Motegi, Japan: Francesco Bagnaia Wins Japan MotoGP to Cut Deficit to 10 Points
Exciting Finish Marks Bagnaia’s Eighth Grand Prix Win of the Season
Francesco Bagnaia has won the Japan MotoGP, held at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, Japan. The Italian rider overtook pole-sitter Pedro Acosta on the first lap and held on to finish 1.189sec ahead of championship front-runner Jorge Martin. This victory marks Bagnaia’s eighth Grand Prix win of the season, his best-ever tally, and his first at the Japan MotoGP.
Bagnaia Takes the Lead Early
Bagnaia took the lead on the first lap, overtaking Acosta, who had started from pole. He held on to the lead and finish 1.189sec ahead of Martin, with Marc Marquez third.
Martin’s Chasing His First World Title
Martin, who is chasing his first world title, started from 11th on the grid after crashing in qualifying. He went from 11th to fourth before the first lap was over, and then overtook Brad Binder and Acosta to move up to second. However, he was unable to catch up with Bagnaia, finishing 1.189sec behind.
Tight Battle for Third
Italy’s Enea Bastianini and Marquez were locked in a battle for third place, with Bastianini ultimately finishing fourth and Marquez third. The two riders were only 0.025sec apart at one stage, but Marquez managed to hold on to his position.
Other Notable Performances
Italy’s Franco Morbidelli finished fifth, and Binder was sixth. Spain’s Maverick Vinales, who started third on the grid, was another who crashed out.
Conclusion
Bagnaia’s win has significantly cut Martin’s lead in the overall standings, with the two riders now separated by just 10 points. This has set up an exciting conclusion to the season, with Bagnaia determined to overtake Martin and claim his first world title.
FAQs
- Who won the Japan MotoGP?
- Francesco Bagnaia
- How many Grand Prix wins does Bagnaia have this season?
- 8
- How close is the lead in the overall standings between Bagnaia and Martin?
- 10 points
- Who finished third in the Japan MotoGP?
- Marc Marquez