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.
Trackhouse Aprilia revealed its 2026 MotoGP livery today in Milan, unveiling a revised blue-and-black color scheme with yellow accents and American flags on both sides of the satellite Aprilia RS-GP26. Riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura attended the 3 pm CET (2 pm UK) launch. The team also confirmed a special Gulf livery that will be used at several Grands Prix, including Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Trackhouse, which took over from CryptoDATA/RNF at the end of 2023, is based in North Carolina and had already run Gulf colors in 2025 without an official title sponsor.
The team retained Fernández and Ogura for 2026. Fernández was the team’s breakthrough rider in 2025, delivering Trackhouse’s first premier-class victory at Phillip Island, a Sprint podium at Mandalika, and a near-miss second in Valencia, and he finished the year 10th in the championship. Ogura debuted with a fifth place at Buriram, saw a rookie campaign curtailed by injuries, and ended 2025 16th. The team finished seventh in the teams’ championship, ahead of factory Honda and Tech3 KTM.
Trackhouse confirmed the RS-GP26 is set to make its first on-track appearance at the Sepang test, Feb 3–5, and that it will continue to receive factory-spec RS-GP machinery. The launch followed Aprilia’s disclosure of targeted 2026 updates to chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, plus power-unit improvements carried out within engine-freeze limits. Coverage highlighted clear RS-GP development through 2025 and positioned established rivals — including Marc Marquez and factory Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin as key comparators for Trackhouse’s prospects. The Sepang test will give the team its first real chance to assess those updates as it heads into the final 1000cc/Michelin season with continuity in riders and equipment and a visible new livery.
Did you know that MotoGP races can now fuel more than your adrenaline? Imagine making your passion for the sport earn you real money by making simple predictions on rider performance. This is what MotoGP DFS brings to you in New Mexico. In MotoGP DFS, you predict whether a specific rider will perform better or …
Yamaha has been among the manufacturers most actively linked with Luca Marini for 2027, and AS reported Yamaha made a ‘great offer,’ though no move has been confirmed. Marini — contracted to Honda for this season after signing an extension in 2025 — told reporters he was unaware of any concrete offer, dismissed the transfer talk as ‘background noise’ and said, “I don’t know, but it’s true that I’m the best at developing.”
The Marini speculation sits inside a wider reshuffle of the 2027 MotoGP market that has gained momentum ahead of the Thailand round. Reports name a string of potential moves: Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta to Ducati; Francesco Bagnaia to Aprilia alongside Marco Bezzecchi; Jorge Martín linked with Yamaha; and Fabio Quartararo widely expected to move to Honda. Yamaha itself suffered a difficult pre-season with its new V4 package. Reports that Honda is interested in signing Quartararo for 2027 have increased pressure on the seats currently occupied by Marini and Joan Mir, and some inside Honda are reported to expect Marini to leave. Honda’s options are constrained by LCR riders Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira being contracted through 2027 (Moreira on a three-year Honda deal).
Marini’s profile helps explain the interest. He moved from VR46 Ducati to Honda in 2024 and has been credited with playing a role in Honda’s competitive rebound. He praised meaningful progress after a new group of engineers arrived in 2025, citing engine improvements, fewer vibration issues and a more organized working approach, and said Buriram testing produced better results than Sepang. Marini warned Honda still needs work on one-lap speed and rear grip. He found the new soft rear tire difficult in practice, with a medium rear proving more competitive in simulations. He set realistic targets for the season: regular Top-7 starts, pushing into the Top-5 and contesting for podiums. His 2025 campaign included a P7 at Valencia that helped push Honda into C-rank concessions, a 13th-place finish in the 2025 standings overall, and a Suzuka training crash that sidelined him for three races.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, 29, is on a multi‑year transition from World Superbike to MotoGP, with his 2026–27 future shaped by overlapping agreements. He left WSBK after winning a third title and signed a two‑year MotoGP deal linked to Yamaha that begins in 2026, while remaining contracted to Pramac through the end of 2027. Sources say the presence of both a Yamaha‑linked factory arrangement and an existing Pramac seat creates the central overlap about where he will race in 2027.
The 2026 season is being presented as a transition year on and off track. Razgatlıoğlu made his MotoGP debut for Pramac at the Thailand Grand Prix, finishing 17th — third of four Yamahas and ahead only of teammate Jack Miller — in a weekend that featured strong Sprint pace but a last‑corner crash. Paddock observers said the Yamaha V4 package looked uncompetitive in that outing.
His manager, Kenan Sofuoğlu, told reporters there “could be interest” from factory Yamaha but he was “99% sure” Razgatlıoğlu would remain with Pramac in 2027; Pramac’s resistance to Honda’s attempt to sign him for 2026 has reinforced that position. Honda rider Luca Marini suggested Razgatlıoğlu may need until the 2027 season to be truly competitive and pointed to planned 2027 rule changes — 850cc engines, tighter aerodynamic limits and a ban on ride‑height devices — as factors that could affect adaptation. Those 2027 expectations are already affecting the rider market: Yamaha plans a largely new lineup for 2027 and has reportedly identified 2024 champion Jorge Martin as its preferred signing on a two‑year deal while it seeks his teammate. Reports say Yamaha views Razgatlıoğlu and Alex Rins as “far behind” in the race for a factory seat, even as Sofuoğlu and Yamaha describe an ongoing project aimed at improving the bike’s competitiveness for next year. With only one race contested so far this season, Razgatlıoğlu’s on‑track development and the team decisions that will shape his 2027 programme remain a developing story.
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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Trackhouse Keeps Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura for 2026
Trackhouse Aprilia revealed its 2026 MotoGP livery today in Milan, unveiling a revised blue-and-black color scheme with yellow accents and American flags on both sides of the satellite Aprilia RS-GP26. Riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura attended the 3 pm CET (2 pm UK) launch. The team also confirmed a special Gulf livery that will be used at several Grands Prix, including Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Trackhouse, which took over from CryptoDATA/RNF at the end of 2023, is based in North Carolina and had already run Gulf colors in 2025 without an official title sponsor.
The team retained Fernández and Ogura for 2026. Fernández was the team’s breakthrough rider in 2025, delivering Trackhouse’s first premier-class victory at Phillip Island, a Sprint podium at Mandalika, and a near-miss second in Valencia, and he finished the year 10th in the championship. Ogura debuted with a fifth place at Buriram, saw a rookie campaign curtailed by injuries, and ended 2025 16th. The team finished seventh in the teams’ championship, ahead of factory Honda and Tech3 KTM.
Trackhouse confirmed the RS-GP26 is set to make its first on-track appearance at the Sepang test, Feb 3–5, and that it will continue to receive factory-spec RS-GP machinery. The launch followed Aprilia’s disclosure of targeted 2026 updates to chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, plus power-unit improvements carried out within engine-freeze limits. Coverage highlighted clear RS-GP development through 2025 and positioned established rivals — including Marc Marquez and factory Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin as key comparators for Trackhouse’s prospects. The Sepang test will give the team its first real chance to assess those updates as it heads into the final 1000cc/Michelin season with continuity in riders and equipment and a visible new livery.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in New Mexico
Did you know that MotoGP races can now fuel more than your adrenaline? Imagine making your passion for the sport earn you real money by making simple predictions on rider performance. This is what MotoGP DFS brings to you in New Mexico. In MotoGP DFS, you predict whether a specific rider will perform better or …
Marini targets Top-5 results as Honda seat uncertainty grows
Yamaha has been among the manufacturers most actively linked with Luca Marini for 2027, and AS reported Yamaha made a ‘great offer,’ though no move has been confirmed. Marini — contracted to Honda for this season after signing an extension in 2025 — told reporters he was unaware of any concrete offer, dismissed the transfer talk as ‘background noise’ and said, “I don’t know, but it’s true that I’m the best at developing.”
The Marini speculation sits inside a wider reshuffle of the 2027 MotoGP market that has gained momentum ahead of the Thailand round. Reports name a string of potential moves: Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta to Ducati; Francesco Bagnaia to Aprilia alongside Marco Bezzecchi; Jorge Martín linked with Yamaha; and Fabio Quartararo widely expected to move to Honda. Yamaha itself suffered a difficult pre-season with its new V4 package. Reports that Honda is interested in signing Quartararo for 2027 have increased pressure on the seats currently occupied by Marini and Joan Mir, and some inside Honda are reported to expect Marini to leave. Honda’s options are constrained by LCR riders Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira being contracted through 2027 (Moreira on a three-year Honda deal).
Marini’s profile helps explain the interest. He moved from VR46 Ducati to Honda in 2024 and has been credited with playing a role in Honda’s competitive rebound. He praised meaningful progress after a new group of engineers arrived in 2025, citing engine improvements, fewer vibration issues and a more organized working approach, and said Buriram testing produced better results than Sepang. Marini warned Honda still needs work on one-lap speed and rear grip. He found the new soft rear tire difficult in practice, with a medium rear proving more competitive in simulations. He set realistic targets for the season: regular Top-7 starts, pushing into the Top-5 and contesting for podiums. His 2025 campaign included a P7 at Valencia that helped push Honda into C-rank concessions, a 13th-place finish in the 2025 standings overall, and a Suzuka training crash that sidelined him for three races.
Yamaha link and Pramac deal set Toprak’s 2027 path
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, 29, is on a multi‑year transition from World Superbike to MotoGP, with his 2026–27 future shaped by overlapping agreements. He left WSBK after winning a third title and signed a two‑year MotoGP deal linked to Yamaha that begins in 2026, while remaining contracted to Pramac through the end of 2027. Sources say the presence of both a Yamaha‑linked factory arrangement and an existing Pramac seat creates the central overlap about where he will race in 2027.
The 2026 season is being presented as a transition year on and off track. Razgatlıoğlu made his MotoGP debut for Pramac at the Thailand Grand Prix, finishing 17th — third of four Yamahas and ahead only of teammate Jack Miller — in a weekend that featured strong Sprint pace but a last‑corner crash. Paddock observers said the Yamaha V4 package looked uncompetitive in that outing.
His manager, Kenan Sofuoğlu, told reporters there “could be interest” from factory Yamaha but he was “99% sure” Razgatlıoğlu would remain with Pramac in 2027; Pramac’s resistance to Honda’s attempt to sign him for 2026 has reinforced that position. Honda rider Luca Marini suggested Razgatlıoğlu may need until the 2027 season to be truly competitive and pointed to planned 2027 rule changes — 850cc engines, tighter aerodynamic limits and a ban on ride‑height devices — as factors that could affect adaptation. Those 2027 expectations are already affecting the rider market: Yamaha plans a largely new lineup for 2027 and has reportedly identified 2024 champion Jorge Martin as its preferred signing on a two‑year deal while it seeks his teammate. Reports say Yamaha views Razgatlıoğlu and Alex Rins as “far behind” in the race for a factory seat, even as Sofuoğlu and Yamaha describe an ongoing project aimed at improving the bike’s competitiveness for next year. With only one race contested so far this season, Razgatlıoğlu’s on‑track development and the team decisions that will shape his 2027 programme remain a developing story.