Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) comeback charge toward the MotoGP World Championship edged closer to reality after he fended off relentless pressure from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) to secure a vital victory at the San Marino Grand Prix.
The win gives Marquez his first mathematical title opportunity at the upcoming Japanese GP in Motegi, where a favorable result could crown him World Champion once again.
Before lights out, Jorge Martin’s (Aprilia Racing) race was thrown into chaos when his RS-GP suffered an issue on the sighting lap. Starting from pit lane, regaining his grid slot, and serving two Long Lap penalties, Martin’s title hopes were dealt another major blow.
Bezzecchi launched strongly from pole and led the opening stages, but Marquez quickly applied pressure. The duel intensified after Bezzecchi ran wide on Lap 12, allowing Marquez to seize the lead.
From there, the two engaged in a tactical dogfight. Bezzecchi pushed to within 0.2s at times, even setting the fastest lap late on, but Marquez responded with precision, keeping the Italian at bay.
Ultimately, Marquez crossed the line 0.4s ahead, collecting a full 25 points and moving one step closer to MotoGP glory.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the podium in third, 7.7s adrift, delivering a memorable home result for Gresini Racing.
Behind them, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio secured P4 and P5 for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, while rookie Fermin Aldeguer impressed with P6 for Gresini.
The race saw several high-profile exits, including Johann Zarco, Joan Mir, Ai Ogura, Maverick Viñales, and Francesco Bagnaia – the latter crashing out on Lap 10, compounding a weekend to forget.
Pedro Acosta’s strong run also ended abruptly when his KTM’s chain failed, echoing teammate Brad Binder’s issue earlier in the weekend.
With this victory, Marc Marquez not only banishes memories of his Sprint crash but also edges toward completing one of MotoGP’s greatest comeback stories.
The title fight now shifts to Motegi, where Marquez has his first match point. The only rider still mathematically able to deny him is his brother, Alex Marquez – setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in Japan.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
