Agostini Praises Alex Marquez as the Surprise of 2025: What Made the MotoGP Legend Astonished?

In a season full of drama, technical innovations, and major surprises, one of the most unexpected stories of the 2025 MotoGP championship has been the rise of Alex Marquez. Once seen as living in the shadow of his legendary brother, Marc Marquez, the younger Marquez sibling is now basking in the spotlight—and he’s earning praise from one of the greatest riders in history: Giacomo Agostini.

The 15-time world champion, revered as one of the sport’s all-time greats, recently described Alex Marquez as the “surprise of the season.” The comment caught fans and paddock insiders off guard, but Agostini didn’t mince words. His astonishment at Alex’s transformation this year tells us a lot—not just about the rider, but about the changing landscape of MotoGP in 2025.

Alex Marquez Breaks Out of His Brother’s Shadow

For much of his MotoGP career, Alex Marquez has been known as “Marc’s brother.” His achievements were often compared against the towering legacy of Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion. While Alex won the Moto3 and Moto2 titles, his transition to MotoGP was rocky. Struggles with Honda and a modest showing with LCR Honda left many wondering if he’d ever become a top-tier threat.

But 2025 has been different.

Riding for Gresini Racing Ducati, Alex Marquez has emerged as one of the season’s most consistent and aggressive competitors. He’s made regular appearances in the top five, scored multiple podiums, and even fought for wins in tricky conditions—something Agostini called “a mark of real championship DNA.”

Giacomo Agostini’s Shocking Admiration for Alex

In an interview with Sky Italia, Agostini openly praised Alex Marquez, calling his growth and performance this year “unexpected and genuinely impressive.”

“I’ve followed Alex’s career closely,” said Agostini. “But what he’s done in 2025 has surprised me more than anything else. He’s not just fast—he’s smart, composed, and a fighter.”

That’s high praise from a man who’s seen legends come and go for over five decades. What made Agostini so astonished? It’s not just the raw results, but Alex’s evolution as a complete MotoGP rider.

“He’s matured technically,” Agostini continued. “He reads the race. He knows when to attack, when to conserve tires, and how to adapt to changing conditions. That’s what champions do.”

What Changed in 2025? The Ducati GP25 and Mental Shift

Several factors have contributed to Alex Marquez’s leap forward in 2025. First and foremost is the machinery. The Ducati GP25 has proven to be a top-tier machine this season, and Alex has gelled with the bike in a way he never could on the Honda.

His braking style, corner entry smoothness, and ability to handle acceleration out of low-speed corners seem tailor-made for the Ducati. But the bike alone doesn’t tell the full story.

Insiders at Gresini Racing point to a massive shift in mindset. For the first time in his premier-class career, Alex is racing without the pressure of direct comparison to Marc. With Marc moving into the factory Ducati spotlight and the media focused on names like Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Fabio Quartararo, Alex has quietly focused on his craft.

“Alex has become a silent assassin,” one Gresini crew member said. “He shows up, does his homework, and strikes when the time is right. He’s no longer overthinking everything. He’s just riding.”

Standout Performances: Wet Masterclass and Tire Management

Agostini’s astonishment is grounded in key performances that showed Alex’s evolution. One of the biggest came at the Dutch TT in Assen, where a sudden downpour forced riders to switch bikes and adapt strategies mid-race. While several top riders—including Marc—struggled with tire temperatures and braking distances, Alex Marquez danced in the rain like a veteran.

He managed his tires brilliantly, avoided errors, and finished second behind only the dominant Marc, who barely held him off in the final laps. After the race, even Marc admitted:

“Alex pushed me hard today. He’s not the same rider I used to train with years ago—he’s stepped up big time.”

Another highlight came at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Alex Marquez outsmarted Pecco Bagnaia in a late-race duel for the final podium spot. While Bagnaia suffered from tire drop-off, Alex conserved his rubber, waited for his moment, and pounced in Turn 9 to secure third place.

It wasn’t just speed. It was tactical brilliance.

Why Agostini Sees a Future Champion

What sets Agostini’s praise apart is that he doesn’t hand out compliments lightly. He’s known for being critical of modern riders, especially those he feels haven’t earned their reputations yet. So when the Italian icon says Alex Marquez could fight for a championship soon, people listen.

“He has all the tools now,” Agostini explained. “He’s calm, fast, and experienced. If Gresini and Ducati continue to support him, why not 2026?”

Agostini’s words may seem bold, but the numbers back them up. Alex Marquez is currently fifth in the 2025 MotoGP standings, ahead of big names like Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini, and even Fabio Quartararo. He has outqualified his brother Marc on multiple occasions and leads Gresini’s development program.

Family Rivalry Reversed? The Marc-Alex Dynamic in 2025

For the first time, Marc Marquez is publicly acknowledging Alex as a rival, not just a sibling. In past seasons, Marc would downplay questions about competing with his brother. But in 2025, the narrative has changed.

“He’s making me work,” Marc joked after the French GP. “When we’re both in the top five, I know it’s going to be a fight.”

Marc’s Ducati GP25 is arguably more factory-supported than Alex’s satellite version, but on multiple weekends, Alex has managed to outperform Marc, sparking a new chapter in their relationship.

For fans, this sibling rivalry turned mutual respect story is one of the most heartwarming—and competitive—tales of the season.

2026 and Beyond: What Comes Next for Alex Marquez?

With Marc Marquez rumored to leave Ducati for a massive Aprilia deal in 2026, the MotoGP grid could open up new opportunities for Alex. Could he take over his brother’s factory Ducati seat? Or might he remain the leader of the Gresini project with full factory support?

Giacomo Agostini seems to think Alex Marquez’s future is brighter than ever.

“He’s no longer in anyone’s shadow,” Agostini said. “He’s creating his own legacy now.”

Final Thoughts: Why Alex Marquez is the True Surprise of 2025

While names like Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Jorge Martin often dominate headlines, it’s Alex Marquez who’s become the silent storm of the 2025 MotoGP season. He’s transformed from a middle-pack rider into a tactical, fearless contender—and done it without fanfare or controversy.

And when Giacomo Agostini—a man who’s seen legends rise and fall—calls you “the surprise of the season,” it’s time for the world to pay attention.

In a championship packed with wild rumors, team switches, and engineering breakthroughs, Alex Marquez’s rise might just be the most meaningful surprise of all.