flip his fortunes?
Threats in Red: Alex Marquez, Morbidelli & the Rising Italians
Factory Ducati dominance is under threat—Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) splits the Lenovo teammates in the overall standings and is enjoying a breakthrough season. A former Moto2™ winner at Mugello, he’s chasing a maiden MotoGP podium here.
Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46) and Fabio Di Giannantonio both fly Ducati’s flag too—this is their home GP. While Morbidelli still hunts for his first Mugello podium, Di Giannantonio is always a live wire. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer, fresh off a Sprint podium in Aragon, could light up the charts again. Ducati’s arsenal is deep—but will it fire in full force?
Acosta On the Hunt: Can KTM Disrupt Ducati’s Party?
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continues to impress. He called Aragon his “best GP yet,” finishing P4 and showing relentless pace. Already a Sprint podium-getter at Mugello, Acosta isn’t just an outsider—he’s a threat. Can he derail the Ducati homecoming?
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) returns to home soil hungry for redemption, while Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) was the last rider to beat Ducati here, back in 2021. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), looking to bounce back after a pointless Aragon, will also be eager to capitalize if Honda gives him the machinery to do so.
What Might Have Been: KTM, Yamaha and Mir’s Renaissance
Brad Binder and Maverick Viñales both showed promise before crashing out last time. Binder boasts a consistent Mugello record, while Viñales, making his first Mugello appearance on KTM machinery, previously podiumed here in 2017.
For Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP, it’s a home race—Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira will be desperate to redeem Yamaha’s recent form. Meanwhile, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) stunned many with a strong Aragon result. With Luca Marini sidelined, Mir now shoulders factory Honda expectations alone. Can he outperform Zarco again?
Underdog Watch: Bastianini, Fernandez & Rising Hopefuls
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) nearly stole the show at Mugello last year with a dazzling late lunge to P2. Following an encouraging Aragon test, he returns looking to make a statement. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha) both showed consistency last round, while Somkiat Chantra narrowly missed Thailand’s first MotoGP point in P16.
Eyes are also on Ai Ogura’s status and Luca Marini’s yet-to-be-named replacement. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Savadori continues to fill in for Jorge Martin at Aprilia Racing, with expectations reset around the test rider’s performance.
The Cathedral of Speed: Mugello’s Magic Awaits
Mugello remains one of the sport’s most revered circuits—set in the natural contours of Tuscany, it blends top-speed bravado with a rich legacy. For Ducati, it’s a proving ground. For Aprilia, it’s a chance to shine. And for fans, it’s a carnival of sound, speed, and storylines.
Can Marquez cement his reign? Will Bagnaia turn his season around? Or will a new contender rise in front of Italy’s fervent tifosi? As ever, Mugello doesn’t just deliver—it electrifies. Buckle up for another classic!