Testing f(R)-gravity models with DESI DR2 2025-BAO and other cosmological data

Abstract

Motivated by the new BAO data and the significant results recently published by the DESI DR2 Collaboration, this study presents a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis of all currently viable f (R) models using this new dataset, and compares its constraining power with that of previous BAO compilations. A corresponding Bayesian model comparison is then carried out. The results reveal, for the first time, very strong statistical evidence in favor of f (R) models over the standard {\Lambda}CDM scenario. The analysis also incorporates data from cosmic chronometers and the latest Pantheon++SH0ES supernovae compilation.