MotoGP 2025
Silverstone
12 June 2025
MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle circuit racing, so it goes without saying that this photographer would go and watch. As a fan of two-wheel racing, I follow our top domestic race series, the British Superbikes. Attending as many events as I can get to. I also enjoy the World Superbikes and will make my way to Donington Park to watch what is British Superbikes on steroids.
MotoGP is so much better to watch and for me to photograph than any other two-wheel circuit race series. I really enjoy our racing in the UK, but and it’s a big but, the extreme riding displayed at MotoGP is on another level. You have to experience it trackside to really appreciate it.
It’s not just about the speed; the shapes that the riders get the bikes into are quite ridiculous. As an owner of a few motorcycles, I understand the principles and dynamics of riding. How these guys control a machine that seems to me to be trying to spit them off at every opportunity is beyond my comprehension. In this report, I will take you round Silverstone from the viewpoint of three PistonClick spectator photographers at the British MotoGP 2025.
Photographing MotoGP 2025 at Silverstone Friday.
Before we start, one thing you should be aware of when visiting Silverstone is that there is a programme of building going on. New grandstands and buildings are popping up everywhere. The main issue with this is if you are familiar with Silverstone, you may not be able to get to your favourite viewing spot. You might also not be able to take your route to your favourite spot. We are in the process of updating our Silverstone photography guide. Once the construction is complete it will be clearer where you can spectate from and the routes to those locations.
This construction is very evident around Brooklands, where a new kart track has been built. A favourite viewing spot for many, it was out of bounds for the MotoGP fans. Not only was the viewing area not accessible, but the access to the Luffield area was restricted. Spectator bottlenecks ensued with the large crowds trying to get to one of the best spots at Silverstone.
The Loop
Onto our MotoGP 2025 experience, we started on Friday at the outside of the Loop. This is the connection between the National and International circuits. Two reasons for this, first it’s a great area with multiple shooting spots. Second, there are notices banning spectating from some areas at this location. Strange that you would want to go there I hear you ask.
In the past we have not been able to access the loop at all as you have to walk past these restricted areas. However, generally on a Friday practice day these rules have been relaxed. In fact over the past few years we have had no problems especially if you are sensible on where you stand.
Don’t stand in the areas where the notices say spectators prohibited and you should be fine. Also, this area is not the best for photography so we bypassed it. Two shooting holes on the fence are located here which give you much better views of the track. Be patient and move on when you have got your shot using the holes, making space for the professionals when required. Moving around the Loop shooting through the fence the morning session was over all too soon. We headed infield to the trade and catering stalls for a bit of refreshment.
MotoGP 2025 Monster Energy Show
The entertainment at MotoGP is usually very good with rider interviews and competitions held on a large stage. Evening entertainment is also held on the stage culminating is bands performing live music.
At previous MotoGP during the day a number of car and motorcycle stunt shows have been performed all day. The headline off track attraction has always been the Monster Energy Show. This year not so much. A drift show with two cars was all we got that was it. The off track entertainment was not a patch on previous years and a bit of a let down. Also the location was terrible, the stage area was cramped as was the drifting area. An essential part of the MotoGP experience is the off track shows and entertainment. There was less razzmatazz this year at MotoGP 2025 and to be frank it was all a bit of a let down.
Luffield
Leaving the catering and trade areas for the next MotoGP session we headed to the Luffield complex. As the viewing area from Luffield to Brooklands was fenced off we were limited to the concrete steps and the exit corner. As you can imagine it was packed, something I’ve not seen on a Friday. The new kart track has taken all of the grassed area where food outlets and benches were located previously. This was a great spot for the fans as they could move between the fence line and the food stalls during the day.
I will reserve judgment on the location of the kart track for the time being. It might be ok when the construction is completed but I doubt it. The bottle neck on the Wellington straight bridge is not going to change.
The food outlets and Stage moving to the other side of the road compounded the pedestrian congestion. All of this resulted in a very slow shuffle packed in with a lot of people every time I wanted to access the rest of the track. Very frustrating.
The other change at Luffield is the safety fence opposite the concrete steps. This is now much higher, you used to be able to shoot over this fence but not now. Luckily the weather was on our side being overcast. This is great for shooting through fences so we were able to capture some nice shots to end this session.
Club
To end the day we would shoot at Club. Club is another great corner complex for spectators and photographers. A left followed by a sweeping right hand corner this S bend has plenty of locations to watch and photograph the action.
Again more construction has been going on here with another new grandstand. This has reduced the standing area on the elevated section, but not by much.
At first glance it looks like an easy corner to take at speed on a motorcycle but it’s not as easy as you think. I don’t think I’ve been to a MotoGP when a rider hasn’t been bitten by Club. A few ran on into the kitty litter with Jack Miller having a standard Club low side when the front wheel tucked.
Saturday
One sprint race and a load of qualifying on Saturday would give us plenty of chances to capture the action. First, we needed a location for the start of the MotoGP sprint race. Two choices here, Luffield which we had shot the previous day or Abbey.
We were turned away from Abbey as the team trucks and accommodation was located behind the Abbey grandstand. As we were in the area time to explore the Farm. We knew of a few good spots at Farm so checked them out. Obviously taking a few photos on the way.
Farm
Eventually we decided that we could just about see the first corner from in front of the Farm grandstands so it would have to do for our start pictures. RPW headed to the grandstands in front of the international pits to see if there was a shot. Surprisingly there is, more on this location when we up date our Silverstone photography guide.
Only a 12 lap race the Sprint is aptly named. There wasn’t much chance of moving a great distance to mix up our race day photos but it was a good spot to watch the race.
British MotoGP 2025 Sprint Race Results.
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time/Diff |
| 1 | Alex Marquez | Gresini Ducati | 19:53.657 |
| 2 | Marc Marquez | Ducati | +3.511 |
| 3 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | VR46 Ducati | +5.072 |
After the race, RPW being industrious as usual headed for the National pits where the top three were presented to the fans. Capturing the podium celebrations was a great way to finish off our British MotoGP photographic experience. Departing Silverstone with the thousands of other motorcyclists I was more than happy with my motorsport pictures. MotoGP never disappoints in my view, I just wish it would come round more than once a year.
Photographic Post Script
Camera kit used for MotoGP 2025 was dictated by our mode of transport. Friday we arrived by car so had large heavy lenses. 300mm f2.8 and 200-400mm f4 combined with the Nikon D500 camera. Both of which had teleconverters (TC) fitted, x 1.4 – 2. You are a long way from the action at Silverstone so a long focal length is advised.
For the Saturday we arrived on motorcycles. Parking in a car at Silverstone for main events costs, increasing each day peaking on the main day. Motorcycle parking is free, every little helps as they say. Therefore on Saturday lighter lenses were required as we were on bikes. The Nikon 300mm PF weights less than a kilogram, is insanely sharp and plays well with the 1.4 teleconverter. Combined with a crop sensor camera this will give you a focal length of 650mm. My main camera is a Nikon D500 which is a crop sensor camera and works well with the 300 PF.
Around the Farm and some of Luffield a 300mm lens with a 1.4 teleconverter and crop sensor camera combination works fine. Not as versatile as a super zoom, sometimes compromises are required. Also, for me these events are not all about the photos. I go to watch the best circuit motorcycle racers in the world on the most radical motorcycles race. Sometimes it’s great just to watch and put the camera down and live the moment.
MotoGP Silverstone Grand Prix Results
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time/Diff |
| 1 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | 38:16.037 |
| 2 | Johann Zarco | CASTROL Honda LCR | +4.088 |
| 3 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo Team | +5.929 |
I can’t leave this report without mentioning the main race on Sunday. Alex Marquez ran wide on cold tyres on the first corner, Marc Marquez crashed at Maggotts on Lap 2, then oil on the track stopped the racing. On the restart the Marquez brothers were a little hesitant. Quartararo was in the lead battling with Jack Miller. Quartararo #20 was dominant in the race with a comfortable lead.
On lap 12 he was forced to retire due to a ride height device failure. Silverstone would have been his first win since 2022. You could see from his reaction track side he was devastated. Quartararo was robbed of the win by mechanical failure but the British fans recognised what a fantastic performance it was up until that point. Quartararo was voted rider of the meeting by the British fans.
Bezzecchi took the lead holding on to become the 11th different winner at Silverstone in the last 11 years. Zarco was second following up his win at the previous GP at his home round in France. Marc Marquez made up for his mistakes early in the race to take third from Morbidelli in a battle to the finish line.
MotoGP 2025 British Riders
There was no British rider in the top flight but a few were out on track. In Moto3 Scott Ogden #19 on the CIP Green Power bike came 11th with #08 Eddie O’Shea 17th. Joining them for a guest ride was BSB rider #30 Max Cook. Having grown up somewhat from his last Moto3 appearance he struggled with a power to weight ratio. Entertaining the crowd he was still great to watch and what an experience for a fantastic racer.
In Moto2 there were high hopes for #96 Jake Dixon who won at Silverstone last year. It was not to be this time out. On the ELF Marc VDS he struggled all weekend eventually crossing the line in 11 place.
That concludes our review of the British MotoGP held at Silverstone. I would like to thank RPW and Michael Clarke for the images in this MotoGP 2025 report. You can find more of our MotoGP articles below.
