Francesco Bagnaia Triumphs in Thrilling Tissot Sprint at Motul Grand Prix of Japan [Photo Gallery]
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has secured an outstanding victory in the Tissot Sprint at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, closing the gap to just 15 points in the championship battle. Bagnaia showcased his skill and determination, taking the lead early on and maintaining his composure throughout the race. Despite the challenging conditions and intense competition, the reigning World Champion proved his mettle once again.
The race began with high tension on the grid, as variable conditions and spots of rain added to the uncertainty. Bagnaia got off to a perfect start, storming into the lead on the run to Turn 1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who had secured pole position, found himself in third place behind Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).
As the race progressed, Acosta began to close the gap to Bagnaia, eventually making a move for the lead on Lap 3. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) made a strong start from the fourth row, carving his way through the field to fifth place, with Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in hot pursuit.
Misfortune struck Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as both riders were forced to retire early in the race. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) also suffered a crash, colliding with his teammate Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who was subsequently handed a Long Lap penalty.
At the front, Acosta had established a narrow lead over Bagnaia, but disaster struck on Lap 9 when the rookie crashed out of the Sprint lead. This promoted Bagnaia back into first place, with Bastianini and Marc Marquez engaged in a thrilling battle for second.
On the final lap, Bagnaia’s lead had been reduced to less than two-tenths of a second, but the Ducati rider remained unstoppable, crossing the line to claim a crucial victory. Bastianini managed to hold off a recovering Marc Marquez to secure second place, while the #93 put in an incredible performance to claim third after starting from the third row.
Martin finished fourth, taking valuable championship points, followed by his teammate Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) in fifth. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) claimed sixth, just ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) rounded out the point-scoring positions.
With the World Championship gap closing, the Japanese Grand Prix could prove to be a pivotal moment in the season. Acosta will be seeking redemption, while Bagnaia aims to reclaim the title advantage from Martin, who will start Sunday’s race from 11th on the grid. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the MotoGP™ season, as the action continues at Motegi on Sunday at 14:00 (UTC +9).
Tissot Sprint at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan Top 10
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
- Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) +0.181
- Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) +0.349
- Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) +2.498
- Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) +4.326
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) +4.446
- Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) +11.444
- Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) +11.875
- Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) +11.947
- Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) +12.299
Tissot Sprint at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan Photo Gallery
