Marquez cuts gap to two as Motegi win tightens title fight

Marc Marquez claimed a crucial victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, doubling up after his Sprint success and closing to within two points of championship leader Jorge Martín. The two Spaniards broke away early, with Martín leading and Marquez shadowing him until launching a decisive attack that ended the contest. Martín tried to respond but gradually faded as Marquez stretched clear.

Behind them, Marco Bezzecchi secured third for Aprilia, though the result does little to revive his fading title prospects. He narrowly held off an outstanding Enea Bastianini, who delivered KTM’s strongest performance and missed the podium by mere thousandths.

Further back, Fernandez, Ogura and Acosta produced the race’s liveliest battle for fifth, finishing in that order. Bagnaia, Aldeguer and Marini completed the top ten.

MotoGP now heads to Indonesia for the second stop of the Asian tour, with Mandalika hosting next weekend’s sessions and Sunday’s race.