The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to MotoGP 2025
Introduction: Why MotoGP 2025 Is a Season You Can’t Miss
Other than the Formula One Grand Prix, the MotoGP World Championship is as interesting as any race on the planet depending on what your need for speed requirements are. What sets the MotoGP apart in my opinion is that speed is not the only deciding factor.
Ultimately the winning rider has to be someone who has skills and talent to take on some of the most obnoxious circuits in the world. That said, it’s no wonder that this race’s fanbase is growing globally including in Malaysia.
2025 is indeed an exciting year for those who follow MotoGP. With new teams, bikes and an updated calendar, fans can expect a dramatic race ahead of them. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from race format to schedule and will come in handy to understand the race better.
Shall we begin?
What Is MotoGP?
MotoGP is a premier motorcycle racing championship that features 22 seasons of Grand Prix (Motogp.com, 2025) Within the world of motorcycle sports, MotoGP is the most elite level of race, considered as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
There are three main classes within MotoGP, namely MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. These three levels are different to each other as they each describe the level of competitors within each category.
Moto3 is the level where beginner racers compete in a MotoGP race. Moto2 on the other hand is the intermediate class; whereas MotoGP is the most premier class with the most talented MotoGP riders. For any riders to reach the MotoGP level, he will need to progress through these three classes.
MotoGP and Formula 1 are totally different from one another. Let’s look at a few key features that sets them apart:
- Two vs Four Wheels: F1 is no doubt a race with four wheelers whereas the MotoGP is a race for two wheelers.
- Agility vs aerodynamics: While MotoGP riders rely on their agility while making corners and going from fast to slow, F1 drivers are faster thanks to their aerodynamics and downforce.
- Driving vs riding: F1 drivers are usually in constant communication with their team throughout the race, whereas MotoGP riders use their body to balance themselves while being quite exposed to the track.
The MotoGP race is also a truly international one, perhaps a similarity that they share with the F1 world. Races are done globally with over 18 to 20 countries involved in any one race. The MotoGP 2025 for example involved races in over 18 countries, with circuits like Sepang, Mugello, and Qatar.
What’s New in MotoGP 2025
There were several changes that took place within MotoGP 2025. New regulations like the tightening of aerodynamics, engine and fuel-related changes in relation to becoming greener as well as other manufacturer changes were introduced.
With these changes came a large shift in strategy and transfers that will enable teams to continue competing optimally. Let’s take a closer look at some of the newest in MotoGP 2025.
New Teams and Riders to Watch
There are several rookies to watch out for in the 2025 line up. The Moto2 Champion 2024, Ai Ogura debuts finally into MotoGP 2025, which will be an interesting MotoGP rider to follow throughout the race. Somkiat Chantra is another fresh rookie, making things interesting as the first Thailand MotoGP rider.
Key transfers among big teams also keeps the excitement alive. Jorge Martin, the title holder in 2024, made a move to Aprilia leaving his old team. Meanwhile Ducati receiving Marc Marquez was also not expected but is bound to shake things up at the MotoGP 2025.
Tech Innovations Shaping MotoGP 2025
Tech innovations in MotoGP 2025 have definitely shaped the race slightly differently than the previous years.
Take the aerodynamics for example; the MotoGP2025 race allows a simple and restricted design which reduces rider’s reliance on ride-height devices. For most teams this means they are no longer relying on downforce-heavy setups. With this, rider’s skills become more important as they are not too assisted by aerodynamics.
Tire compounds have also undergone changes where they are now built differently to handle sustainable fuels. The changes in tire compounds in MotoGP 2025 also means consistency can be achieved for the distance the races involve. This indirectly allows riders to push harder for a longer time while making sure that they balance performance and safety better.
With advanced technology and the ever changing landscape of MotoGP 2025, these new regulations and changes are causing teams to change how they use their data, how to be more aerodynamic and strategize correctly to win the MotoGP race, causing them to always continuously evolve technologically.
MotoGP Race Weekend Explained
The MotoGP 2025 World Championship is indeed a global event with the first one kicking off in Thailand and the last one ending at Spain. The easiest way to understand the race weekend format is to look at the table below. This highlights the format for the premier class.
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| Morning | Free Practice 1: 45 mins |
|
MotoGP Warm-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | Qualifying 2: Practice entry timed session: 60 mins | MotoGP Sprint | MotoGP Race |
This weekend format is actually set up for maximum excitement, owing to the fact that speed is still a huge goal as great grid positions can impact the final outcome for riders during the MotoGP race.
Friday: Free Practice Sessions
The time that riders get during their free practice is usually used for them to familiarise themselves with the circuit, adjust to the environment, test their vehicles and prepare themselves for the qualifying sessions that will determine their grid positions eventually in the MotoGP race.
Saturday: Qualifying and Sprint Race
The Q1 and Q2 races happening on Saturday morning will finally determine the starting positions for riders for the Sprint race on Saturday afternoon as well as the main race on Sunday.
The Sprint Race on the other hand is a newer exciting addition as it contributes half points for riders towards the main race. Winners of the Sprint Race can earn anywhere from 1-12 points, for the top 9 finishers. Although the points that riders gain might seem small, a consistent accumulation can really push the ranking for riders and their teams.
Sunday: Main Race Day
The highlight of the weekend is surely the main race day: Sunday. During the race, teams cover anywhere from 100-130km of distance with a fixed number of laps depending on the circuit where the race is taking place.
The points earned for every main race along with the accumulation of points from winning the sprint races will determine the overall placement of teams in MotoGP. Read the section for a breakdown on the points system.
MotoGP 2025 Schedule and Circuits
The MotoGP schedule involves races conducted in 22 different countries. Table below illustrates all of the races and their respective locations:
| Event | Date | Circuit | Grand Prix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Feb – 2 Mar | Chang International Circuit, Buriram | Thailand |
| 2 | 14 Mar – 16 Mar | Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo | Argentina |
| 3 | 28 Mar – 30 Mar | Circuit of the Americas, Austin | USA |
| 4 | 11 Apr – 13 Apr | Lusail International Circuit, Lusail | Qatar |
| 5 | 25 Apr – 27 Apr | Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto | Spanish |
| 6 | 9 May – 11 May | Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans | French |
| 7 | 23 May – 25 May | Silverstone Circuit | British |
| 8 | 6 Jun – 8 Jun | MotorLand Aragón | Aragon |
| 9 | 20 Jun – 22 Jun | Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello | Italian |
| 10 | 27 Jun – 29 Jun | TT Circuit Assen | Dutch |
| 11 | 11 Jul – 13 Jul | Sachsenring | German |
| 12 | 18 Jul – 20 Jul | Automotodrom Brno | Czech |
| 13 | 15 Aug – 17 Aug | Red Bull Ring, Spielberg | Austrian |
| 14 | 22 Aug – 24 Aug | Balaton Park Circuit | Hungarian |
| 15 | 5 Sep – 7 Sep | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Catalonia |
| 16 | 12 Sep – 14 Sep | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli | San Marino |
| 17 | 26 Sep – 28 Sep | Mobility Resort Motegi | Japanese |
| 18 | 3 Oct – 5 Oct | Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit | Indonesian |
| 19 | 17 Oct – 19 Oct | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit | Australian |
| 20 | 24 Oct – 26 Oct | Sepang International Circuit | Malaysian |
| 21 | 7 Nov – 9 Nov | Autódromo Internacional do Algarve | Portuguese |
| 22 | 14 Nov – 16 Nov | Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia | Valencian |
Key Races to Watch
Each race is indeed unique as the championship takes place in countries with different weather, track layout and of course crowd energy.
For example, MotoGP races in Qatar can be considered a unique experience thanks to the fact that it happens at night so that the hot weather can be avoided. However, racing at night means MotoGP riders will have to brace the wind and under the ultra bright lights, unlike racing during the day.
Likewise, many other circuits provide different sets of challenges, testing a riders skills and talent, not just the speed and power their vehicles provide.
The Mugello track is famously known for its corners, setting itself as one of the most challenging ones to tackle. Meanwhile the coastal circuit in Australia poses its own ‘salty’ challenges that can test the grip levels while riding.
Sepang International Circuit: Malaysia’s Home of MotoGP
In Malaysia, the Sepang International circuit has played host to the MotoGP race since 1999, marking its 25th year, next year.
The track itself is a very well known one, with riders having to work their way with the Malaysian humidity for weather. The atmosphere in Sepang is usually very lively with a large turnout indicating a strong regional support for MotoGP race.
That said, anyone wishing to get tickets, should do so as early as possible. There are up to 200,000 tickets that go on sale, with EDM music festivals expected to line up before the race days.
Getting to the Sepang International Circuit is pretty easy. You can always opt to take a Grab ride (e-hailing) from any of your locations, especially since it is very close to KLIA. Parking can be a challenge so opt for public transportation.
From KL Sentral, you can take the KLIA Ekspres train to KLIA. To aid fans, MotoGP has set up convenient shuttle buses between KLIA and the circuit on race weekends, so be sure to keep yourself updated to the MotoGP schedule here.
How the Points System Works
The scoring system for the main race is not that complicated – riders collect points throughout the championship to earn the title. Each placement has a fixed score which we have illustrated in the table below.
| Placement | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 20 |
| 3rd | 16 |
| 4th | 13 |
| 5th | 11 |
| 6th | 10 |
| 7th | 9 |
| 8th | 8 |
| 9th | 7 |
| 10th | 6 |
| 11th | 5 |
| 12th | 4 |
| 13th | 3 |
| 14th | 2 |
| 15th | 1 |
The points earned during the main race are then added to the winnings of Sprint Races. Remember, riders can win up to 12 points in a sprint race. This is exactly why consistency matters more as the accumulation of smaller points throughout the race can sometimes land a rider on the podium.
Sprint Race points vs Main Race points
| Placement | Sprint Race Points | Main Race Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | 25 |
| 2nd | 9 | 20 |
| 3rd | 7 | 16 |
| 4th | 6 | 13 |
| 5th | 5 | 11 |
| 6th | 4 | 10 |
| 7th | 3 | 9 |
| 8th | 2 | 8 |
| 9th | 1 | 7 |
| 10th | – | 6 |
| 11th | – | 5 |
| 12th | – | 4 |
| 13th | – | 3 |
| 14th | – | 2 |
| 15th | – | 1 |
Top MotoGP Teams and Riders to Know in 2025
Here are some of the teams and riders to keep a close watch for the 2025 MotoGP schedule:
- Ducati: Ducati has always been the equivalent of Mercedes in F1, in MotoGP. The last few seasons has been dominated by them thanks to their strong bikes and talented riders, in both the factory and satellite teams. Which means, they have a target on their back, as this is the team that everyone wants to beat.
- Yamaha: Yamaha on the other hand has been the rival that keeps improving its bikes to snatch the podium. Rumour has it that they are coming back stronger to back their rider, Quartataro back to the podium. But can they beat Ducati?
- Honda: With a lot of reinvestment made into their team of engineers, bike designers and their team of riders, Honda has put a lot of effort to turn up the dial in MotoGP 2025. I guess we will find out in 2025 if all the investment had indeed paid off!
- Aprilia: Indeed the dark horse of the MotoGP Championship, Aprilia has been long underestimated but the hard core fans know this is the team to watch for as pulling out a ‘trick’ is often their style to try and dominate or even propel themselves to the top 5.
- KTM: Their bikes are matched to their riders style – aggressive, technical and definitely riders who know how to use all these to their advantage. Added with a long list of talents already in the pipeline to use, KTM is a strong contender, and one to watch out for in MotoGP.
Teams are not complete without their riders. Let’s take a look at some of the riders worth looking out for in 2025:
Bagnaia is indeed a big name in the MotoGP world as he had bagged 11 victories in 2024 alone. This raised him to fame but since he had one too many crashes, the title unfortunately slipped away. In 2025, will we see him dominating the tracks or will his crashes take away the title again?
With Bagnaia’s crashes coming in handy, Marquez who already is the youngest to win MotoGP title six times, is ready to continue picking up titles after titles. As of 2024, Marquez has already become a champion 8 times. Will he be getting his ninth in 2025?
Quartataro hasn’t seen bright days for a number of years now with his underperforming Yamaha ride, but the last race in Malaysia at the very least got him to the top six on the charts. Will he fight back harder in 2025 with the better Yamaha package?
How to Watch MotoGP 2025 in Malaysia
TV and Streaming Options
If you’re wondering where to watch MotoGP 2025, thankfully, it can be watched live on Astro Supersport, SPOTV, and through the subscription of the official MotoGP VideoPass. While Astro Supersports and SPOTV may not be available to all, the video pass enables fans like you to watch all the official races online, along with access to real-time live data.
For those who are more into watching highlights, you can closely follow MotoGP’s social media channels especially its YouTube channel to catch the highlights of the show.
Watching Live at Sepang
For those who want to be part of the atmosphere, there’s nothing like catching the race live at Sepang International Circuit. Book the tickets in advance online via the Sepang Circuit’s official website here.
Alternatively you can also purchase the tickets at the counter located at the circuit, open daily except for public holidays. A list of authorised ticketing agents are also available here.
Fun Facts for New MotoGP Fans
Here are some mind boggling facts about the MotoGP Championship for you new fans:
Did you know that:
- The fastest recorded MotoGP speed can go over 360 km/h.
- Riders lean at over 60° in corners which relies heavily on their skills and their tyre’s grip
- On average, riders cover a distance of anywhere between 100-120 km during a race depending on circuits and lap counts.
Conclusion: Why MotoGP 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Get Into the Sport
The 2025 season will be nothing short of dramatic for any hardcore MotoGP fans. With new rules in place, a schedule that will feature 22 circuits and other new requirements this year, the excitement will be unparalleled, we believe.
What’s even better is that Malaysians get to enjoy front row seats at our very own Sepang International Circuit. All the events lined up to welcome the race weekend are surely fun and definitely will ramp up the hype for the races.
That said, we’re certain that whether you’re a new or an old fan of MotoGP, you will definitely have the best time at the edge of your speed, seeing talent, speed, strategy and skills coming together on the circuit, no matter where you’re watching the MotoGP 2025 World Championship.