Headlines
Hungary returns as MotoGP takes on Balaton Park
MotoGP: New venue, new stories, new stars: can anyone halt Marc Marquez on new turf?
Headlines
MotoGP: New venue, new stories, new stars: can anyone halt Marc Marquez on new turf?
Nine rounds remain in 2025 as a new battleground takes centre stage as we return to Hungary for the first time since 1992, taking on Balaton Park for the first time ever. With a backdrop of central Europe’s largest lake, it’s a picturesque setting to host a new challenge. Round 14 is very much game on at Balaton but will it go as the script suggests or does a twist lie ahead?
FINE FORM: the #93 charges ahead as P2 scrap tightens
Having recorded a sixth Grand Prix win in a row for the first time in 11 years, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the clear favourite going in. A predominantly left-handed circuit, MotoGP’s latest venue has the characteristics of all things #93. Having said that, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) once again showcased his pace with Aprilia by making it back-to-back podiums in Spielberg, as well as pole position. Leading the majority of the Austrian GP and taking P3 – Aprilia’s first podium at the venue – the #72 is charging up the order in the standings into P4.
Between the top two from the Red Bull Ring, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Alex Marquez had to serve a Long Lap Penalty last time out and took P10 at the flag whilst Bagnaia had to settle for P8 after a tough race and on the receiving end of some tough moves. With Marc on 418 points, he has a 142-point lead going into Round 14 and with Bezzecchi consistently closing, a three-way scrap is bubbling away behind the #93.
P5 BATTLE INTENSIFIES: three riders tied on 144 points
With Bezzecchi moving into fourth overall, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate Franco Morbidelli find themselves P5 and P6 respectively. Neither have finished a GP since Assen and thus need a points haul in Hungary to get back into the P4 fight. Both riders are on 144 points, the same as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after the #37’s Sprint rostrum and P4 a week ago as his momentum charges the other way. With three podiums across the Brno and Red Bull Ring weekends, Acosta will be there again, along with rival Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). The rookie took a career-best P2 last time out and was in contention for victory, something he aims for again at new, neutral territory.
KTM AND YAMAHA: contrasting fortunes fuel the same goals
Whilst Acosta was the lead KTM in Austria, there was also reason to celebrate for Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who took his best Sunday finish of 2025. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took P7 and came through in both the Sprint and Grand Prix a week ago, so expect the South African to feature again. As for Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), he withdrew from the Austrian GP as he struggled with his shoulder injury and will be sidelined here – replaced by Pol Espargaro. Someone who’s tested here…
Whilst KTM enjoy an upturn in form, Yamaha endured a more challenging time in Styria. Hoping to bounce back and to try and get ahead of fellow countryman Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) in the standings, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) leads the Iwata brand’s fight back. Teammate Alex Rins was the next best last time out, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and teammate Jack Miller – all four aiming to return to form on brand-new territory.
UNDERDOGS: will Balaton spring a surprise?
Reigning World Champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) crashed in Austria but stated that he looks forward to taking on Balaton Park on the Aprilia without a previous reference. Fellow Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) made it a sixth Sunday top ten in a row with P9 in Austria, showing his progress in 2025; he’s 30 points off the top ten overall. With his best Grand Prix result of 2025 in sixth, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) led Honda’s charge a week ago, taking a top six and his best result since India 2023. He’ll hope to do the same in Hungary whereas teammate Luca Marini aims to battle for the top ten. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) hopes a new track will reset his form after a tricky run of rounds, and fellow rookie Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) isn’t present due to ongoing recovery from a knee injury and is replaced by Aleix Espargaro.
New turf – although anti-clockwise turf – awaits. That fact, and Marc Marquez’s form, keeps the target squarely on the #93’s back. But Bezzecchi is on a charge and has shown he will throw down at the front. Aldeguer showed the script can never be written ahead of the action. And Alex Marquez hasn’t got a Long Lap this time round… who’s taking the spoils in Balaton?
For more MotoGP info check out our dedicated MotoGP News page
Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com
©Words/Images are from an official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com
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