Alex Marquez, currently second in the 2025 MotoGP standings, delivered a stellar performance during the FP1 session at the Spanish Grand Prix. Riding for the Gresini Ducati team, Marquez overcame a minor crash at Turn 1 to set the fastest lap time. As the fifth round of the season begins its European phase, Marquez’s impressive start sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting weekend.
Despite the early crash, Alex Marquez showcased determination by swiftly returning to the track. He led the session by an impressive 0.357 seconds, benefiting from a late push on fresh medium tires. His older brother, Marc Marquez, who leads the championship, followed closely in second place on the factory Ducati. The competition between the Marquez brothers added an electrifying dynamic to the session.
Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo capped off the top three, while Pecco Bagnaia, determined to extend his Jerez winning streak to four, settled for seventh on the sister Ducati. The initial stages saw Alex Marquez setting the pace with a remarkable 1m38.686s lap time five minutes into the 45-minute session. His performance only improved, reaching a 1m37.239s before the crash at Turn 1. Luckily, Marquez emerged unscathed and quickly regrouped to secure the fastest time with a lap of 1m36.831s.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez faced challenges with his factory Ducati during FP1. An unusual clutch sensation forced him to switch bikes early, and a suspected oil leak on his second machine led to further adjustments. Despite these setbacks, Marc Marquez briefly topped the standings with a 1m37.188s lap, just over 20 minutes into the session.
The session’s excitement was further amplified by Maverick Vinales, who led the KTM charge in fourth place. Just weeks after achieving a podium finish in Qatar, Vinales showcased his consistency and skill. Joan Mir followed in fifth place for Honda, while Jack Miller achieved sixth on his Pramac Yamaha after a late time attack.
Pecco Bagnaia’s seventh place kept him within striking distance, as he aims for another victory in Jerez. Johann Zarco secured eighth on his LCR Honda, Alex Rins took ninth on his Yamaha, and Franco Morbidelli completed the top ten on the VR46 Ducati. The session also marked Aleix Espargaro’s Honda debut as a wildcard, where he finished 11th, followed by Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi leading Aprilia in 13th.
As Augusto Fernandez continues to replace the injured Miguel Oliveira at Pramac, he managed a commendable 17th place finish. Lorenzo Savadori, standing in for Jorge Martin at Aprilia, concluded the session in 23rd, despite being 2.768s off the pace.
The MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix promises continued excitement as Alex Marquez’s commanding FP1 performance sets the stage for an action-packed weekend. His resilience and skill highlight the intense competition anticipated throughout the European leg of the 2025 season. High school readers can follow the unfolding events with hopeful anticipation, as the action from Jerez unfolds, shaping the championship battle between fierce rivals and siblings alike.
