MotoGP 2025 is halfway through, and it’s not just Marc Marquez making headlines. In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the underdogs who are surprising everyone. Riders like Zarco, Quartararo, and even Pecco are rewriting the narrative. From satellite bikes outperforming factories, to champions showing cracks, we dive into who’s really overachieving, who’s quietly falling off, and why it’s all way more complicated than the podium shows. Whether you’re a hardcore MotoGP fan or just catching up, this mid-season breakdown will give you a fresh perspective on who’s actually crushing it.

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro
• 01:02 – Who’s impressed you the most this season?
• 03:30 – Bezzecchi’s breakout performance
• 05:01 – Pecco’s quiet pressure and mental game
• 10:02 – Is Luca Marini a better test rider than racer?
• 15:04 – Quartararo’s raw talent vs. team feedback
• 20:05 – Riders who may be out of their depth
• 25:05 – The path to development success
• 30:05 – Thoughts on Bruno and missed rider potential
• 35:06 – Hitting apexes under pressure
• 40:09 – Toprak, teams, and next-gen potential
• 45:16 – What personality matters in the paddock
• 50:16 – Engine braking vs. rider input
• 55:18 – Confidence, and past performances
• 60:19 – DCT quirks and wrap-up thoughts
• 63:32 – Who we are and thanks for watching