The 2025 MotoGP season is set to begin in just over a week with the highly anticipated Thai Grand Prix, and the starting grid will be stacked with talent—13 world champions will line up, with five of them having won titles in the premier class.
Defending Champion Jorge Martín Leads the Charge
Last season’s MotoGP champion, Jorge Martín (Aprilia), returns to defend his crown. While he claimed his first premier-class title in 2024, the Spaniard had already tasted championship glory in Moto3 back in 2018.
Alongside Martín, four other riders on the grid have clinched the ultimate prize in MotoGP:
- Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) – 2021 MotoGP World Champion
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) – Two-time MotoGP champion (2022, 2023)
- Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) – 2020 MotoGP World Champion
- Marc Márquez (Gresini/Ducati) – Eight-time world champion, including six MotoGP titles (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
With Martín now joining this elite group, the battle for the 2025 title is expected to be more intense than ever.
Moto2 and Moto3 Champions Looking to Make Their Mark
While five riders on the grid have already conquered MotoGP, several others have proven themselves in the lower categories and are now hungry to add a premier-class title to their résumés.
Rookies and Rising Stars
- Ai Ogura (Trackhouse/Aprilia) – The reigning Moto2 champion, making his debut in MotoGP.
- Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) – The 2021 Moto3 champion and 2023 Moto2 champion, widely regarded as one of MotoGP’s most promising young riders.
- Álex Márquez (Gresini/Ducati) – The younger Márquez brother and a former Moto2 (2019) and Moto3 (2014) champion, still searching for his first premier-class title.
Other Former Lower-Class Champions on the Grid
Several experienced riders have won world titles in Moto2 or Moto3 but have yet to reach the pinnacle of MotoGP:
Moto2 Champions:
- Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) – 2020 Moto2 Champion
- Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46/Ducati) – 2017 Moto2 Champion
- Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) – Two-time Moto2 champion (2015, 2016)
Moto3 Champions:
- Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) – 2016 Moto3 Champion
- Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) – 2013 Moto3 Champion
Who Will Shine in 2025?
With 13 world champions on the grid, the upcoming MotoGP season promises to be one of the most competitive in history.
Will Jorge Martín successfully defend his title? Can Marc Márquez reclaim his dominance after switching to Ducati? Will a young star like Pedro Acosta or Ai Ogura rise to the occasion and clinch their first MotoGP crown?
The answers will start unfolding when the lights go out at the Thai Grand Prix—and the battle for the 2025 MotoGP title begins. 🚀🏁
