Marc Marquez claimed victory in both Saturday's sprint and Sunday's main race at the Japanese Grand Prix, narrowing Jorge Martin's championship advantage to just two points with six rounds remaining in the season.
The reigning MotoGP champion, competing for Ducati, secured maximum points across the weekend at Motegi Circuit to mount pressure on his fellow Spanish rival. Martin, the 2024 title winner, managed second place in the main event despite starting from pole position, while his Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi completed the podium in third.
How did the race unfold?
Marquez, 33, found himself trailing Martin after the start of Sunday's race but demonstrated superior pace as the laps progressed. On the 11th lap, the seven-time champion executed a decisive move on the inside line to overtake his rival and establish control of the race.
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. 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.
Marquez's victory brought his points tally to 331, positioning him as a genuine threat to Martin's championship aspirations with the season entering its final phase.
Where do the other contenders stand?
Bezzecchi, 27, secured his third-place finish by resisting a determined late assault from Tech3's Enea Bastianini. The Aprilia rider's podium result moved him to 284 points, keeping his title hopes mathematically alive despite the significant gap to the leaders.
The weekend proved disastrous for Gresini's Alex Marquez, who was forced to serve a double long lap penalty following his involvement in a three-rider collision during Saturday's sprint. The penalty ultimately contributed to his retirement from the race.
Key Facts
- Marquez won both the sprint and main race at Motegi, taking maximum points across the weekend
- Martin's championship lead was reduced from four points to two following his second-place finish
- Six rounds remain in the 2025 MotoGP season
- Bezzecchi's third place keeps him in mathematical contention at 284 points
