{
  "id": 11418859,
  "title": "Alex Marquez smashes lap record in Japan MotoGP practice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/alex-marquez-smashes-lap-record-in-japan-motogp-practice",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:25:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/10/02/alex-marquez-smashes-lap-record-in-japan-motogp-practice/237421"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MotoGP practice in Japan saw Spain's Alex Marquez break the lap record, setting a time of 1 minute 42.81 seconds during a session dominated by the Ducati-Gresini rider. His time was ahead of second-fastest Pedro Acosta, with KTM trailing by just 0.076 seconds. Reigning world champion Marc Marquez, Alex's brother, recorded the third-fastest time for Ducati Leonovo as he continues to chase season leader Jorge Martin, who finished eighth. With seven races remaining, Martin leads Marquez by 12 points. Local favorite Ai Ogura from Aprilia-Trackhouse finished 15th fastest, but his bike emitted thick white smoke and leaked oil, leading to a red flag and a temporary suspension of the session. Additionally, Japanese wild card Takaaki Nakagami on Honda was forced out of the remainder of the weekend after crashing in the morning free practice and fracturing his collarbone.",
  "summary": "MOTEGI, Oct 2 — Spain’s Alex Marquez set a new lap record at the Japan MotoGP Friday in a practice session d...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}