The start of the 2025 MotoGP World Championship is nearly upon us as the Sepang Test has concluded. The current riders in the class have had their first chance to test their latest machines ahead of what could be a crucial season.

There will be a record 22 races across the 2025 MotoGP World Championship with 44 races to be completed throughout the year. The large number of races will allow many riders to stand out, but will also allow them to underperform.

There are multiple riders whose contracts will expire at the end of the upcoming season. The riders that are under the most threat in 2025 will have to perform if they want to extend their MotoGP career into 2026.

So who in particular really needs the 2025 MotoGP season to go well…

Jack Miller:

Throughout the last few years, it seems that Jack Miller has always made this list of riders who need to have a good year. However, the 2025 MotoGP season looks like a make-or-break year for Miller when it comes to his MotoGP career.

After two underwhelming years with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Miller has moved to the Prima Pramac Yamaha Factory Racing Team. The Australian rider was not sure of his MotoGP future in 2024 as he had no offers at the midpoint of the season.

Although Miller has been given a lifeline by Pramac and Yamaha for the 2025 season his future is still uncertain. The 30-year-old only put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Pramac and Yamaha for the 2025 season.

With Pramac and Yamaha creating a junior team in Moto2 for 2025 there is now a clear line for junior riders to enter Yamaha's MotoGP teams. This adds more pressure onto Miller as he needs to challenge Yamaha teammates Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira this season to show his potential to the Japanese manufacturer.

Luca Marini:

Well, it is safe to say that Luca Marini's time with Honda has not gone anything like his half-brother's time with the Japanese manufacturer. But after only completing one year with the factory Honda team could the Italian be out of the door at the end of his second year?

Marini joined Honda at the start of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. The 27-year-old had a terrible debut season with Honda as he only scored 14 points and finished 22nd in the standings.

Honda has seen big changes for the 2025 season as they signed top-tier test riders and changed title sponsors for the first time in 30 years. Marini could become the next change as his contract expires at the end of the season.

If Marini cannot match Honda's aimed progression then he could be out of luck with his first factory MotoGP squad. Although his half-brother does have his own MotoGP team it would be a damaging two years on Marini's record books.

Franco Morbidelli:

After seven years in MotoGP, Franco Morbidelli has not been a consistent rider in the premier class. The Italian occasionally has a special result but has not won a race since the 2020 MotoGP season.

The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be Morbidelli's fifth different team across his MotoGP career. The 30-year-old has joined his mentor's team after riding for the VR46 Academy throughout his career. But he has only put pen to paper on a one-year deal and could lose his seat if he has another difficult season.

Morbidelli's 2024 season was disrupted by injuries after suffering major injuries in preseason training. But in the end, he finished the season in ninth place and became a regular top-ten finisher.

However, the 2025 Sepang Test has been a positive start for Morbidelli as he has found himself in the top five. But will one year be enough for Morbidelli to prove himself to Valentino Rossi?

Somkiat Chantra:

It is unknown as of now how long Somkiat Chantra's contract with LCR Honda is. However, if he has only got a one-year chance in the premier class the Thai rider will have to impress the big bosses in Japan.

Of the newest crop of rookies, Chantra has the hardest job compared to Fermin Aldeguer and Ai Ogura. Riding a Honda in MotoGP has challenged some of the most experienced riders and throughout the Sepang Test, it has clearly challenged Chantra.

Throughout the three days of testing with all the riders Chantra was consistently 2.5 to 3 seconds slower than the leading group. Some believe that Chantra could be a long-term project for Honda, while others believe he will be a one-year in-and-out rider.