Marco Bezzecchi continued his fine MotoGP form at Balaton Park after securing another podium following a tight battle with Marc Marquez.
He has now reached the rostrum in four of his last five Grands Prix, and has been an inspired signing for Aprilia this year.
Bezzecchi now looks to be Marquez’s closest challenger and should be in with a chance of competing for more victories over the rest of 2025.
With eight more MotoGP races to go before the campaign is over, the two are set to fight for top honours many more times.
Marquez explained how Bezzecchi caught him out on the opening lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the two made minor contact in turn two.
It came just days after Marquez exposed a ‘worrying’ Ducati weakness following a battle with his Italian rival. The Noale-based manufacturer is a real contender now.
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Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty ImagesMarco Bezzecchi slams Balaton Park ‘disaster’ after being forced into strategy Marc Marquez avoided
Marquez is ‘only afraid’ of Bezzecchi, according to Carlo Pernat, who believes that he now realises the threat that he poses.
It was a brave choice to move from the safe haven of a satellite Ducati seat with VR46 to be teammates with the reigning champion.
Now, he looks like a genius, but his excellent form hasn’t prevented him from reflecting harshly on his performances.
Speaking on TNT Sports after Sunday’s race in Balaton Park, Bezzecchi shared how having a softer front tyre than Marquez made his last 10 laps a ‘disaster’.
“The race was fantastic, I needed to use the soft because of the extra grip in braking, and I struggled all the weekend in braking.
“I used the soft because of this, but in terms of wear, I didn’t expect such a big drop, and the last 10 laps were a disaster for me.”
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Why Marco Bezzecchi should be encouraged by his recent run of MotoGP form
Judging by recent results, Bezzecchi has every reason to be excited for the rest of this season and 2026, despite having a champion alongside him.
He doesn’t get along too well with Martin, but if they can work together on an amicable level, then Aprilia has some real potential.
Martin can’t emulate what Bezzecchi has ‘achieved’ and may have a newfound respect for his Italian rival after joining forces with him.
However, he finished just over three seconds behind him at Balaton Park, despite starting from 16th on the grid. He too is starting to build some momentum and could be a contender soon.