Marquez wins Motegi double, gives Ducati 100th premier-class MotoGP victory
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 4, 2026
Marc Marquez sweep
Marc Marquez swept the Motegi weekend, winning both the MotoGP Sprint and Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix to bank the maximum 37 points available and cut Jorge Martin’s championship lead to two points. Martin started from pole and finished second on Sunday. Marco Bezzecchi finished third in the Grand Prix, while Enea Bastianini crossed fourth, less than a tenth of a second behind him. Ai Ogura finished sixth Sunday after placing fifth in the Sprint.
The result carried extra weight for Ducati. Marquez’s sweep delivered the Italian manufacturer its 100th premier-class MotoGP victory under Gigi Dall’Igna. Marquez said he changed his training and weekend routine after multiple operations on his right arm and a recent right-shoulder surgery. He also said he was trying to save energy across the weekend.
Motegi title
The Motegi results left the title picture tight after Marquez cut Martin’s championship lead to two points. Marquez said the fight remained alive for him, Martin and Bezzecchi.
Marquez described the title battle as a three-way fight involving Martin and Bezzecchi.
Marquez reprimand
Marquez’s Motegi victory came after a separate issue that drew a reprimand from MotoGP organizers. He skipped the pre-race kart event and sent a body double in his place. Somkiat Chantra won the kart race ahead of Pedro Acosta.
Even with that off-track issue, the weekend centered on Marquez and Ducati. Marquez won both races and left Motegi with the maximum points available. Ducati left with its 100th premier-class MotoGP victory, while Martin’s lead stood at two points after the weekend.
