Grand Prix Germany: Michael Laverty backs record-breaking Fabio Di Giannantonio to challenge Marc Marquez - 'It's coming together for him'
Published 11/07/2025 at 17:29 GMT+1
Marc Marquez was third fastest at the end of the first day's racing at Grand Prix Germany on Friday, with only his brother Alex and Fabio Di Giannantonio quicker. The latter set the track record with his effort, and TNT Sports pundit Michael Laverty has tipped the Italian to challenge for victory in Germany over the course of the weekend, as well as noting some other candidates.
Di Giannantonio focused on 'super important' qualifying after setting fastest lap record in Germany
Video credit: TNT Sports
Michael Laverty believes that Marc Marquez remains the favourite in Germany, but sees strong challenges from his brother Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Following Friday's practice session at the Sachsenring in Saxony, it was Di Giannantonio who surprised the crowd by going fastest.
The VR46 Ducati rider recorded a time of 1:19.017 seconds to go clear at the top - and by some distance.
His time was just over a third of a second quicker than his nearest rival, BK8 Gresini’s Alex Marquez, who appeared to be in some discomfort after a hand injury suffered in the Netherlands in the previous round.
Marc Marquez was only a little slower, with his Ducati Lenovo team-mate Francesco Bagnaia way down in ninth spot, suggesting he remains a way off the pace on his bike.
While the older Marquez, Marc, remains favourite to win both the Sprint and the full-length races over the weekend, Laverty does believe there is a chance that he will have to fend off some credible challenges, noting that his brother looked capable of giving him a run for his money.
He told TNT Sports: "He’s carrying a hand injury after the Assen incident, but he looked good today, though.
"If adrenaline kicks in, I think he’s got something to challenge him, but around here, Marc Marquez is so good."
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'I need to take risks' - Marquez admits he could crash as he looks to improve for qualifying
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However, he felt that record-breaker Di Giannantonio looked the rider most likely, adding: "The challenge could come from Diggi.
"The pace in the one lap wasn’t a fluke. He looked really good, really solid in terms of his rhythm. I just have a Diggi feeling at the moment - it’s coming together for him."
Laverty was also reluctant to rule out Bagnaia as he managed to grab a spot in Q2, saying: "Pecco is inside the top 10, which is good.
"He’s through directly to Q2. He was on a really fast lap, chasing Diggi and Marc. It went wrong for him in sector three, so I think he’s got something, maybe a little more than he showed today.
"I don’t know if he’s got the beating of Marc in a straight head-to-head, in dry conditions, but he’s going to be in there."
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'What a lap!' - Di Giannantonio sets fastest ever lap at Grand Prix Germany
Video credit: TNT Sports
With inclement conditions forecast for Saturday at least, Laverty thinks that rain could be the decisive factor if the older Marquez brother is to be beaten, and suggested Jack Miller may benefit.
"That’s the most likely outcome to beat Marc, it’s the weather," he stated. "But then we know how good he is in changeable conditions.
"Jack Miller is looking good in time attack this weekend. If he gets into the front two rows, and weather does play a part, then Jack could be your trump card."
Saturday sees both qualifying and the Sprint race take place, before Sunday’s race proper, all shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Stream every race of the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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