Marc Márquez gained an advantage in the MotoEvents races. In the Japanese Grand Prix, with victories in Sprint and the main race, he reduced the point difference with the champion Jorge Martin to just two points. The Ducati rider stated that the championship fight is now between himself and two Aprilia riders, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.
Márquez's Race Performance
Spanish rider Márquez secured a total of 37 points by winning the Sprint race and the main race at Motegi this weekend. Thanks to this achievement, Márquez reduced the point gap with the leader Jorge Martin to only two points. The Ducati rider expressed that he struggled behind Martin at the start of the race but increased his speed after adapting to the soft tires.
I succeeded by maintaining my concentration and by working particularly with the team. I saw that it was possible to do this from Monday onwards, and that was in my mind. Martin had a very strong start. I struggled most behind him in the race, but after moving to the soft tires, I began to understand better.
Approach to Leading
Marc Márquez stated that after overtaking Jorge Martin, he wanted to take control of the race by taking the lead as early as possible when possible.
When I overtook him, I wanted to move ahead as early as possible. This way I could manage the pace and the risks myself.
Importance of Teamwork
Marc Márquez noted that his success at Motegi coincided with Ducati's 100th victory with the Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna.
I enjoy what he and his entire team create. Gigi is a great leader, I have always said this. He shows the way, manages the pack, and does not hesitate when he needs to make a decision. He has a wonderful team that knows how to manage around him.
Furthermore, the Spanish rider highlighted the importance of teamwork in the championship fight at Ducati.
Everyone at Ducati works 100% to give what is needed to compete against Aprilia and the champion.
Race Perspective
Márquez emphasized that even with six Grand Prix races remaining in the season, the Grand Prix races could yield different results, and Martin could maintain pressure in the standings.
I feel good about myself. There are still 6 Grand Prix races ahead of us. Some races might be better, some might be worse, some might have rain. But we are in the fight and we are putting pressure on Martin.
Transition to a Three-Way Fight
Marc Márquez believes that the point difference of only two points does not mean the championship fight is only between two riders.
No, it is starting to become a three-way fight. Bezzecchi is definitely involved and in very good form. That is why I said we are competing against two Aprilia bikes.
According to Márquez, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi's performances make Aprilia Ducati's biggest rival in the championship race.
View on the Mandalika Race
Márquez stated that his advantage was reduced to only two points, and he will not adopt a defensive approach for the Indonesian GP. The Spanish rider said that despite not having finished any race earlier in Mandalika, this would not change his approach.
Our mentality must be to attack. You cannot start thinking about defending. If we face difficulties at the end of the week, we will try to stay close to the best possible result. However, we cannot go there with a negative mindset.
Marc Márquez expressed his desire to have a good start in Indonesia and that he would not focus on past problems.
We will talk about this on Thursday, and we will go onto the track with a positive mindset on Friday.
Reason for Not Participating in Karting Events
Marc Márquez stated that he is not participating in the karting event, explaining that he did not participate after the warm-up session at Motegi. He expressed that he did not want to take unnecessary risks during the period of the championship fight.
They got a little angry with me, but I need to be selfish right now because I am fighting for a championship. I understand that some things need to be done to entertain the audience and the spectators. However, considering the risk we face on the track and the show, I considered it completely unnecessary.
Following the two victories at Motegi, Márquez is leading Martin by only two points in the championship. Márquez, who stated that Marco Bezzecchi is also involved in the race, believes that the championship fight is becoming more intense with six Grand Prix races remaining.
Statistics
- Marc Márquez is in 2nd place with 331 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Ducati Team).
- Archive: Rider Márquez Takes Fast Pace at Motegi (October 2, 2026)
Read the full story at the original source.
Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
