From Autosport · Rachit Thukral · · 1m 50s
Marquez Closes Points Gap in Japanese GP
Marquez beats Martin in early duel to close points gap.
In brief
Marquez beats Martin in early duel to close points gap. Marquez wins Japanese GP, moving within two points of Martin in MotoGP standings. Originally reported by Autosport.
Marquez wins Japanese GP
Marc Marquez defeated Jorge Martin in a straight battle to claim victory in the Japanese Grand Prix and move within two points of the MotoGP championship leader.
Martin holds pole position
After a commanding sprint win on Saturday, Ducati star Marquez had to work hard to complete a double at Motegi, with polesitter Martin resisting intense pressure to hold station.
Marquez gains early lead
At the start of the race, Martin pulled away cleanly from pole position to lead into Turn 1, with Marquez unable to replicate his sprint move and staying in second.
Marquez pressures Martin
But Marquez upped the ante on lap 7 and began mounting serious pressure on Martin, just as Bezzecchi started losing touch with the leading duo.
Marquez overtakes Martin
On lap 11, Marquez pulled the pin and sent his Ducati up the inside at Turn 9, making the move stick to hit the front for the first time.
Marquez secures win
Martin initially managed to match Marquez’s pace, with the 2024 champion keen on not letting his rivals get away. But over the following seven laps, Marquez was able to extend his advantage to a second, before cruising to the finish line and securing his 79th premier class win.
Bezzecchi and Bastianini battle
While the battle for victory was settled already, Bezzecchi and Bastianini were involved in a thrilling scrap for the final podium till the final lap.
Bastianini finishes fourth
Bastianini was still KTM’s highest-placed rider in fourth after passing the factory bike of Acosta early on.
What to remember
Marquez wins Japanese GP, moving within two points of Martin in MotoGP standings.
