MotoGP Round 16 | Marquez doubles up at Motegi. The reigning World Champion beat his chief championship rival in the Motul Grand Prix Of Japan to see the duo head to Indonesia split by a slender two-point margin. Report: BikeReview/MotoGP Press

Alex Marquez set a new lap record in Friday practice at Motegi.

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

Leaving it late but getting the job done, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) was in top form with a new lap record at Motegi on Friday. The 2025 runner-up fired in a late effort to go P1 on Friday afternoon, denying Austrian GP winner Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37) another Friday to remember. Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team #93) rounded out the top three, whilst home-hero Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team #79) found himself in Q1.

Read our previous MotoGP reports here…

It was 12 points in the Championship and just a tenth of a second on track as Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing #89) took a stunning lap record pole position at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. His 1:42.371 put him 0.110 clear of Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completing the front row – just denying Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). The stage could not be more set for fireworks in Japan.

Moto2

David Alonso (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team #80) fronted the Moto2 field heading into Saturday at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan after the Colombian set a new class lap record at the Mobility Resort Motegi. The lap? A 1:47.508, which was 0.033s quicker than second-place Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18), with the championship leader 0.027s ahead of third-place Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #28).

Moto2 riders battle through Motegi’s sweeping corners.

A frustrating but, in the end, very successful Moto2 Q2 at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan played out for title-chasing Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), who collected a fourth pole position of the season in a fiercely contested 15 minutes on Saturday afternoon. It was all set up nicely for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with Austrian GP podium finisher Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team #12) pinching a late P2 despite an early crash, as World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) earned an important front row in P3.

Moto3

It was a dramatic Friday in Moto3 at Motegi, with big names crashing in Practice, including Championship designate Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28). Leading the way was his teammate, Marco Morelli, who moved into Q2 with a final flying lap but, in doing so, managed to top the timesheets.

Moto3 riders jostle for position through Motegi.

David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #22) continued his Moto3 qualifying dominance at Motegi, storming to a seventh pole position of the season with a new all-time lap record. The Spaniard’s 1:54.572 was enough to hold off Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo #51) by just 0.045s, with teammate Alvaro Carpe (#83) completing the front row.

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was untouchable in the Tissot Sprint at Motegi, leading from the start to take victory, as late penalties for Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #23) promoted Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR #11) to a historic first Sprint podium in second.

Marquez grabbed the holeshot ahead of Martin, while drama unfolded behind at Turn 3 when Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #49) collided and crashed out. Alex Marquez was later handed a double Long Lap Penalty for Sunday.

Marquez grabbed the holeshot ahead of Martin.

At the front, Marquez and Martin quickly established themselves, with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) initially holding third ahead of Bastianini. However, the Ducati rider soon found a way through on Lap 3 and began creating breathing space in the podium positions.

The battle for the final podium spots intensified as home favourite Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Moreira joined the fight. Moreira produced a superb move to gain two positions in one sequence and move into fourth, while Ogura later passed Bezzecchi to strengthen his top five prospects.

By half distance, Marquez maintained control at the front with roughly a one-second advantage over Martin, while Bastianini appeared comfortable in third. As the closing laps approached, however, Martin began struggling with rear grip, allowing Bastianini and Moreira to close dramatically.

MotoGP riders sweep through Motegi during the Sunday Grand Prix.

Although the order remained unchanged on track, post-race penalties transformed the results. Martin and Bastianini were both sanctioned for track limits infringements on the final lap, each receiving a one-position penalty. That elevated Moreira to second place to secure both his maiden Sprint podium and the first Saturday podium for a Brazilian rider.

Marquez completed a dominant victory, with Moreira promoted to second and Martin classified third despite his penalty. Bastianini dropped to fourth ahead of Ogura and Bezzecchi, while Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR #5) finished seventh ahead of Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25) in eighth.

“The target was the front row from qualifying to be in the best place to do a good Sprint race. We did a small modification [to the bike] before the race, and I felt much better on the bike. I was comfortable in first position. Job done, and tomorrow, more.” Marquez explained.

MotoGP riders battle for position at Motegi during the weekend’s racing.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Diogo Moreira Pro Honda LCR (+2.754s)
  3. Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing (+2.466s)
  4. Enea Bastianini Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+2.508s)
  5. Ai Ogura Trackhouse Aprilia (+5.992s)

Sunday
MotoGP

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed a perfect weekend at Motegi, defeating title rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) to secure a double victory and slash the championship deficit to just two points heading into Indonesia. Martin limited the damage with second place, as Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) resisted intense late pressure from Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) to claim the final podium position.

MotoGP riders charge through the opening laps at Motegi.

All riders opted for the hard rear Michelin tyre ahead of the 24-lap race, facing largely unknown conditions after limited running on the compound throughout the weekend.

From pole position, Martin made the ideal start and grabbed the holeshot ahead of Marc Marquez, while Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) moved ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Acosta soon slipped further back as Bastianini, Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25) and Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) all found a way through.

At the front, Martin and Marc Marquez quickly established a gap over Bezzecchi. By Lap 5, just four tenths separated the title rivals, as Bezzecchi remained within striking distance. Alex Marquez served the first of his double Long Lap penalties on Lap 5 before completing the second two laps later, dropping down the order and promoting Bastianini into fourth.

The MotoGP field battles for position in the Sunday race.

By Lap 10, the leading duo had increased their advantage over Bezzecchi to almost two seconds. The two championship contenders exchanged fastest laps before Marc Marquez made his decisive move at Turn 9 on Lap 11, diving up the inside of Martin and taking control of the race.

Initially, the Ducati rider appeared set to pull away, stretching his lead to around eight tenths by Lap 15. Behind, however, Bezzecchi and Bastianini were beginning to close on Martin. The reigning champion responded with a series of quicker laps to keep pressure on Marquez, briefly trimming the gap. But the Spaniard quickly answered with a blistering 1:43.291 to regain control.

MotoGP riders chase the podium places at Motegi.

As the race entered its final stages, attention shifted to the fight for third. Bastianini repeatedly set fastest laps and rapidly erased the gap to Bezzecchi. The Italian closed to within striking distance heading onto the final lap, but Bezzecchi remained composed under immense pressure and held on.

Up front, Marc Marquez was able to manage the closing laps comfortably, crossing the line 1.2 seconds clear of Martin to claim his 79th premier class victory and complete the Motegi double. Martin’s second place ensured he retained the championship lead, albeit by only two points.

Marc Marquez leads Jorge Martin through Motegi in the Sunday race.

Bezzecchi secured third ahead of a fast-closing Bastianini, and Fernandez completed the top five after winning a fierce battle with Ogura and Acosta.

“It was very important to be close to 37 points, and we achieved it, so very happy,” Marquez said. “The race was tough, especially when I was behind Jorge, but I knew that if I was able to lead the race, the pace was good.”

MotoGP Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing (+1.363s)
  3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+2.252s)
  4. Enea Bastianini Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+2.33s)
  5. Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia (+14.815s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

  1. Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing – 306
  2. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 294
  3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 264
  4. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 234
  5. Fabio Di Giannantonio Pertamina VR46 Ducati – 230

Moto2

A dramatic twist before the start of the Moto2 race at Motegi transformed the championship picture, as Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) capitalised on title leader Manuel Gonzalez’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) misfortune to secure a second consecutive victory to slash the championship gap to just 10.5 points. Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing #14) finished second for his first podium of the season, while Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team) completed the podium in third.

Moto2 riders fight for position in the Sunday race.

The key moment came before the lights even went out. Gonzalez suffered a clutch issue on the grid and was forced into the pit lane, eventually starting nearly 30 seconds behind the leaders. That handed a golden opportunity to chief title rival Guevara, who grabbed the holeshot from pole position ahead of Arbolino, Salač, Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – JP Financial – MSI #4) and the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team duo of David Alonso and Daniel Holgado (#96).

The Moto2 field remains tightly grouped through Motegi.

As the race settled, the leading five gradually edged clear of the chasing pack. By midway through the contest, Guevara, Arbolino and Salač had established themselves as the main podium contenders, while Ortola and Alonso began to lose touch. Arbolino and Salač continued to apply pressure, with less than half a second separating the top three.

Further back, Celestino Vietti (BETA Tools SpeedRS Team #13) charged into contention with a series of fastest laps, closing in on Ortola and Alonso as the battle for the podium intensified.

Arbolino’s lone attack on Guevara came with three laps remaining at Turn 9. The Italian launched an ambitious move up the inside but ran wide on corner exit, allowing Guevara to retake the lead immediately. The failed attempt ultimately gifted the Spaniard a small but valuable gap heading into the closing stages.

Moto2 riders battle through the closing laps at Motegi.

From there, Guevara controlled proceedings expertly. Holding a half-second advantage over Arbolino entering the final lap, the Spaniard delivered a flawless performance to claim his third victory of the season and significantly tighten the title race.

Arbolino’s second place ended a 34-race podium drought, as Salač collected his fifth podium of 2026 to continue his strong campaign. Ortola held off Alonso and Vietti in the battle for fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Deniz Öncü (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #53) notably clinched his best result of the season in seventh.

With Gonzalez finishing outside the points after his pre-race drama, Guevara reduced the championship deficit from 35.5 points to just 10.5 heading into the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Izan Guevara leads the Moto2 field at Motegi during the Sunday race.

Moto2 Race Results

  1. Izan Guevara BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2
  2. Tony Arbolino REDS Fantic Racing (+0.419s)
  3. Filip Salac OnlyFans American Racing Team (+1.057s)
  4. Ivan Ortola QJMOTOR – JP Financial -MSI (+1.247s)
  5. David Alonso CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team (+1.544s)

Moto2 Championship Points

  1. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 245.5
  2. Izan Guevara BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 – 210
  3. Ivan Ortola QJMOTOR – Biolec – MSI – 168.5
  4. David Alonso CFMOTO Inde Team – 155
  5. Senna Agius LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP – 149

Moto3

Resisting late pressure to secure his third win of 2026, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) held off Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) in another thrilling Moto3 battle at Motegi. The pair pulled clear in the closing stages, but despite the best efforts of the #28, Almansa held firm to claim victory. Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounded out the podium in third, with all three title contenders still in the championship hunt.

Almansa made the perfect start, grabbing the holeshot and fending off an early challenge from fellow fast starter Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) at Turn 5 on the opening lap. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #64) slotted into third, while Quiles settled into fourth as he chased a potential title-clinching result. Uriarte moved into the lead on Lap 3 at Turn 3, while Carpe and Quiles both found a way past Muñoz. A small mistake by Quiles at the end of Lap 4 left him seven tenths adrift of the leading trio.

David Almansa and Maximo Quiles lead the Moto3 pack through Motegi.

By Lap 5, an eight-rider lead group had formed, including Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #27), Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI #6) and Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL UP – MTA #18). Carpe climbed into second and later pushed Almansa back to third as Muñoz slipped down the order amid fierce battling.

The race took a dramatic turn on Lap 8 when Uriarte, then leading, was issued a double Long Lap Penalty after his team worked on the bike on the grid following the three-minute board. Almansa inherited the lead and immediately pushed, setting consecutive fastest laps. However, Carpe remained close, and Quiles steadily reeled them in, moving into second at Turn 5 on Lap 12 after passing Carpe.

Moto3 podium finishers celebrate after the Motegi Grand Prix.

With five laps remaining, Quiles made a mistake at Turn 8 that briefly dropped him a second behind Almansa and back into Carpe’s grasp. The championship leader quickly recovered, reducing the gap and setting up another last lap showdown with Almansa.

The final lap delivered exactly that. Quiles searched for an opening through the final sector, first at Turn 11 and then again at Turns 13 and 14, but Almansa defended flawlessly. The Spaniard positioned his KTM perfectly at every key braking zone and crossed the line to seal a third win of the season.

Quiles’ runner-up finish means he will get another opportunity to clinch the title in Indonesia next weekend. Carpe’s third place marked his seventh podium of 2026.

Despite serving a double Long Lap Penalty, Uriarte recovered impressively to finish fourth, ahead of Salmela, who matched his career best result with fifth.

David Almansa and Maximo Quiles battle at Motegi in the Moto3 race.

Moto3 Race Results

  1. David Almansa Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP
  2. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (+0.046s)
  3. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo (+2.738s)
  4. Brian Uriarte Red Bull KTM Ajo (+3.610s)
  5. Rico Salmela Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+4.430s)

Moto3 Championship Points

  1. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 306
  2. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo – 175
  3. David Almansa Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 174
  4. Brian Uriarte Red Bull KTM Ajo – 174
  5. Marco Morelli CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 146

How Did the Aussies Do?

Despite his lowly 20th grid position, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP #43) produced a solid and consistent performance to finish 16th at Motegi in the Sprint. Miller’s challenging Sunday ended with a late crash, but the Australian remounted to finish 19th at Motegi.

Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #81) impressed with his pace on Saturday, and although he settled for 10th on the grid, he headed into the race confident of moving forward. Agius showed resilience to claim 13th after a demanding bout where grip issues prevented him from truly putting his best foot forward.

Pic: Jack Miller FB

Joel Kelso’s (GRYD Racing #66) rough Saturday at the office featured a costly crash and grid penalty, but the Australian vowed to push hard from 23rd on the grid. Then, following one of his most trying weekends of the year, the Aussie flyer could only muster 17th in the main dance and will now shift his attention to the upcoming Indonesian Grand Prix.

 

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