Last weekend, the MotoGP riders completed a series of four consecutive Grands Prix before a short, well-deserved break. The perfect time for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) to catch up with rival Jorge Martin (Ducati Pramac). At the same time, a young Colombian made history in Moto3 with an exceptional performance.
MotoGP Japan: a weekend full of smiles
A perfect approach, a race like no other... the Japanese round was almost a complete success for Francesco Bagnaia. Already winner of the sprint, he quickly took the lead of the main race at the expense of Pedro Acosta (KTM GasGas), author of his first MotoGP pole position, who crashed while in 2nd position. The Spanish rookie, had a great card to play, but made another mistake, paving the way for Bagnaia who wasn't asking for much.
Starting from 11ᵉ position, Jorge Martin had to make an impressive comeback. In just a few laps, he gained nine places to find himself behind Bagnaia. Despite his constant pressure, bringing him to within six tenths after ten laps, Martin had to ease off, letting Bagnaia escape. Although he returned to the attack in the final laps, it was too late: Bagnaia crossed the finish line 1.2 seconds ahead.
At the finish, Martin didn't seem particularly disappointed. A sportsman, he congratulated his rival without holding back:"Pecco Bagnaia makes me better, I think we push each other. But the other day, he said he'd like us to fight, so let him cut the throttle!" he joked to Sky Sports.
MotoGP Japan 2024 Sprint race results :
MotoGP Japan 2024 Grand Prix race results :
A familiar podium
Marc Marquez (Ducati Gresini) rounded off the podium with his eighth top-3 finish of the season. However, he came close to disaster on the first lap, after making contact with Maverick Vinales. The six-time world champion then made a spectacular pass on Brad Binder (KTM) on lap 5ᵉ to grab 3ᵉ place, which he then defended against Enea Bastianini (Ducati). This performance was all the more impressive given that Ducati had removed an essential part from its GP23s, the flywheel, following an engine failure at the previous GP in Indonesia.
Zarco and Quartararo just outside the top 10
Among the French riders, Johann Zarco (Honda LCR) finished 11ᵉ, overtaking Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) on the last lap, when the latter ran out of fuel, again! It was the last straw for the rider, who didn't mince his words on Canal+, describing the situation as "ridiculous".
"It's unacceptable"
CANAL+ MotoGP (@CanalplusMotoGP) October 6, 2024
Fabio Quartararo very upset after running out of fuel again at the end of the race #JapaneseGP #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/0XyEywtQvp
Nakagami, unwavering support
Takaaki Nakagami (Honda), Japan's sole MotoGP representative, finished in the points after a weekend of mixed results. The day before, he had expressed his bitterness after a crash during the sprint, caused by an aggressive overtaking by Johann Zarco. The Frenchman was quick to apologize. However, the Japanese crowd's ovation on his deceleration lap no doubt assuaged his disappointment.
MotoGP 2024 rider standings after the GP of Japan (06/10/2024)
By winning at Motegi, Francesco Bagnaia secured his 8ᵉ victory of the season, joining a select circle of elite riders, including Rossi (5 times), Marquez (3x), Lorenzo and Stoner (2x). But above and beyond this symbolic success, he also reduces the crucial gap separating him from Jorge Martin in the overall standings, who knows that he will have to shine in the coming races to maintain his lead. "The aim is to get to Valencia with a chance of winning, but I hope to get there before then," he declared.
MotoGP 2024 race calendar: Bagnaia and Martin: towards a titanic duel?
Before returning to Europe, we'll have to get through Australia, Thailand and Malaysia without a hitch.
1 Qatar Grand Prix (Losail circuit), March 10. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
2 Portuguese Grand Prix (Circuit Internacional do Algarve), March 24. Winner: Jorge Martín (Ducati)Argentine Grand Prix (Termas de Río Hondo), April 7. 3Grand Prix of the Americas (Circuit of the Americas), April 14. Winner: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia)
4 Spanish Grand Prix (Jerez circuit), April 28. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
5 French Grand Prix (Bugatti circuit in Le Mans), May 12. Winner: Jorge Martin (Ducati)
6 Catalan Grand Prix (Barcelona-Catalunya circuit), May 26. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
7 Italian Grand Prix (Mugello circuit), June 2. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)Kazakhstan Grand Prix (Sokol International Racetrack), June 16. REPORT
8 Dutch Grand Prix (TT circuit Assen), June 30 Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
9 German Grand Prix (Sachsenring circuit), July 7. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
10 British Grand Prix (Silverstone circuit), August 4 Winner: Enea Bastianini (Ducati)
11 Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg circuit), August 18: Winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
12 Grand Prix of Aragón (Motorland Aragon circuit), September 1. Winner: Marc Marquez (Gresini)
13 San Marino Grand Prix (Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli), September 8 Winner: Marc Marquez (Gresini)Indian Grand Prix (Buddh International Circuit), September 22. CANCELLEDKazakhstan Grand Prix (Sokol International Racetrack), September 22 CANCELLED
14 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix (Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli), September 22 Winner: Enea Bastianini (Ducati)
15 Indonesian Grand Prix (Mandalika International Street circuit), September 29 Winner: Jorge Martín (Ducati)
16 Japanese Grand Prix (Twin Ring Motegi circuit), October 6. Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
17 Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island Circuit), October 20.
18 Thai Grand Prix (Chang International circuit), October 27.
19 Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang International circuit), November 3.
20 Valencia Grand Prix (Ricardo Tormo circuit), November 17.
Moto3: Alonso crowned champion, Colombia on top
Sunday's Moto3 race was dominated by David Alonso. The 18-year-old Colombian claimed his 10ᵉ victory of the season at Motegi, taking the World Champion title. With a provisional lead of 109 points and four Grands Prix still to go, Alonso is now untouchable. "I didn't know if it would be here, but I knew I was going to give it my all," he confided, visibly moved after the finish. He thus becomes the first Colombian to win a Moto3 world title, and will make the jump to Moto2 next season.
Photo credits : MotoGP
