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.
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.
Marco Bezzecchi won the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on an Aprilia, while Toprak Razgatlioglu scored his first MotoGP premier-class point by finishing 15th after overtaking a fading Fabio Quartararo late in the race. “I’m happy with the point, but we were 25 seconds behind the leader,” Razgatlioglu said, underlining the roughly 25-second gap to the frontrunners and the limits of the Yamaha package.
Razgatlioglu credited Pramac teammate Jack Miller and lessons learned on and off track for helping him finish and collect a point, saying he had adopted a calmer, smoother “Superbike” riding style that helped manage troublesome Michelin tires. He also said he learned from following Quartararo during the event and from testing with Miller, but admitted weaknesses remained, notably in early braking zones, and he matched and then surpassed his 2025 crash tally in recent rounds.
Pramac director Gino Borsoi called the result “a morale boost,” and the team noted it was the first MotoGP championship point for the updated Yamaha M1 V4 package while stressing their ambitions remained higher and hoping it would be the first of many. Yamahas nonetheless filled the final four finishing positions at Austin, underscoring the gap to the Aprilia-led frontrunners, and Razgatlioglu praised the Circuit of the Americas and vowed to push for better results as the championship moved toward the European rounds.
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.
MotoGP is back in Europe after a thrilling tour of the Asia-Pacific region, where Marc Marquez both bagged the World Championship and ended his season in the space of a week. Now, his younger brother, Alex, is in the driving seat in the Portugal pre-event odds, as the grid assembles in the Algarve this weekend. …
Toprak Razgatlioglu delivered a downbeat assessment after the Sepang pre‑season MotoGP test, saying he expects to “probably struggle in the first five races” as he adapts from World Superbikes to MotoGP machinery. He completed the test with a best lap of 1:58.326, recorded around 18th–19th on the timesheets, well adrift of pacesetter Álex Márquez’s 1:56.402. After four-and-a-half days on track, he reported learning “something, but not a lot,” and said the five consecutive days left him physically tired, underlining how different the demands of a MotoGP race bike are compared with production‑based superbikes.
The Sepang sessions also exposed technical and setup problems within Yamaha’s new V4 package. The factory briefly halted running when a Yamaha V4 stopped on track, before resolving the engine issue and returning to action. Razgatlioglu highlighted ergonomic and handling challenges that “you can’t turn with the throttle,” and he has had to ride the YZR‑V4 more like a Moto2 machine, explaining that suspension changes are planned to improve turning. He reported improved braking after trying a different seat and reattaching the rear wing (earlier runs had the wing removed because his original seat exceeded height limits), but remained uncertain about Michelin rear‑tire wear and said tire behavior still limited his ability to hit his target lap time.
Others outside Yamaha framed Sepang as a learning and diagnostic outing. Pedro Acosta publicly urged Toprak to be cautious and not to overload expectations during his rookie transition, while Carlos Checa called him a likely top‑five rider but flagged two main uncertainties. The first is how well Yamaha’s new package will perform, followed by whether Toprak can adapt quickly to Michelin tires in the premier class. Yamaha plans further setup work and new parts at the Buriram test in just over two weeks, including additional rear‑wing trials and a possible 12‑lap race simulation to evaluate tire behavior. Taken together, the Sepang test highlighted both rookie adaptation issues and early reliability/setup and tire concerns for Yamaha’s V4 prototype, leaving Toprak’s immediate race competitiveness cautious rather than assured as the season opener approaches.
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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Bezzecchi wins COTA GP; Razgatlioglu best Yamaha, 25s back
Marco Bezzecchi won the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on an Aprilia, while Toprak Razgatlioglu scored his first MotoGP premier-class point by finishing 15th after overtaking a fading Fabio Quartararo late in the race. “I’m happy with the point, but we were 25 seconds behind the leader,” Razgatlioglu said, underlining the roughly 25-second gap to the frontrunners and the limits of the Yamaha package.
Razgatlioglu credited Pramac teammate Jack Miller and lessons learned on and off track for helping him finish and collect a point, saying he had adopted a calmer, smoother “Superbike” riding style that helped manage troublesome Michelin tires. He also said he learned from following Quartararo during the event and from testing with Miller, but admitted weaknesses remained, notably in early braking zones, and he matched and then surpassed his 2025 crash tally in recent rounds.
Pramac director Gino Borsoi called the result “a morale boost,” and the team noted it was the first MotoGP championship point for the updated Yamaha M1 V4 package while stressing their ambitions remained higher and hoping it would be the first of many. Yamahas nonetheless filled the final four finishing positions at Austin, underscoring the gap to the Aprilia-led frontrunners, and Razgatlioglu praised the Circuit of the Americas and vowed to push for better results as the championship moved toward the European rounds.
Liberty proposes F1-style permanent reserves for MotoGP
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.
Best Bets: 2025 MotoGP Portugal Pre-Event Odds Analysis
MotoGP is back in Europe after a thrilling tour of the Asia-Pacific region, where Marc Marquez both bagged the World Championship and ended his season in the space of a week. Now, his younger brother, Alex, is in the driving seat in the Portugal pre-event odds, as the grid assembles in the Algarve this weekend. …
Toprak: I’ll Probably Struggle First Five Races After Sepang
Toprak Razgatlioglu delivered a downbeat assessment after the Sepang pre‑season MotoGP test, saying he expects to “probably struggle in the first five races” as he adapts from World Superbikes to MotoGP machinery. He completed the test with a best lap of 1:58.326, recorded around 18th–19th on the timesheets, well adrift of pacesetter Álex Márquez’s 1:56.402. After four-and-a-half days on track, he reported learning “something, but not a lot,” and said the five consecutive days left him physically tired, underlining how different the demands of a MotoGP race bike are compared with production‑based superbikes.
The Sepang sessions also exposed technical and setup problems within Yamaha’s new V4 package. The factory briefly halted running when a Yamaha V4 stopped on track, before resolving the engine issue and returning to action. Razgatlioglu highlighted ergonomic and handling challenges that “you can’t turn with the throttle,” and he has had to ride the YZR‑V4 more like a Moto2 machine, explaining that suspension changes are planned to improve turning. He reported improved braking after trying a different seat and reattaching the rear wing (earlier runs had the wing removed because his original seat exceeded height limits), but remained uncertain about Michelin rear‑tire wear and said tire behavior still limited his ability to hit his target lap time.
Others outside Yamaha framed Sepang as a learning and diagnostic outing. Pedro Acosta publicly urged Toprak to be cautious and not to overload expectations during his rookie transition, while Carlos Checa called him a likely top‑five rider but flagged two main uncertainties. The first is how well Yamaha’s new package will perform, followed by whether Toprak can adapt quickly to Michelin tires in the premier class. Yamaha plans further setup work and new parts at the Buriram test in just over two weeks, including additional rear‑wing trials and a possible 12‑lap race simulation to evaluate tire behavior. Taken together, the Sepang test highlighted both rookie adaptation issues and early reliability/setup and tire concerns for Yamaha’s V4 prototype, leaving Toprak’s immediate race competitiveness cautious rather than assured as the season opener approaches.