Sun Sep 28 05:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Bagnaia Dominates Motegi Sprint as Marquez Closes in on Championship

**Motegi, Japan** – Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team roared back to form with a dominant victory in the Tissot Sprint at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. The reigning MotoGP World Champion led from pole position, ultimately crossing the finish line 1.8 seconds ahead of teammate Marc Marquez.

Marquez’s second-place finish, coupled with a disappointing tenth-place result for title rival Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), puts him on the cusp of claiming the 2025 World Championship. He only needs to finish P2 or better in Sunday’s Grand Prix to secure the title.

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) salvaged a podium finish for KTM, battling hard to secure third place after an eventful race.

The Sprint was marred by an early crash in Turn 1 involving Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin of Aprilia Racing. Martin’s incident resulted in a broken collarbone, forcing him to withdraw from Sunday’s race.

Bagnaia controlled the race from the start, establishing a comfortable lead while Marquez worked his way through the pack. Marquez made aggressive moves on both Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) and Acosta to secure his second-place finish.

Mir finished in a respectable fourth place on home turf, followed by Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in fifth.

With Marquez needing only P2 finish to clinch the 2025 title, all eyes will be on Alex Marquez to try and stop his brother’s championship charge. He must beat his brother to force the championship fight to Indonesia.

Sunday’s Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling showdown as the season heads into its final stages.

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