Marquez takes Motegi double, trims Martin's MotoGP lead to two points

Marc Marquez won Saturday's sprint and Sunday's race at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi Circuit, cutting Jorge Martin's championship lead to two points. The double victory gave Marquez maximum points from the Motegi weekend.

Marquez won the first of his seven MotoGP titles in 2013 and is the reigning MotoGP champion. Jorge Martin, 28, who claimed the title in 2024, started Sunday's race on pole but finished second, while his Aprilla team-mate Marco Bezzecchi took third.

Ducati rider Marquez, 33, had to bide his time after Martin held the advantage off the line, waiting for an opportunity before making his move. On the 11th lap he edged past Martin on the inside to take the lead.

"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," said Marquez. "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 Bezzecchi, 27, moved to 284 points after fending off a late charge by Tech3's Enea Bastianini to secure third place on the podium. His result keeps his slim title hopes alive.

Gresini's Alex Marquez crashed out after serving a double long lap penalty for his role in a three-rider collision during Saturday's sprint, ending what the report described as a race to forget for him.

By taking maximum points at Motegi, Marquez moved to 331 points with six rounds remaining, narrowing Jorge Martin's lead to just two points.