The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at the Mandalika International Circuit promised drama, but few could have predicted the sheer chaos and contrasting emotions that unfolded on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The race will be forever remembered for two pivotal moments: the stunning, lights-to-flag domination by rookie Fermín Aldeguer securing his first-ever MotoGP victory, and the dramatic, high-speed collision on Lap 1 that took out newly crowned World Champion Marc Márquez and polesitter Marco Bezzecchi, leaving Márquez with a suspected collarbone injury. MotoGP
It was a stark reminder of MotoGP’s brutal nature, where a dream can be fulfilled and a championship celebration can be immediately followed by a devastating setback, all within the span of a single race weekend.
The Indonesian Grand Prix began with high expectations, particularly for Marco Bezzecchi, who had snatched pole position and won the previous day’s Sprint Race, and for Marc Márquez, who arrived fresh off securing his seventh World Championship title in Japan.
However, the race unraveled almost instantly.
The start was frantic. Polesitter Bezzecchi had a poor launch, dropping quickly from the front row. Meanwhile, KTM rookie Pedro Acosta took the holeshot, establishing an early lead. Márquez was running slightly ahead of Bezzecchi when the pivotal incident occurred at the fiercely fast Turn 7.
In a desperate bid to recover his lost positions, Bezzecchi tried an ambitious move to overtake Márquez. The gap was simply insufficient. Bezzecchi’s Aprilia made sharp contact with the rear of Márquez’s Ducati. The result was instantaneous and brutal: both riders were sent tumbling at high speed into the gravel trap.
The sight of two of the weekend’s strongest contenders—the polesitter and the reigning world champion—sliding violently through the dirt sent a collective gasp through the paddock and the grandstands.
While Bezzecchi was thankfully able to walk away with what appeared to be heavy bruising. The focus immediately shifted to Marc Márquez. The Spaniard, who has a well-documented and complex history of injuries to his right arm and shoulder, took a long time to rise. He was clearly in significant discomfort, clutching his right shoulder as he gingerly made his way to the medical center.
The initial reports from the medical team were worrying. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed: “There is evidence of a break on the right shoulder. But we need a CT scan to investigate deeper and understand if an operation is necessary or not.” Later in the day, Ducati confirmed that Márquez had sustained an injury to his right collarbone (clavicle), necessitating an immediate flight back to Madrid for further medical assessment and treatment planning.
For Márquez, who had just clinched a historic championship, the injury was a cruel blow. Potentially ruling him out of the upcoming Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Mandalika once again proved to be a track of misfortune for the champion. Who has now failed to finish the main race here in four attempts, including a massive warm-up crash in 2022 that caused diplopia (double vision).
While the drama of the crash dominated the headlines, the race itself continued, and the early chaos provided a clear opening for a new star to shine.
Fermín Aldeguer, the 20-year-old Gresini Ducati rookie, had shown blistering pace all weekend, narrowly missing the Sprint Race win the day before. From the moment the leaders crashed, Aldeguer was perfectly positioned to capitalize.
The early stages saw a fascinating four-way battle for the lead between Aldeguer, his rookie rival Pedro Acosta (KTM), Luca Marini (Honda), and Raúl Fernández (Aprilia). Acosta, who grabbed the holeshot, led the charge, holding off his rivals with characteristic ferocity.
Aldeguer, however, was running a relentless pace. On Lap 7, he made his move, successfully overtaking Acosta at Turn 10. While Acosta briefly retaliated on the following lap, Aldeguer immediately reclaimed the lead and never looked back.
Aldeguer’s victory was historic. At 20 years and 183 days old, he became the second-youngest rider in MotoGP history to win a Grand Prix, trailing only a certain Marc Márquez. He is also the first rookie to win a premier class race since Jorge Martín in 2021.
“I don’t believe it,” a visibly emotional Aldeguer said after the race. “I am super happy. To be a rookie, we are doing incredible work. We have to continue like this.” His maiden win was a breakthrough moment, confirming the immense potential he has shown all season.
With Aldeguer dominating at the front, the real intensity was the battle for the remaining podium spots. The fight saw several riders trading blows in a display of high-stakes, close-quarters racing.
Pedro Acosta, the early leader, found himself in a frantic scrap with Luca Marini and Raúl Fernández. As the race wore on, the changing tire grip shuffled the order. Álex Rins momentarily entered the fray before his soft rear tire faded.
Ultimately, the fight came down to Acosta and Aldeguer’s teammate, Álex Márquez. In the final laps, Álex Márquez demonstrated the strength of his Gresini Ducati, managing to overhaul a fading Rins and engage Acosta. While Álex Márquez briefly took second place, Acosta, never one to concede easily, unleashed a late burst of speed to reclaim P2 just before the flag.
The final podium saw Fermín Aldeguer in first, Pedro Acosta in second (a fantastic result for the KTM rookie), and Álex Márquez rounding out the top three, salvaging a brilliant day for the Gresini satellite team.
Adding to the shock of Márquez’s injury, the Indonesian Grand Prix was a disaster for the factory Ducati team. World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, who had already endured a miserable run in the Sprint, started a lowly 16th and failed to recover, crashing out on Lap 8 while running dead last. His race ended in bitter frustration, concluding what was a weekend to forget for the reigning manufacturer.
Other notable riders who failed to finish the attritional race included Joan Mir and Enea Bastianini. Highlighting the severe challenge the Mandalika circuit presented in the humid conditions.
The Mandalika race has significantly altered the narrative heading into the final rounds of the 2025 season.
For Marc Márquez, the focus immediately shifts to his recovery. A fracture to the right collarbone, especially given his prior complex arm injuries on that side. Introduces major uncertainty for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix and potentially beyond. While he may have clinched the championship, his physical health remains paramount.
For Fermín Aldeguer, the victory marks his arrival as a true premier-class threat. His ability to check out and control a race under pressure proves he belongs in the elite category. His success, coupled with the runner-up finish of fellow rookie Pedro Acosta. Signals an exhilarating changing of the guard in MotoGP. The future of the sport is fast, fearless, and already here.
The 2025 Indonesian Grand Prix was a day of contrasting fortunes—a dream debut for a young champion, and a painful setback for a legendary one. It was a race defined by Lap 1 chaos, but ultimately decided by one rookie’s relentless dominance. MotoGP
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