MotoGP and its junior series, head back on track this weekend, returning to Spain for the Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalonia. With plenty of Spanish riders on the grid, it’s a home race for Barcelona-born Álex Rins. Can anyone beat Marc Márquez, or can he make it 8 wins in a row? Here’s a round-up of what happened last year and what you can expect this weekend!
David Alonso Got Back-to-Back Wins
David Alonso was patient in Catalonia last year. Starting 6th, he took the lead on lap 12 and went on to win his 4th race of the season – and second in a row! The Colombian waited as the riders in front saw drops in their tyres and then made a perfect move at the first turn, overtaking both Daniel Holgado and Collin Veijer.
Quadrant-backed Ivan Ortola was on pole, and whilst he didn’t go on to win, the Spanish rider was keeping the pressure on Alonso until the end. The pair were joined on the podium by Jose Antonio Rueda, who, despite falling behind in the early stages, went on to make a new race lap record for the series.
In a race that saw determined riders making comebacks, overtaking galore, and 4 retirements, it was an eventful Moto3 race at Barcelona.
Ramirez Was Disqualified in Moto2
The 2024 Moto2 race was no less eventful than the Moto3 race was. Starting 4th, Ai Agura had better grip than those around him and got his first win with new team MT Helmets MSI, ahead of his polesitter teammate Sergio Garcia. Recovering Jake Dixon was able to take 3rd. Whilst he didn’t look to have an optimal race trim, DNFs ahead of him gave him a push to fight forward. He was able to pull away from 4th place finisher Jeremy Alcoba, but lacked laps to really bring the fight to the front.
It was heartbreak for Marcos Ramirez as he became the first Moto2 rider to be disqualified from a race since Lorenzo Porta at the 2021 French Grand Prix. Ramirez had an uneventful race, dropping one place at the start but stayed in 7th until the end. Unfortunately, his bike had been fitted with his teammates’ tyres and he was disqualified post-race.
Espargaró Retired from MotoGP
Catalonia last year marked the moment that Aprilia Racing rider Aleix Espargaró announced that he would retire at the end of the year. He went on to show that despite his impending retirement, he still had talent, as he took pole position and won the sprint race. During the sprint, he was joined by Marc Márquez in 2nd. Pedro Acosta took his 4th podium of the season, continuing his impressive rookie season.
Francesco Bagnaia took his 3rd main race win of the season. Jorge Martín finished 2nd, extending his championship lead by a single point. M. Márquez, having started 14th, charged through the pack and finished on the podium, having taken 3rd from Espargaró in the closing laps.
Across the two races, MotoGP saw 8 retirements – one being Bagnaia in the sprint race. Catalonia in 2024 saw dramatic moments across all 3 series and it was a weekend that proved essential in all three championships.
Catalonia in 2025
MotoGP comes to Catalonia much later this year – making up round 15 of the season compared to last year’s round 6. Marc Márquez continues to lead the championship, but his gap has been extended to 175 points ahead of his brother, Álex Márquez, who has had a disappointing run of races. Finishing just off the podium last time out in Hungary, reigning champion Jorge Martín also looks fully healed and raring to return to his 2024 form.
Álex Rins is the hometown hero, hailing from Barcelona – not far from the circuit. Despite his poor performance so far this year, will being on home soil give him the push that he needs to get his first top 10 result?
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
This is another circuit MotoGP shares with Formula 1. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a traditional circuit spanning 2.89 miles. With 8 right-handed corners and 6 left-handed corners, it’s a challenging yet thrilling place to ride. The variety of corners blends seamlessly with the long straights and riders have 29.6 meters of elevation to contend with.
Originally using the old layout of the track, MotoGP started using the same track configuration as Formula 1 after a fatal accident in Moto2 during the 2016 race. For safety, MotoGP also implemented extra run-off areas around the track as well as a resurfacing back in 2018.
A staple of the calendar, this track has seen some iconic moments since it joined MotoGP in 1992. One of the most historic races, described by some as ‘genius’, was in 2009. Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo fought the entire race, with Rossi claiming the win in the final corner. Traditionally, with limited overtaking, strategy is key at this track.
Race Distance by Category
Moto3: 18 Laps – 52.09 miles.
Moto2: 21 Laps – 60.77 miles.
MotoGP Sprint: 12 Laps – 34.72 miles.
MotoGP: 24 Laps – 69.45 miles
Schedule
The schedule for the weekend is as follows. Please note that all times are in CEST.