Marquez sweeps Japan

Marc Marquez won both Saturday's sprint and Sunday's race at Motegi Circuit in Japan on October fourth, taking maximum points in the MotoGP championship.

Martin's lead cut to two

The Ducati rider's double victory cuts fellow Spaniard Jorge Martin's championship lead to just two points. Martin, twenty eight, finished second after starting from pole position.

Marquez makes his move

Marquez, thirty three, trailed Martin off the line but passed him on the eleventh lap. The seven-time champion said his pace was strong once he took 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.”

Marquez on his strategy

After taking the lead, Marquez increased his pace and completed the final two laps comfortably. He moved to three hundred thirty one points with six rounds remaining.

“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.”

Bezzecchi holds third place

Marquez's Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi finished third, fending off a late charge from Tech3's Enea Bastianini. The Italian, twenty seven, moved to two hundred eighty four points.

Marquez crashes out

Gresini's Alex Marquez had a difficult race, crashing out after serving a double long lap penalty for his role in a three-rider collision during Saturday's sprint.