Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) returned to winning ways at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan 2025, mastering pressure and mechanical worries as smoke from his Ducati added late-race drama.
But the day ultimately belonged to Marc Marquez, who secured his seventh MotoGP World Championship with a brilliant second-place finish – completing one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.
In front of a packed Motegi crowd, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) joined the headlines by taking third place, handing Honda a cherished home podium and marking his first visit to the rostrum since 2021.
Bagnaia shot into the lead from the start, quickly building a gap over Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Marquez. By mid-race, he had stretched his advantage to more than four seconds – but smoke emerging from his Ducati had the factory pitbox and fans worldwide holding their breath.
Despite the scare, Bagnaia managed the situation expertly, crossing the line two seconds clear to claim his first double victory of the season.
Behind him, Marquez’s race was all about control. After passing Acosta for second, the Spaniard calmly guided his Ducati home, knowing the result was enough to confirm him as champion. It was the culmination of a four-year fightback following multiple surgeries and setbacks since his last crown in 2019.
“This is the sweetest title of all,” said an emotional Marquez after the race. “After everything I’ve been through, to stand here again as World Champion is something incredible. This title is for everyone who believed in me.”
For Mir, third place was more than just a podium – it was redemption. The 2020 World Champion, who has battled injuries and misfortune in recent seasons, produced a composed ride to secure Honda’s first home podium in years, sparking wild celebrations in the grandstands.
The Rest of the Top Ten
- 4th – Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
- 5th – Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
- 6th – Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing)
- 7th – Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
- 8th – Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
- 9th – Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR)
- 10th – Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)
The result leaves Bagnaia rejuvenated in his own title charge, while Marquez’s seventh crown marks the longest gap between premier class titles in MotoGP history – 2,184 days since his last in 2019.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
