Bagnaia Conquers COTA Chaos, Alex Marquez Takes MotoGP Championship Lead

The Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas delivered an unforgettable spectacle of drama, culminating in Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) securing his first Grand Prix win of 2025. The race, marred by rain, delays, and a shock crash from “COTA King” Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), saw Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) emerge as the new MotoGP title leader with a hard-fought second-place finish. Fabio Di Giannantonio(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completed the podium, marking a sensational Round 3.

Pre-race rain threw the grid into disarray, leading to an unprecedented mid-grid dash for spare bikes fitted with slick tires. Race Director Mike Webb ultimately red-flagged the initial start due to safety concerns, stating, “Given the number of riders, bikes and pit staff on the grid and in the pit lane area, it was impossible to start the Warm Up lap.” After a brief delay and a quick start procedure, the race finally got underway, with all riders on slicks.

Marc Marquez initially seized the lead, quickly building a significant gap. However, on Lap 4, the unthinkable happened at Turn 4: the six-time MotoGP Champion crashed out of the lead, his front end washing away on a wet patch. Though he remounted, damage to his bike ultimately forced his retirement, ending his undefeated run at COTA.

With Marc Marquez out, Bagnaia inherited the lead and maintained a comfortable gap over Alex Marquez, who in turn held off a charging Di Giannantonio. Bagnaia solidified his position, ultimately crossing the finish line for his 30th career MotoGP win. Alex Marquez’s consistent performance earned him his sixth consecutive second-place finish, catapulting him to the top of the World Championship standings. Di Giannantonio’s third place capped a phenomenal weekend for the Italian. The Austin drama now sets the stage for an intriguing Round 4 in Qatar.