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.
Place your wagers for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan at our partner sportsbooks.
MotoGP betting hasn't launched in Ohio yet.
Get notified the day it goes live.
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.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The world’s premier cycling race is back and celebrating its 112th birthday, starting in Lille and terminating on the iconic Champs-Élysées. Defending Champion, Tadej Pogačar, has the backing of the bettors in the 2025 Tour de France pre-event odds after triumphing in the Critérium du Dauphiné last month. Besides the battle for the yellow jersey, …
Toprak Razgatlioglu dislocated his right shoulder in a highside crash during Free Practice 2 at Mandalika in the Indonesian Grand Prix. He lost the rear at Turn 13 before being thrown off the bike, and he reportedly popped the shoulder back into place himself.
Razgatlioglu briefly visited the medical center after a circuit doctor intervened, and marshals helped him away from the incident. Pramac Yamaha advised him not to continue riding, but he wanted to keep going and returned to the pits with an ice pack on his shoulder.
He took part in qualifying despite the injury and advanced through Q1 before qualifying 19th with a 1:30.532 lap.
Imola ended an incredible run of three consecutive victories for Oscar Piastri, who settled for the final spot on the podium, behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Formula 1 roadshow moves to the French Riviera this weekend to undertake the iconic fixture around Monte Carlo. The McLaren drivers lead the F1 Monaco Grand Prix …
Marco Bezzecchi withdrew from the rest of the German Grand Prix weekend after a heavy qualifying crash at Turn 7 on Saturday left him with a complete, displaced fracture of his left clavicle. Aprilia said he lost the rear of his bike before being thrown over the handlebars, then was taken by ambulance to the circuit medical center, where X-rays under MotoGP medical director Dr. Angel Charte confirmed the collarbone fracture. Bezzecchi is returning to Italy for surgery with Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini.
Reports varied on his exact position in Q2 when the accident happened. One account said Bezzecchi briefly moved into second place behind Marc Marquez, while another said he was third in Q2, after an earlier lap had put him provisionally seventh on the grid. Aprilia confirmed he will miss the German Grand Prix.
The injury came after Bezzecchi said on Friday that he was “in trouble with my body” as he returned to the bike after a heavy crash at Assen. He was not fully fit when he arrived at Sachsenring, finished seventh in Friday practice, and said the main issue was his body rather than his mindset as he prepared to “suffer” through the weekend.
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
Related Posts
Best Bets: 2025 Tour de France Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The world’s premier cycling race is back and celebrating its 112th birthday, starting in Lille and terminating on the iconic Champs-Élysées. Defending Champion, Tadej Pogačar, has the backing of the bettors in the 2025 Tour de France pre-event odds after triumphing in the Critérium du Dauphiné last month. Besides the battle for the yellow jersey, …
Toprak Razgatlioglu dislocates right shoulder in Mandalika crash
Toprak Razgatlioglu dislocated his right shoulder in a highside crash during Free Practice 2 at Mandalika in the Indonesian Grand Prix. He lost the rear at Turn 13 before being thrown off the bike, and he reportedly popped the shoulder back into place himself.
Razgatlioglu briefly visited the medical center after a circuit doctor intervened, and marshals helped him away from the incident. Pramac Yamaha advised him not to continue riding, but he wanted to keep going and returned to the pits with an ice pack on his shoulder.
He took part in qualifying despite the injury and advanced through Q1 before qualifying 19th with a 1:30.532 lap.
Best Bets: F1 Monaco Grand Prix Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Imola ended an incredible run of three consecutive victories for Oscar Piastri, who settled for the final spot on the podium, behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Formula 1 roadshow moves to the French Riviera this weekend to undertake the iconic fixture around Monte Carlo. The McLaren drivers lead the F1 Monaco Grand Prix …
Bezzecchi withdraws after Sachsenring crash fractures clavicle
Marco Bezzecchi withdrew from the rest of the German Grand Prix weekend after a heavy qualifying crash at Turn 7 on Saturday left him with a complete, displaced fracture of his left clavicle. Aprilia said he lost the rear of his bike before being thrown over the handlebars, then was taken by ambulance to the circuit medical center, where X-rays under MotoGP medical director Dr. Angel Charte confirmed the collarbone fracture. Bezzecchi is returning to Italy for surgery with Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini.
Reports varied on his exact position in Q2 when the accident happened. One account said Bezzecchi briefly moved into second place behind Marc Marquez, while another said he was third in Q2, after an earlier lap had put him provisionally seventh on the grid. Aprilia confirmed he will miss the German Grand Prix.
The injury came after Bezzecchi said on Friday that he was “in trouble with my body” as he returned to the bike after a heavy crash at Assen. He was not fully fit when he arrived at Sachsenring, finished seventh in Friday practice, and said the main issue was his body rather than his mindset as he prepared to “suffer” through the weekend.