The roar of engines and the scent of burnt rubber at Buddh International Circuit are now behind us as the Grand Prix of India crowned Marco Bezzecchi the winner, in a race that heightened tensions in the title chase. Ducati reigned supreme with Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín claiming the top spots, while Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo secured third. A significant narrative was Pecco Bagnaia’s loss of vital championship points, narrowing the gap to a mere 13 points between him and the ever-persistent Martín.
Repsol Honda Team, traditionally strong contenders, faced a challenging weekend. Marc Márquez, despite his commendable grit after a crash, finished ninth. Meanwhile, Joan Mir showcased a surge of improvement, finishing fifth and setting an optimistic tone for Honda as they approach their home Grand Prix in Japan.
Now, we turn our sights to Japan. Mobility Resort Motegi awaits the riders, a circuit filled with its own unique challenges and stories. As the championship fight intensifies, the Grand Prix of Japan promises exhilarating racing and an intriguing contest for bettors. The question looms – can Ducati maintain their dominance, or will another team rise to challenge the Italian giants? Stay with us as we dive deep into odds, analyses, and the top picks for the Japanese showdown.
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Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
The Twin Ring Motegi is abuzz with anticipation, readying itself for a series of riveting MotoGP events from September 29th to October 1st. It’s all leading up to the crowning glory: the Grand Prix of Japan. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official schedule. For enthusiasts who can’t be at the venue in person, be sure to check the official MotoGP website for viewing options. (Note: While live broadcasts might be limited in certain regions, including the US, you can still catch comprehensive race highlights and updates on the website!) If betting is on your agenda, don’t forget to follow the live action and keep an eye on NXTbets for updates on odds and prices.
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
With a range of betting options available, from Event Winner to Head-to-Head bets, bettors are presented with a wide spectrum of wagering opportunities. Here are our top picks and dark horse selections for this event:
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Francesco Bagnaia
+317
$83.40
Jorge Martin
+413
$102.60
Marco Bezzecchi
+525
$125.00
Brad Binder
+999
$219.80
Fabio Quartararo
+1063
$232.60
Leading the odds is Francesco Bagnaia, and rightly so. His consistent season and being the current championship leader place him in good stead, but the recent setback at the Indian GP could play on his mind, especially with teammate Jorge Martin snapping at his heels.
Jorge Martin, with odds of +413, has been a revelation this season. Having inched to within 13 points of Bagnaia’s standings lead with his 2nd place finish at the Indian GP, he showcases momentum and determination, proving that he is not just in the fight but a genuine threat to the championship.
Marco Bezzecchi, fresh from his victory lap in India, comes into Motegi with a shot of confidence. His odds reflect not just his recent win but also a season where he has consistently been a podium threat.
Brad Binder and Fabio Quartararo, both offering longer odds, are wild cards in this race. Binder’s consistency places him fourth in the general standings, while Quartararo, despite being further down the odds list, has shown he can clinch podium finishes. Both riders have the capability to upset the perceived hierarchy and throw in a twist at Motegi.
Outsider Picks
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Marc Marquez
+1438
$307.60
Johann Zarco
+1438
$307.60
Aleix Espargaro
+1718
$363.60
Marc Marquez, with odds of +1438, may not have had his best season, but his reputation as a multi-time world champion precedes him. Motegi’s technical nature, combined with Marquez’s penchant for late braking and aggressive cornering, makes him a formidable contender. Despite his unfortunate slip in India, his ability to swiftly climb back and finish ninth demonstrates the Spaniard’s indomitable spirit and resilience.
Johann Zarco, possessing the same odds as Marquez, has had flashes of brilliance this season. Racing for Ducati, a machine that has been dominant throughout, there’s always the possibility that Zarco finds the sweet spot with the setup and emerges as a surprising frontrunner. His consistent performances and occasional podium finishes give weight to this speculation.
Aleix Espargaro‘s +1718 odds might make him the lengthiest shot of the trio, but the Aprilia rider has been in the form of his life. The bike’s notable performance improvements combined with Espargaro’s vast experience mean he could exploit any weaknesses in the favorites, especially if unpredictable conditions level the playing field. With the nature of MotoGP being as unpredictable as it is, dismissing any of these outsiders would be unwise.
Head-To-Head Picks
For the imminent duel at the Motegi’s Mobility Resort, anticipation is at fever pitch as numerous matchups are set to captivate and enthrall. Weighing in on recent performances, past records at this Japanese circuit, and its distinct challenges, we’ve spotlighted some of the most electrifying head-to-head confrontations poised to unfold at the Grand Prix of Japan:
Matchup
(Favorite in Bold)
Winner Odds
Joan Mir vs. Franco Morbidelli
-104
Fabio Quartararo vs. Marc Marquez
-122
Johann Zarco vs. Marc Marquez
-102
Miguel Oliveira vs. Jack Miller
-106
Maverick Vinales vs. Miguel Oliveira
-115
Jorge Martin vs. Brad Binder
-110
Augusto Fernandez vs. Takaaki Nakagami
-138
Expert Pick for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
After a stellar performance in India, Jorge Martín has showcased not only his race pace but also his ability to capitalize on others’ mistakes. Riding a Ducati, which has been dominant this season, Martín’s continuous closing of the points gap indicates his escalating form. With only a 13-point deficit to the leader, Bagnaia, Martín will be extra motivated to bridge this gap. Given his +413 odds, this pick offers a valuable combination of likelihood and return, making it an enticing choice for the Japan GP.
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
Ready to stake your claim for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan? Visit our affiliated sportsbooks and review the most up-to-date odds and special offers before making your selection.
The imminent race at the Mobility Resort Motegi is set to be an adrenaline-charged spectacle for MotoGP fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re supporting the established frontrunners or placing faith in the underdogs, prepare for an exhilarating blend of world-class racing and compelling betting opportunities.
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Super Bowl parlays have always attracted great attention. That is because they allow you to tie several outcomes into one bet. If all the legs in your bet win, the payout can be way bigger than a single straight bet. The massive payout is why most bettors try the Super Bowl parlays. Others also venture …
Sprint cars head to Ohio for a double header on Saturday and Sunday. Kyle Cummins and Logan Seavey top the USAC Sprint Car Championship Fremont Speedway pre-event odds. Cummins has dominated this season and comes into this race with all of the expectations once again. Seavey being as high as he is comes as more …
Marc Marquez’s new Ducati deal is set to give him a sizeable pay rise through the end of 2028, but it also brings more off-track commitments that he has previously said he dislikes. Spanish reports said he considered retirement before agreeing to the extension, and also weighed a one-year deal against a longer renewal as concerns grew around injury and nerve damage in his right arm. Ducati sources said the renewal was not outrageous by MotoGP standards.
Marquez has also spoken openly about the toll of his comeback. A year after winning his 2025 title, he said he had found peace with himself, after six years and six operations following his 2020 shoulder injury left him physically and emotionally drained. He has become more protective of his recovery, skipped a promotional event in London to rest and said time at home can make a big difference as he manages his battered right arm. After the Mandalika round in Indonesia, he planned to stay there with his partner before heading to Australia.
On track, Marquez returned to Motegi nearly a year after sealing his seventh MotoGP title there and entered the weekend 12 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin. He has won five races in 2026, including dominant weekends in Hungary, Germany and Aragon, but Ducati has been less reliable for him on off-weekends. The title fight remains tight with seven races in nine weeks, after Martin retook the lead in Austria, and Marquez said his aim in Japan was to be competitive in front of the home fans. Reports also say Ducati’s lineup could change from 2027, with Pedro Acosta expected to join and Francesco Bagnaia to move to Aprilia.
MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix has been pulled into an escalating safety dispute as riders weigh whether to travel amid the Middle East conflict. Jack Miller said he and most of the grid did not want to race because of safety concerns, and said 19 of the 22 riders were against going to Qatar. Riders have held multiple meetings over the past 10 days as pressure to boycott the event grew.
At meetings in Phillip Island and Malaysia, opposition to racing fell from about three-quarters of the grid to three riders after most riders accepted they would attend because the Qatar Grand Prix remained on the calendar. The riders met Friday evening in Yamaha’s communications office after a request for a room was rejected. They had asked MotoGP for an evacuation plan, life and medical insurance, repatriation coverage and clear liability if conditions worsened. Teams, commercial rights holder MGPSEG and the FIM insisted the event must go ahead, and the Qatari government provided guarantees that included evacuation planning, airspace-closure financial protection and repatriation insurance.
Riders who do not travel without an unequivocal legitimate reason could face financial penalties from their teams and sporting sanctions from the FIM, including possible exclusion from the final two rounds in Portimao and Valencia. Yamaha said it would not take part in the Nov. 6-8 race at Lusail after reassessing the situation in the Middle East, citing company-wide travel restrictions and saying it had not found sufficient grounds to lift them. Yamaha said the decision was independent of measures taken by MotoGP and the event organizer, and it expected to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix. The withdrawal appeared to cover Yamaha’s factory team and likely Pramac as well because Miller and Augusto Fernandez are Yamaha employees.
Best Bets: 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan Pre-Event Odds
Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
Top Picks and Bets
Outsider Picks
Head-To-Head Picks
Expert Pick for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan
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Marc Marquez’s new Ducati deal is set to give him a sizeable pay rise through the end of 2028, but it also brings more off-track commitments that he has previously said he dislikes. Spanish reports said he considered retirement before agreeing to the extension, and also weighed a one-year deal against a longer renewal as concerns grew around injury and nerve damage in his right arm. Ducati sources said the renewal was not outrageous by MotoGP standards.
Marquez has also spoken openly about the toll of his comeback. A year after winning his 2025 title, he said he had found peace with himself, after six years and six operations following his 2020 shoulder injury left him physically and emotionally drained. He has become more protective of his recovery, skipped a promotional event in London to rest and said time at home can make a big difference as he manages his battered right arm. After the Mandalika round in Indonesia, he planned to stay there with his partner before heading to Australia.
On track, Marquez returned to Motegi nearly a year after sealing his seventh MotoGP title there and entered the weekend 12 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin. He has won five races in 2026, including dominant weekends in Hungary, Germany and Aragon, but Ducati has been less reliable for him on off-weekends. The title fight remains tight with seven races in nine weeks, after Martin retook the lead in Austria, and Marquez said his aim in Japan was to be competitive in front of the home fans. Reports also say Ducati’s lineup could change from 2027, with Pedro Acosta expected to join and Francesco Bagnaia to move to Aprilia.
Yamaha says it will not race MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix
MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix has been pulled into an escalating safety dispute as riders weigh whether to travel amid the Middle East conflict. Jack Miller said he and most of the grid did not want to race because of safety concerns, and said 19 of the 22 riders were against going to Qatar. Riders have held multiple meetings over the past 10 days as pressure to boycott the event grew.
At meetings in Phillip Island and Malaysia, opposition to racing fell from about three-quarters of the grid to three riders after most riders accepted they would attend because the Qatar Grand Prix remained on the calendar. The riders met Friday evening in Yamaha’s communications office after a request for a room was rejected. They had asked MotoGP for an evacuation plan, life and medical insurance, repatriation coverage and clear liability if conditions worsened. Teams, commercial rights holder MGPSEG and the FIM insisted the event must go ahead, and the Qatari government provided guarantees that included evacuation planning, airspace-closure financial protection and repatriation insurance.
Riders who do not travel without an unequivocal legitimate reason could face financial penalties from their teams and sporting sanctions from the FIM, including possible exclusion from the final two rounds in Portimao and Valencia. Yamaha said it would not take part in the Nov. 6-8 race at Lusail after reassessing the situation in the Middle East, citing company-wide travel restrictions and saying it had not found sufficient grounds to lift them. Yamaha said the decision was independent of measures taken by MotoGP and the event organizer, and it expected to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix. The withdrawal appeared to cover Yamaha’s factory team and likely Pramac as well because Miller and Augusto Fernandez are Yamaha employees.