The 2025 MotoGP season continued to thrill fans as the paddock returned to Europe for the Gran Premio de España at Jerez. With tight lap times, dramatic crashes, and new records set, Friday's practice session provided a fascinating glimpse into how teams and riders are adapting as the championship heats up.

Alex Marquez Shines Despite Setbacks

Alex Marquez stunned the field by setting a new lap record in Friday practice at Jerez. Despite suffering a fast crash at Turn 5 early in the session, Marquez bounced back with a relentless pace, clocking a blistering 1:35.991. His effort secured him the top spot over Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia and demonstrated resilience that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Read an in-depth session recap and see why Marquez wasn’t entirely satisfied with the day's outcome, despite his impressive speed, in this detailed review from Roadracing World Magazine.

The Ducati Dominance Continues

Ducati once again proved its might, filling the top four spots in the afternoon practice. Francesco Bagnaia was just 0.103 seconds behind Marquez, followed by Franco Morbidelli and six-time world champion Marc Marquez in fourth. The new Desmosedici GP25 has shown consistency, with both Marquez brothers and Bagnaia adapting quickly to the tight, technical layout of Jerez. The European season often marks a turning point in the championship, but as The Race notes in their analysis, major changes at the front of the MotoGP field remain elusive.

Yamaha Rebounds, Quartararo Impresses

Fabio Quartararo emerged as the top challenger to Ducati on his Monster Energy Yamaha, rebounding from a last-corner crash during his time attack. His lap time of 1:36.419 placed him fifth and qualified him directly to Q2. Teammate Álex Rins finished 15th, continuing to adapt the bike setup for Jerez’s unique demands. The Yamaha squad showed clear progress, with both riders optimistic about their pace for the weekend’s Sprint and main race.

Drama for Miller and Honda Test Team

Jack Miller was a leading figure through most of practice for Prima Pramac Yamaha, but a late crash cost him a direct transfer to Q2. His speed signals potential for the rest of the weekend, while Augusto Fernandez continued to gather valuable track time. Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaro made his Honda HRC Test Team debut, focusing on testing the new Honda engine. While the team hoped for immediate improvements, Espargaro admitted there’s more work ahead to unlock the RC213V’s full potential.

What to Watch for the Rest of the Weekend

MotoGP’s return to familiar European circuits like Jerez brings tighter competition and a fresh set of challenges. As team managers and riders stress, even minuscule improvements or setbacks in practice can shape the title hunt. The practice session’s top 18 runners were separated by just over a second, highlighting the parity in modern MotoGP.

Those interested in a closer look at Alex Marquez’s dramatic day—including his two crashes and emotional post-session reflections—can check out the coverage at Motorsport.com.

Conclusion: The MotoGP Title Race Intensifies

Friday at Jerez served up classic MotoGP action, with new lap records, fierce rivalries, and heroic comebacks. As qualifying and the races approach, all eyes are on the front runners to see who will seize momentum in the 2025 championship. Stay tuned for further updates, results, and expert analysis as the MotoGP season charges forward.