Marquez doubles up at Motegi to cut Martin's lead to two points

Marc Marquez won the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi on 4 October to complete a sprint and grand prix double and cut Jorge Martin's championship lead to two points.

The Ducati rider, and reigning world champion, backed up his win in Saturday's shorter sprint race with victory in Sunday's full-distance race. It was his fourth win at the Japanese Grand Prix, per official results Reuters, and it leaves the title fight finely balanced with six rounds remaining.

Martin had started ahead. The 2024 champion smashed the lap record in qualifying to take pole position, the front slot on the grid, and deny Marquez top spot. He led the early laps on Sunday before Marquez struck on lap 11 to take a lead he would not lose.

Martin held on for second. Marco Bezzecchi, Martin's Aprilia teammate, finished third to complete the podium. Marquez now has 331 championship points after Motegi, with Bezzecchi on 284, according to championship standings BBC.

Saturday had set the pattern. Marquez grabbed the lead at the first turn of the sprint and controlled the race to the flag. Behind him, Moreira took his first sprint podium at Motegi, a breakthrough result in the Saturday format where points are fewer but mistakes cost dear.

There was frustration for Alex Marquez. He was given a double long-lap penalty, forcing him to ride twice through a marked longer loop off the racing line, for his part in a three-rider collision in Saturday's sprint. He served the penalty in Sunday's race and later crashed out. Officials confirmed the crash, with no further detail given on any injury.

What makes this stand out is the swing. Martin arrived at Motegi with breathing room. He leaves with Marquez right behind him.

For fans, this means a straight fight. Two points separate the pair heading to Indonesia, per MotoGP MotoGP. Six rounds. Two former champions. No margin for error.