Return of the King: Can Marc Marquez Reign at COTA?

Marc Marquez returns to his throne at the Circuit of the Americas as MotoGP heads to Texas — but can anyone dethrone the undisputed King of COTA in 2025?

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MotoGP returns to the Lone Star State, and all eyes are on one name: Marc Marquez. After a perfect start to the 2025 season, the eight-time World Champion leads the charge into Austin with a target on his back and a legacy of dominance at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) to defend.

Marquez has won every MotoGP race held on American soil from 2013 to 2018 and again in 2021. Despite crashing out while leading last year, he’s back with a vengeance in Ducati red — and right now, he’s not just the rider to beat, he’s the rider no one can beat.

But COTA won’t be a one-man show.

The Marquez Brothers Take Centre Stage

For the first time in years, it’s not just Marc causing problems at the front. Alex Marquez, riding for BK8 Gresini Racing, has started 2025 with a bang — even leading more Sunday laps than his elder brother. He was strong in Thailand, challenged Marc in Argentina, and looks like a real contender.

COTA hasn’t traditionally been Alex’s strongest circuit, but momentum counts — and this year, the #73 is racing like a man reborn.

Can Anyone Break the Marquez Stranglehold?

Francesco Bagnaia, Marc’s Ducati Lenovo teammate, has had a quietly strong start to the season with four podiums in a row. He’s fast at COTA too, having taken pole and the Sprint win there in 2023. A victory here would be a statement – and a well-timed one.

Maverick Viñales returns to COTA with Red Bull KTM Tech3 after winning here last year with Aprilia, while Enea Bastianini (also a former COTA winner) and Alex Rins (who won in 2019 and 2023) bring serious American form to the grid.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta was electric at COTA last year in just his second MotoGP race. Back with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, he’s looking to build on that early promise.

Mid-Pack Mayhem & Dark Horses

There’s a lot of heat building just outside the podium battle. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) is fresh off a brilliant Argentina round and heads to a circuit where the team found success just two years ago.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) is looking to convert a strong qualifying into points, while Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha) and Brad Binder (KTM) aim to break into the top six. Augusto Fernandez will replace Miguel Oliveira at Pramac, looking to impress with the opportunity.

Watch out for Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio from VR46, who have been quietly consistent. Morbidelli’s Argentina podium – his first in almost four years – was a breakthrough, and both riders could spring a surprise in Austin.

Rookie Radar: Austin Awaits

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Racing) has shown promise early in the season. Though disqualified in Argentina for a software issue, he finished inside the top ten and is quickly learning the ropes. As Trackhouse returns to home soil, there’s pressure and pride in the air.

Fermin Aldeguer and Somkiat Chantra are still chasing their first big MotoGP moments, though Aldeguer may take heart from his Moto2 podium in Austin last year.

Off the Track

The weekend kicks off with a press conference on Thursday featuring Marc and Alex Marquez, Franco Morbidelli, and home favourite Ai Ogura. Meanwhile, the Parts Unlimited MotoAmerica Talent Cup by Motul joins the schedule as part of the Road to MotoGP program.

Fans can also look forward to the Sprint podium celebrations taking place in the COTA amphitheatre — a fan-favourite spectacle.

The Verdict

COTA has long been Marc Marquez territory, but in 2025, the competition is deeper, smarter, and hungrier. Will the Marquez brothers continue their dominance, or will someone steal the show in Texas?

Grab your popcorn — the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is ready to light up Austin.