After an exhilarating Indonesian GP where Jorge Martin secured his first Sunday win since Le Mans, MotoGP shifts to Japan for the highly anticipated Grand Prix at Motegi. Martin’s dominant performance in Indonesia, where he extended his championship lead to 21 points, sets the stage for a thrilling continuation of his battle with Francesco Bagnaia. As we head to Japan, the fight for the championship intensifies, with both title contenders pushing the limits. This preview will dive into key rider analysis, focusing on betting picks and insights for the Japanese GP.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Japan GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
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Schedule and How to Watch the MotoGP Japan GP
The 2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix takes place from October 4-6, 2024, at Mobility Resort Motegi. The race will unfold on Sunday, October 6, on this demanding 4.8 km circuit, famous for its mix of fast straights and tight corners that challenge even the most skilled riders. For a detailed schedule, including practice and qualifying times, visit the official MotoGP website.
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the Japan Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP Japan GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+175
$55.00
Jorge Martin
+190
$58.00
Marc Marquez
+330
$86.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+175) Bagnaia enters Japan with something to prove after a solid third-place finish in Indonesia. While he couldn’t match Martin’s pace last weekend, Bagnaia’s ability to recover positions and maintain consistency makes him a formidable contender at Motegi. His tire management and technical precision will be crucial on this circuit, where strategic overtakes and conserving tire life often make the difference. Bagnaia will be looking to close the 21-point gap in the championship standings, and his experience in high-pressure scenarios could give him the edge.
Jorge Martin (+190) Martin’s dominant performance in Indonesia, where he controlled the race from start to finish, demonstrates why he’s a top pick for Japan. His aggressive style and ability to lead from the front make him dangerous on circuits like Motegi, where maintaining momentum through fast sections is key. However, consistency will be crucial. While Martin has the pace to win, he’ll need to avoid the errors that have occasionally cost him this season. If he stays composed, he is a strong candidate for another victory.
Marc Marquez (+330) Marquez had a disappointing end to the Indonesian GP due to technical issues, but he remains a wildcard at Motegi. Known for his mastery of tricky conditions, Marquez could benefit if the race takes an unpredictable turn. His experience and ability to push the limits on demanding circuits make him a rider to watch, especially if Martin or Bagnaia falter. While not in the title fight, Marquez has the potential to disrupt the top contenders and even claim a surprise victory.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Podium
$20 Payout
Brad Binder
+800
$180.00
Enea Bastianini
+900
$200.00
Pedro Acosta
+1100
$240.00
Brad Binder (+800) Binder’s eighth-place finish in Indonesia doesn’t reflect his true potential. Known for his ability to charge through the pack, Binder could surprise at Motegi, a track that rewards aggressive riders. If he manages to stay out of trouble in the early stages, Binder has the skill and determination to challenge for a podium spot.
Enea Bastianini (+900) Bastianini’s crash in Indonesia was a major blow, but his speed before the incident shows that he’s capable of competing with the top riders. His aggressive, late-race pace makes him a podium threat at Motegi, especially if he can avoid mistakes. As an outsider, Bastianini offers value, given his ability to capitalize on chaotic races.
Pedro Acosta (+1100) Acosta’s second-place finish in Indonesia was a breakout performance for the rookie, and he’s quickly proving he belongs in MotoGP’s elite. While Motegi will be a new challenge for him, Acosta’s fearless approach and rapid adaptation make him an intriguing outsider pick. If he can maintain his form, another podium isn’t out of reach.
Expert Pick for MotoGP Japan
For the Japanese GP, Jorge Martin is the expert pick. His recent victory and ability to control the race from the front give him a strong advantage. Martin’s confidence and form suggest he’s the rider to beat at Motegi.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooksto access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Japan GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
As the MotoGP season moves to Japan, the championship battle intensifies. With Martin and Bagnaia both pushing for the title, the Japanese GP promises thrilling action. Motegi’s challenging layout will test the riders’ abilities, and with so much on the line, fans and bettors should brace for an exciting weekend of racing.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The big blocks take to the mud for only the second event in July. Mat Williamson pulls into Weedsport with his engine purring after securing his maiden victory of the year in the last round. But all eyes are on the defending champion, Stewart Friesen, who heads the 2025 Super DIRTcar Hall of Fame 100 …
Francesco Bagnaia took pole position at Saturday’s MotoGP qualifying at Le Mans, posting a 1:29.634 on his final flying lap to move from seventh into the top spot. The time gave Bagnaia his first pole of the 2026 season and his first since the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix, and it edged teammate Marc Marquez by 0.012 seconds to deliver a Ducati one-two on the front row.
Marc Marquez reached Q2 by advancing from Q1 after setting a new Q1 lap record, but he could not match that pace in Q2, posting a 1:29.646. He abandoned his final attempts after a cool-down-lap run-in with Fabio Di Giannantonio. Marquez was forced into Q1 after yellow flags from a late Bagnaia crash in practice denied him a final flying lap, and he described his Q1 position as unlucky.
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi completed the front row in third, just 0.023 seconds off pole. Fabio Di Giannantonio qualified fourth after alleging he was held on his final lap, an incident stewards investigated and took no action on. Pedro Acosta and Fabio Quartararo filled the second row. Friday and Saturday practice showed a tightly bunched field with Johann Zarco topping FP2, and a forecast of rain for Sunday made grid position and tire choice potentially decisive for the race.
Fabio Di Giannantonio overtook Pedro Acosta after the final restart to win a chaotic Catalan Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The race was stopped twice after two heavy crashes. On lap 12 Acosta’s KTM lost drive on the back straight and Alex Márquez slammed into the stranded bike, a collision that destroyed Márquez’s machine, sent debris across the track and prompted an immediate red flag. A later first-corner pileup on the restart involved Johann Zarco, Luca Marini and Pecco Bagnaia and produced a second stoppage.
Di Giannantonio, who was hit by debris and suffered a left-hand injury, rejoined for the final restart, moved up through the field and made the decisive pass for the lead with two laps remaining to take the win for Pertamina Enduro VR46. The result was reshaped by post-race sanctions: Ai Ogura received a three-second penalty for contact that took Pedro Acosta out on the final lap, and stewards applied tire-pressure penalties that demoted several riders including Joan Mir and reshuffled the official podium, promoting Fermin Aldeguer and Francesco Bagnaia in the revised classification. The victory was Di Giannantonio’s second MotoGP win and his first for VR46, a result that moved him up the championship order. He missed the official post-race test on Monday to recover from his hand injury, and Alex Márquez underwent surgery to stabilize a fractured right collarbone and treatment for a marginal C7 vertebra fracture.
The weekend intensified debate about rider safety and restart protocols. Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin publicly questioned the decision to restart the race after two red flags, saying rider welfare should come first, and commentators on the Oxley Bom podcast called the restart unsafe and raised concerns about holeshot devices. Calls followed for track and procedural changes, with voices urging reassessment of Turn 1 and the race start geometry. On-track tensions spilled into heated exchanges after Raul Fernandez tangled with Jorge Martin on a restart and limped home, and Aleix Espargaro described Fernandez’s subsequent public comments blaming Martin as “a joke.”
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Best Bets: MotoGP Japan GP 2024 Pre-Event Odds Analysis
After an exhilarating Indonesian GP where Jorge Martin secured his first Sunday win since Le Mans, MotoGP shifts to Japan for the highly anticipated Grand Prix at Motegi. Martin’s dominant performance in Indonesia, where he extended his championship lead to 21 points, sets the stage for a thrilling continuation of his battle with Francesco Bagnaia. As we head to Japan, the fight for the championship intensifies, with both title contenders pushing the limits. This preview will dive into key rider analysis, focusing on betting picks and insights for the Japanese GP.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Japan GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
Schedule and How to Watch the MotoGP Japan GP
The 2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix takes place from October 4-6, 2024, at Mobility Resort Motegi. The race will unfold on Sunday, October 6, on this demanding 4.8 km circuit, famous for its mix of fast straights and tight corners that challenge even the most skilled riders. For a detailed schedule, including practice and qualifying times, visit the official MotoGP website.
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the Japan Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP Japan GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+175
$55.00
Jorge Martin
+190
$58.00
Marc Marquez
+330
$86.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+175)
Bagnaia enters Japan with something to prove after a solid third-place finish in Indonesia. While he couldn’t match Martin’s pace last weekend, Bagnaia’s ability to recover positions and maintain consistency makes him a formidable contender at Motegi. His tire management and technical precision will be crucial on this circuit, where strategic overtakes and conserving tire life often make the difference. Bagnaia will be looking to close the 21-point gap in the championship standings, and his experience in high-pressure scenarios could give him the edge.
Jorge Martin (+190)
Martin’s dominant performance in Indonesia, where he controlled the race from start to finish, demonstrates why he’s a top pick for Japan. His aggressive style and ability to lead from the front make him dangerous on circuits like Motegi, where maintaining momentum through fast sections is key. However, consistency will be crucial. While Martin has the pace to win, he’ll need to avoid the errors that have occasionally cost him this season. If he stays composed, he is a strong candidate for another victory.
Marc Marquez (+330)
Marquez had a disappointing end to the Indonesian GP due to technical issues, but he remains a wildcard at Motegi. Known for his mastery of tricky conditions, Marquez could benefit if the race takes an unpredictable turn. His experience and ability to push the limits on demanding circuits make him a rider to watch, especially if Martin or Bagnaia falter. While not in the title fight, Marquez has the potential to disrupt the top contenders and even claim a surprise victory.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Podium
$20 Payout
Brad Binder
+800
$180.00
Enea Bastianini
+900
$200.00
Pedro Acosta
+1100
$240.00
Brad Binder (+800)
Binder’s eighth-place finish in Indonesia doesn’t reflect his true potential. Known for his ability to charge through the pack, Binder could surprise at Motegi, a track that rewards aggressive riders. If he manages to stay out of trouble in the early stages, Binder has the skill and determination to challenge for a podium spot.
Enea Bastianini (+900)
Bastianini’s crash in Indonesia was a major blow, but his speed before the incident shows that he’s capable of competing with the top riders. His aggressive, late-race pace makes him a podium threat at Motegi, especially if he can avoid mistakes. As an outsider, Bastianini offers value, given his ability to capitalize on chaotic races.
Pedro Acosta (+1100)
Acosta’s second-place finish in Indonesia was a breakout performance for the rookie, and he’s quickly proving he belongs in MotoGP’s elite. While Motegi will be a new challenge for him, Acosta’s fearless approach and rapid adaptation make him an intriguing outsider pick. If he can maintain his form, another podium isn’t out of reach.
Expert Pick for MotoGP Japan
For the Japanese GP, Jorge Martin is the expert pick. His recent victory and ability to control the race from the front give him a strong advantage. Martin’s confidence and form suggest he’s the rider to beat at Motegi.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooks to access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Japan GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
As the MotoGP season moves to Japan, the championship battle intensifies. With Martin and Bagnaia both pushing for the title, the Japanese GP promises thrilling action. Motegi’s challenging layout will test the riders’ abilities, and with so much on the line, fans and bettors should brace for an exciting weekend of racing.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Marc Marquez reached Q2 by advancing from Q1 after setting a new Q1 lap record, but he could not match that pace in Q2, posting a 1:29.646. He abandoned his final attempts after a cool-down-lap run-in with Fabio Di Giannantonio. Marquez was forced into Q1 after yellow flags from a late Bagnaia crash in practice denied him a final flying lap, and he described his Q1 position as unlucky.
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The weekend intensified debate about rider safety and restart protocols. Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin publicly questioned the decision to restart the race after two red flags, saying rider welfare should come first, and commentators on the Oxley Bom podcast called the restart unsafe and raised concerns about holeshot devices. Calls followed for track and procedural changes, with voices urging reassessment of Turn 1 and the race start geometry. On-track tensions spilled into heated exchanges after Raul Fernandez tangled with Jorge Martin on a restart and limped home, and Aleix Espargaro described Fernandez’s subsequent public comments blaming Martin as “a joke.”
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