Marquez wins in Japan to cut Martin’s MotoGP lead

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez secured maximum points at the Japanese Grand Prix, winning the Saturday sprint and Sunday's race, to narrow fellow Spaniard Jorge Martin's championship lead to just two points. Martin, who triumphed in 2024, concluded the race in second place following his pole position start on Sunday at the Motegi Circuit. His Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi secured third place.

Despite starting from behind Martin, Marquez capitalized on the 11th lap to overtake his rival on the inside. The seven-time champion reflected on the demanding race, stating, "The race was tough, especially when I was behind Jorge, but I knew that if I was able to lead the race, my pace was good." With six rounds remaining, Marquez now holds 331 points. Martin responded, "Jorge tried to attack, but then I just increased a bit more the pace and it was enough to do the last two laps more relaxed."

Italian Marco Bezzecchi, who moved to 284 points, preserved his slender title aspirations after defensively handling a late charge by Tech3's Enea Bastianini to reach the podium. However, for Gresini's Alex Marquez, the Japanese Grand Prix became a race to forget. After serving a double long lap penalty for his involvement in a three-rider collision during Saturday's sprint, Alex Marquez crashed out during the latter stages of the event.