The #93 Set to Seal the Greatest Comeback in MotoGP™
More than 2,000 days since his last MotoGP world title in 2019, Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is preparing to complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in sporting history. Since celebrating his sixth premier-class crown at Valencia, the Spaniard has endured repeated surgeries, battled through three major injuries, switched teams twice, and even left behind the factory Honda project that defined his early career. For years, the question lingered: would Márquez ever return to the top, or had his era already passed?
As the paddock lands in Japan for the 2025 Motul Grand Prix of Japan, that question finally has an answer. With a commanding 185-point lead, Márquez is on the cusp of clinching his seventh premier-class crown. He sits on 182 points scored this season, and unless something truly extraordinary happens, Sunday at Motegi will be remembered as the day the #93 reclaimed his throne.
The Final Stand: Alex Márquez the Only Challenger
The only man who can mathematically stop Marc now is his younger brother, Álex Márquez. The #73 has enjoyed his best ever MotoGP season, collecting multiple race wins and securing a factory ride with BK8 Gresini Racing for 2026.
Motegi has personal significance for Álex — it’s where he scored his very first Grand Prix win back in 2013, although the Japanese venue has been less kind to him in the premier class. Beyond the overall championship, he’s also chasing another prize: the Independent Teams’ title. Currently holding a 150-point advantage in that classification, he needs to finish the season more than 185 points clear to wrap it up.
The Fight for Third: Bagnaia vs Bezzecchi
While the Márquez brothers headline the title story, there’s a fierce VR46 Academy duel brewing for third in the standings. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who dominated at Motegi last season with a double win, holds a slender eight-point lead over Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). Momentum, however, appears to be swinging Bezzecchi’s way in recent races.
This battle could also open the door for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Spaniard, 41 points adrift of Bezzecchi, was a standout at Motegi in 2024, even if his pole position didn’t translate into victory. Now in his sophomore season, he’s far more dangerous.
Acosta won’t be the only KTM worth watching. Teammate Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini (Tech3 KTM), and a still-recovering Maverick Viñales could all spring surprises — especially with KTM’s proven track record at the Japanese circuit.
Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio, and the Reigning Champion
Just behind Acosta, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) are locked in their own private war, separated by only a single point. Both are also close enough to strike at Acosta if the opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) has endured a difficult defense of his crown. Although out of title contention, he’s rediscovering his form with the RS-GP, and his speed could easily disrupt the fight for third.
Rookie Heat: Aldeguer vs Quartararo
The duel between Fermín Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) is another subplot worth tracking. Quartararo has rediscovered some one-lap speed, as seen with his front-row at Misano, but race pace remains his Achilles’ heel. Motegi’s heavy braking zones will test Yamaha’s progress.
Aldeguer, meanwhile, remains a few points ahead of the Frenchman and has his eye on fellow rookie Ai Ogura(Trackhouse MotoGP). Ogura makes his premier-class home debut this weekend, and expectations are high. The Japanese rider will be desperate to shine in front of his fans, and beating teammate Raúl Fernández on home ground will be a priority.
Honda vs Yamaha: Home Pressure
Motegi is both Honda’s home circuit and a symbolic test for Yamaha. Both manufacturers are under immense scrutiny, and both are eager to deliver a statement in front of their home crowds.
For Yamaha, Quartararo leads the charge, with Álex Rins and Jack Miller — who memorably won here with Ducati in the past — bringing extra firepower. Miguel Oliveira will also want to prove his worth before moving on from the factory next season.
Honda, meanwhile, faces its own internal battles. Johann Zarco (Castrol LCR Honda) is the highest-ranked Honda rider in the championship and already signed up under the incoming 2027 ruleset. Luca Marini is regaining form after injury, while Joan Mir continues to fight misfortune. Wildcard Takaaki Nakagami adds even more local pride, as Japan welcomes two home riders on the grid for the first time in years.
Moto2: González Holds the Cards
In Moto2™, Manuel González (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) arrives with a 39-point cushion over rivals Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing) and Arón Canet (Fantic Racing). Motegi has special significance: it was here last year that González scored his maiden Moto2 win.
Behind the trio, Barry Baltus is emerging as a dark horse after five runner-up finishes in 2025, while Jake Dixon and Celestino Vietti continue their Boscoscuro rivalry. Rookie Daniel Holgado also remains one to watch with three podiums in his last four starts.
Moto3: Rueda in Command
In Moto3™, José Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) appears to have one hand on the title. His daring last-lap move at Misano gave him a 78-point lead over Ángel Piqueras (FRINSA MT Helmets MSI). With 150 points still on offer, Piqueras needs to respond immediately at Motegi.
Behind them, rookie sensation Máximo Quiles sits third overall after seven podiums this year, while David Muñoz holds fourth. Further down, Adrián Fernández returned to the rostrum at Misano, while Joel Kelso and Álvaro Carpe are battling for a top-five finish.
Local riders Taiyo Furusato and Ryusei Yamanaka will carry Japanese hopes on home soil. Both are eager to fight for the podium in front of their home fans.
The Stage is Set
As MotoGP™ heads into the flyaway rounds, Motegi could be remembered as the weekend Marc Márquez completed the most unlikely comeback in motorcycle racing history. With Moto2 and Moto3 title fights also hanging in the balance, the 2025 Motul Grand Prix of Japan promises to deliver storylines that will echo far beyond the paddock.
