Aldeguer takes stunning maiden win in Mandalika as Marquez and Bezzecchi clash
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) stunned the MotoGP world by claiming his maiden Grand Prix victory in commanding style at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. The 19-year-old rookie became the second-youngest winner in premier-class history, mastering the chaos of a dramatic opening lap that saw multiple contenders crash out.
Credit: MotoGP Press
The race erupted with drama almost immediately. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) made contact at the fast Turn 6, sending both riders tumbling out of contention within the first lap. Thankfully, both escaped major harm, though Marquez sustained a right collarbone injury that will require further medical checks in Europe. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was transported to a local hospital for examination.
As the dust settled, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took the early lead, chased closely by Aldeguer and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). Joan Mir’s promising weekend ended early with a Lap 2 crash, and Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) nightmare continued when he fell at Turn 17 while running outside the points.
On Lap 7, Aldeguer launched his decisive move on Acosta at Turn 10, taking the lead with confidence. The rookie then unleashed blistering pace, consistently lapping half a second faster than anyone else. His gap grew to over six seconds as the chasing group battled fiercely behind him.
Credit: MotoGP Press
While Aldeguer disappeared into the distance, the fight for second and third turned into a thriller. Acosta fought off challenges from Marini, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). In the closing stages, Alex Marquez powered past Rins and Acosta to make it a potential Gresini 1-2, but Acosta refused to yield. With three laps to go, the KTM rider reclaimed second at Turn 10, holding on under immense pressure.
After 27 laps of relentless racing, Aldeguer crossed the line 8.6 seconds clear of the field, sealing a historic debut win. Acosta secured a hard-earned second place, with Alex Marquez completing the podium and strengthening his hold on second in the championship standings.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) charged from 15th on the grid to finish fourth in a stellar ride, ahead of Marini, Fernandez, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in seventh. Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Rins rounded out the top ten.
Aldeguer’s victory not only etched his name into the MotoGP record books but also delivered a statement performance for the resurgent Gresini Racing team — a day the paddock won’t soon forget.