Marc Marquez is storming through the 2025 MotoGP season with Ducati, grabbing eight Grand Prix wins and 11 Sprint victories so far. His massive 120-point lead heading into the Austrian Grand Prix has spotlighted a key flaw in MotoGP’s points system that new owners Liberty Media must address to keep the sport exciting and fair.
Why Marquez’s Run Highlights Points System Issues
Marquez has turned heads with his unbeatable form this year. After switching to Ducati, he has won races in Thailand, Argentina, Qatar, Aragon, Italy, and more, often sharing podiums with his brother Alex early on.
This dominance shows how one rider can skew the entire championship. With Ducati bikes filling the grid, Marquez’s points haul has made the title race feel one-sided, prompting calls for change.
Experts point out that the current setup rewards the top finisher from each manufacturer in the constructors’ standings. This means a single strong rider like Marquez can carry a brand to victory, even if the rest of the team lags behind.
In 2019, Marquez did just that for Honda, winning the constructors’ title almost solo while his teammates trailed far back. Fast forward to 2025, and Ducati’s grip looks even tighter.
The Bizarre Constructors Championship Setup
MotoGP’s constructors points go only to the highest-placed rider per manufacturer each weekend. This creates an uneven picture of team strength, especially with Ducati running six bikes compared to others’ four or fewer.
After 14 races in 2025, the standings tell the story. Ducati leads with 430 points, while Aprilia sits at 187, KTM at 175, Honda at 147, and Yamaha at 133.
| Position | Manufacturer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ducati | 430 |
| 2 | Aprilia | 187 |
| 3 | KTM | 175 |
| 4 | Honda | 147 |
| 5 | Yamaha | 133 |
This gap grew from last year, when Ducati ended with 722 points against KTM’s 327. Critics argue it does not reflect true competition, as Ducati’s numbers give them more chances to score big.
At the Argentine GP this season, Marquez earned Ducati the full 25 points with a win, while Honda’s best was just 10 points from sixth place. Such examples show why the system feels off balance.
Some suggest counting the top two finishers per manufacturer instead. This could paint a fairer picture and make the championship more engaging for fans and teams alike.
Liberty Media, fresh off boosting Formula 1’s popularity, sees this as a chance to grow MotoGP worldwide. They aim to attract new audiences, but one manufacturer’s total control could hold that back.
Liberty Media’s Big Plans and Needed Reforms
Liberty took over MotoGP with eyes on global expansion, much like their F1 success through shows like Drive to Survive. Riders like Marquez have praised their past work, saying it could lift MotoGP to new heights.
Yet, the sport’s heavy Spanish and Italian rider dominance worries them. Over half the grid comes from these countries, and only four non-Spanish or Italian riders have won titles since 2000.
- Toprak Razgatlioglu’s entry from World Superbikes brings Turkish fans and fresh energy.
- Calls grow for more diverse talent to widen appeal.
- Sprint race tweaks are also on the table, as Marquez lost just one in 2025.
Beyond points, Liberty wants a “big show” with thrilling battles. Ducati’s win streak of 39 out of 43 recent races clashes with that vision.
Riders like Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin feel the pressure, with Marquez’s lead making comebacks tough. Even so, the season has seen surprises, like Johann Zarco’s Honda win at Le Mans and Marco Bezzecchi’s Aprilia victory at Silverstone.
Impact on Riders and Future Seasons
Marquez’s story adds drama. After injuries and Honda struggles, his Ducati switch has him chasing a seventh MotoGP title. He leads by 120 points over Alex, with 10 weekends left.
This gap has rivals rethinking strategies. Alex Marquez now eyes second place, while others like Bagnaia push for consistency.
For manufacturers, a points revamp could level the field. Japanese brands like Yamaha and Honda have improved, scoring more points this year, but they still trail Ducati’s might.
If Liberty acts, 2026 could see fairer rules, boosting rivalries and fan interest. Talks at events like the upcoming Austrian GP might spark these changes.
What Fans and Experts Are Saying
Social buzz shows fans split. Some hail Marquez as a legend, with posts celebrating his 96 percent points haul rate and Ducati’s 90 percent win streak.
Others worry about boredom from one-bike dominance. Experts like journalists note how this mirrors past seasons where stars carried teams alone.
A fairer system might encourage innovation across brands, leading to closer races. As MotoGP evolves under Liberty, these debates keep the community alive.
What do you think about MotoGP’s points system? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow racing fans for more discussion.