The MotoGP World Championship stage in Mandalika has concluded, bringing Spanish riders a sweep of all three podium spots. Fermín Aldeguer claimed his first-ever victory in the premier class, confidently outpacing his rivals. He was joined on the podium by Pedro Acosta and Álex Márquez, securing an all-Spanish top three.
Weather conditions on the day were especially challenging: air temperatures reached 32 degrees, and the asphalt warmed up to 60. Humidity and wind made things even more difficult for the riders. Several participants, including Ai Ogura, Jorge Martín, and Maverick Viñales, were unable to start due to injuries.
Most riders opted for soft front and medium rear tires, while some, such as Acosta, Bastianini, and Binder, chose medium compounds. Quartararo went with a hard front and soft rear, and both Rins and Oliveira selected two sets of soft tires.
The race got off to a lively start: Pedro Acosta immediately took the lead, followed by Marini, Aldeguer, and Rins. Marco Bezzecchi once again had a poor start and fell behind Marc Márquez. In turn seven, Bezzecchi tried to overtake Márquez but misjudged the move and clipped his rear wheel. Both riders crashed, with Márquez sustaining a shoulder injury and being taken to the medical center. The Spaniard was diagnosed with a minor fracture in his right shoulder. This track once again proved unlucky for Márquez—he has yet to finish a race in Mandalika.
Alex Marquez soon overtook Joan Mir in the fight for seventh place, and then Mir also went off track and crashed. Raul Fernandez, remaining the sole Aprilia rider, managed to get ahead of both Yamahas and closed in on the leading group. Aldeguer passed Marini to take second place behind Acosta. Two riders from Murcia were out front, just as in the previous day’s sprint.
Pecco Bagnaia continued to struggle and was at the back of the pack, trailing behind the others. Even Chantra was ahead of him. Soon, Bagnaia crashed on the run to the finish, riding alone at low speed, which looked unusual.
On lap seven, Aldeguer managed to overtake Acosta, taking advantage of his mistake at turn ten. Pedro tried to regain the position but couldn’t, and Fermin began to pull away from the chasers. Marini and Acosta engaged in a tense battle for second place, allowing Aldeguer to extend his lead. Raul Fernandez tried to capitalize on the situation but made a mistake and dropped back, where he was caught by Rins and Alex Marquez.
Bastianini ended his race early, unable to find the right pace since Friday. Fernandez and Marini collided on the exit of the final corner, allowing Rins and Alex Marquez to move ahead. Marini, having lost his rhythm, quickly conceded positions to Quartararo and Binder, dropping from third to eighth.
Rins unexpectedly overtook Acosta, and then Alex Marquez passed his compatriot with five laps to go. Soon after, the Gresini rider overtook Rins again, securing a double success for his team and Ducati, while also strengthening his grip on second place in the overall standings. Acosta noticed Rins’s tires were worn and quickly reclaimed his position. Binder and Fernandez also took advantage of the situation, allowing three Spaniards to consolidate their spots among the leaders.
Jack Miller, who was in eleventh place, also could not avoid a crash. Just as it seemed Alex Marquez was pulling away, Acosta caught up with him and overtook him, leaving no chance for a response. Up front, Aldeguer confidently controlled his lead and saw the race through to victory, becoming the second youngest winner in MotoGP history. He managed to win at 20 years and 183 days old, a record bested only by Marc Marquez, who won in Austin in 2013 at 20 years and 66 days old.
