Motegi winner Marc Marquez: When it mattered most, he outmanoeuvred Martin

Marc Marquez laid the foundations for his sixth perfect weekend of the 2026 season on Saturday: In the sprint race, the world champion snatched the lead from pole-sitter Jorge Martin at Turn 1 and cruised to his 22nd sprint victory. As Martin finished only third due to tyre problems and a grid penalty, his lead in the world championship was reduced to seven points.

Following Saturday’s tyre debacle, all riders started the 24-lap main race on the hard rear tyre, as recommended by Michelin. The riders had hardly any experience with this tyre. At the start of the race, Martin maintained the upper hand and led ahead of Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia). Marquez patiently stayed on the Aprilia’s tail until he launched a successful attack on lap 11 and took the lead.

Willkommen zum Rennen in Motegi

Foto: Gold & Goose

Pedro Acosta

Foto: Gold & Goose

Fans

Foto: Gold & Goose

Pecco Bagnaia

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin

Foto: Gold & Goose

Start des Rennens

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin

Foto: Gold & Goose

Ai Ogura

Foto: Gold & Goose

Fermin Aldeguer

Foto: Gold & Goose

Marco Bezzecchi

Foto: Gold & Goose

Pedro Acosta

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin und Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Raúl Fernández

Foto: Gold & Goose

Enea Bastianini

Foto: Gold & Goose

Ogura und Fernández

Foto: Gold & Goose

Luca Marini

Foto: Gold & Goose

Marc Márquez gewinnt das Rennen

Foto: Gold & Goose

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin, Marc Márquez, Marco Bezzecchi

Foto: Gold & Goose

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Willkommen zum Rennen in Motegi

© Gold & Goose

Martin tried to counter, but to no avail. Following a riding error, Marquez pulled a few metres clear. When Martin managed to close the gap again in the closing stages, the Ducati star responded impressively. “The race was tough, especially when I was behind Jorge,” explained Marquez after crossing the finish line. “I knew that if I could lead the race, the pace would be good.”

Marc Marquez on the hunt for a record

“Jorge tried to attack, but then I picked up the pace again. That was enough to ride the last two laps more comfortably.” It was the Spaniard’s 79th victory in the premier class; he is still ten short of record-holder Valentino Rossi. He also secured Ducati’s 100th victory since racing director Gigi Dall’Igna took the helm in November 2013.

Topic of the week

Nicolo Bulega: Toprak’s successor will not fail in MotoGP

The Italian Nicolo Bulega is the first rider to have won the world title in both the Supersport and Superbike classes; from 2027, he will be racing in MotoGP. His performances this season are second to none.

Ivo Schützbach

Read More

TV Program

Live

Mandalika: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

09.10.2026 - 02:55

With 37 points this weekend, Marquez cut his deficit to the championship leader by ten points; Martin now leads by just 333 to 331 points. Marquez emphasised that it had been very important to secure the maximum number of points. He could reclaim the lead in the World Championship as early as next weekend in Mandalika, although Aprilia are considered the favourites on the track in Indonesia.