Marc Marquez crashes out as Bagnaia claims dramatic victory

Francesco Bagnaia seizes a momentous victory at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas after pole-sitter Marc Marquez crashes out from the lead in spectacular fashion, ending the #93's perfect start to the 2025 season.

The Circuit of The Americas delivered pure drama from start to finish as unpredictable Texas weather created chaos even before the race began. Pre-race rain forced an unexpected delay and restart procedure, setting the stage for a Grand Prix that will be remembered for its wild twists and critical championship implications.

When the lights finally went out, Marc Marquez launched perfectly from pole position, establishing an immediate gap over his brother Alex Marquez and Bagnaia. The six-time MotoGP champion quickly built his advantage to over two seconds, looking completely in control on a drying COTA circuit where he's historically dominated.

But disaster struck on lap 9 as Marquez approached Turn 4. The front end of his Ducati GP25 washed away when he clipped a wet patch after running slightly wide over a curb. The undefeated run was over in an instant as the #93 tumbled through the gravel. Though Marquez remounted, significant damage to his machine—including a missing right foot peg—eventually forced his retirement, marking his first DNF of 2025.

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"We called for a delay and then quick start procedure due to safety concerns," explained Race Director Mike Webb regarding the pre-race chaos. "Given the number of riders, bikes and pit staff on the grid and in the pit lane area, it was impossible to start the Warm Up lap. A new race start was the safest way to respond to the unprecedented circumstances."

Bagnaia, inheriting the lead after his teammate's crash, demonstrated championship-winning composure, gradually stretching his advantage while managing the tricky conditions. His masterful ride resulted in his first victory of 2025 and the 30th premier class win of his career—placing him in elite company as just the 10th rider in history to reach that milestone.

Behind Bagnaia, Alex Marquez continued his remarkable consistency, taking his sixth consecutive P2 finish and, more significantly, claiming the championship lead for the first time in his MotoGP career. The Gresini rider displayed superb race craft, fending off a determined Fabio Di Giannantonio in the closing stages.

The dramatic race featured several compelling subplots throughout the field. Franco Morbidelli secured P4, while Australian Jack Miller claimed his best result on Yamaha machinery with an impressive fifth place.

Rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer looked set for a breakthrough top-five finish after displaying breathtaking pace in the latter stages, overtaking Miller with aggressive precision. However, his remarkable charge ended in heartbreak at Turn 15 on the penultimate lap when he lost the front end of his Gresini Ducati and crashed out.

Rising star Pedro Acosta also saw his race end prematurely with a crash at Turn 1 while engaged in an intense battle for sixth position, adding another chapter to the rookie's dramatic introduction to the premier class.

The chaos began even before the scheduled start when pre-race rain created uncertainty about tire choice. Fabio Quartararo crashed on his sighting lap but managed to rejoin the grid. Moments before the three-minute board, Marc Marquez made a split-second decision to dash for his spare bike fitted with slicks, triggering a chain reaction as riders and team personnel sprinted through pit lane.

The unprecedented situation forced officials to display red flags and implement a restart procedure. "We will analyze the situation together with the teams and revisit the regulations," added Race Director Webb, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances.

The championship standings have now received a significant shake-up heading into Round 4 in Qatar. Alex Marquez leads with Bagnaia closing the gap considerably after securing the full 25 points. Marc Marquez's first scoreless round of 2025 sees him drop from first to third in the title chase.

As the MotoGP paddock looks ahead to Qatar, the complexion of the 2025 championship has dramatically transformed. What seemed like Marc Marquez's season to dominate has now opened into a three-way battle with his brother and the defending champion stepping forward as genuine contenders.

The unpredictable nature of motorcycle racing's premier class proves once again that nothing is certain until the checkered flag falls—and sometimes, not even then.