As the MotoGP season heats up, Marc Márquez has once again demonstrated his dominance during the second free practice session for the Americas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. On Friday, March 28, 2025, Márquez clocked in a blistering time of 2 minutes 02.929 seconds, finishing the session with an impressive lead of 0.736 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Fabio di Giannantonio. This performance solidifies Márquez’s reputation as the king of this circuit, where he has celebrated victory seven times in the past.
Franco Morbidelli put in a commendable effort, securing third place with a time just 0.837 seconds behind Márquez, while Ducati riders Álex Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer rounded out the top five, showcasing the brand’s strong performance this weekend. The session was characterized by changing track conditions, with the surface drying out significantly compared to the earlier practice held under wet conditions.
The top five results from the session were as follows: Márquez led, followed by Di Giannantonio, Morbidelli, Álex Márquez, and Aldeguer. Jack Miller, riding for Honda, finished sixth, closely followed by Pedro Acosta and Maverick Viñales from KTM in seventh and eighth places, respectively. Joan Mir, representing Yamaha, and Francesco Bagnaia, another Ducati rider, completed the top ten, with Bagnaia just making the cut to qualify for Q2.
Márquez’s performance not only highlights his skill but also his adaptability to the circuit's conditions. “I feel great on the bike, and the team has done an incredible job setting it up for these conditions,” Márquez stated after the session. His confidence is palpable as he heads into the qualifying rounds scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025.
As the teams prepare for the next round of action, the third free practice session kicks off at 12:10 PM local time, followed by the crucial qualifying session at 12:50 PM. The sprint race is set to take place later that day at 5 PM, and all sessions will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+.
On the championship front, Márquez leads the standings, with his brother Álex Márquez in second place and Francesco Bagnaia trailing closely behind. The competition is intensifying as the season progresses, with riders eager to improve their standings in this thrilling championship.
Fabio Quartararo, who has had a mixed start to the season, is looking to regain momentum. Currently sitting in 15th place in the championship standings, Quartararo has fond memories of the Circuit of the Americas, having secured a second-place finish in Moto3 back in 2015, and replicating that success in MotoGP in 2021. In 2023, he also made it to the podium, finishing third.
Álex Rins, another key competitor, is also excited about the Austin circuit. Rins has enjoyed previous successes here, including a victory in the 2023 Americas GP and multiple podium finishes in the premier class. “Austin has always been a special place for me,” Rins remarked. “The fans are incredible, and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show this weekend.”
Meanwhile, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team has been adjusting their lineup due to injuries. Jack Miller will be joined by Augusto Fernandez, who steps in for the injured Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira suffered a shoulder injury during the sprint race in Argentina, prompting the team to make this change. Fernandez, who has been the official test rider for Yamaha, will be making his competitive debut with the team this weekend.
As the excitement builds for the Americas GP, fans can look forward to a weekend packed with action. The MotoGP event is part of a larger weekend of racing, including Moto3 and Moto2 classes, with the MotoGP race scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4 PM. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN4 and Disney+ Premium.
With the weather conditions still uncertain, teams will be keen to adapt their strategies accordingly. The unpredictability of the weather adds an extra layer of excitement to the weekend's events. “We’re prepared for anything,” said Márquez, reflecting on the potential challenges that lie ahead. “It’s all about being adaptable and staying focused.”
As the MotoGP heads into the next phase of the championship, all eyes will be on Márquez as he aims to extend his lead in the standings while other riders look to close the gap. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of racing in Austin, where speed, strategy, and skill will be put to the ultimate test.
