The MotoGP race at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi saw Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) clinch victory, significantly closing the gap in the championship standings. With this win, Bagnaia reduces the points difference to the leader, Spaniard Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac), to just 10 points. This was Bagnaia's eighth win of the season and his first career victory in Japan.
Bagnaia led the race nearly from start to finish, overtaking Spanish rider Pedro Acosta (GasGas), who had qualified in pole position. Acosta faced difficulties during the race, falling twice, which hindered his performance. In the end, Bagnaia finished 1.189 seconds ahead of Martin, who fought hard from an 11th-place start to secure second place. Marc Marquez (Gresini) completed the podium in third.
Post-race, Bagnaia expressed his satisfaction, stating, 'I am delighted. Jorge was exceptional today, and I had to maintain an extraordinary pace.' Martin also reflected on the race, emphasizing his determination to continue pursuing the championship title as the season approaches its conclusion.
Additionally, in the Moto3 category, Colombian David Alonso (Cfmoto Gaviota Aspar Team) secured victory in today's race, earning him the title of world champion ahead of schedule. With four races remaining in the MotoGP season, the next event will take place in Australia in two weeks, followed by races in Thailand, Malaysia, and the season finale in Valencia.