Welcome to our MotoGP 2026 Japanese GP Race Live Blog!
Motegi has delivered a dramatic weekend, and there is still one big race left to go.
Friday at Motegi belonged to the Márquez brothers. Marc Márquez strike first in FP1, topping Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi as the Ducati immediately set the pace. The afternoon Practice session however, belonged to Álex Márquez breaking the lap record, finishing Friday strong.
Saturday morning saw Jorge Martín setting a new all-time lap record and starting on pole, with Marc Márquez alongside him and Pedro Acosta completing the front row.
Later in the day, Sprint had a dramatic start, with Álex Márquez, Pedro Acosta and Fabio Di Giannantonio all crashing out after contact at Turn 3 on the opening lap. Gresini rider subsequently received a double Long Lap penalty for Sunday’s race.
In the end, it was Marc who led the way during the sprint and taking a win. This cut Martín’s championship lead to just seven points. Behind him, rookie Diogo Moreira got his first MotoGP podium. Honda rider moving to P2 after both Martín and Enea Bastianini both received one-place penalties for exceeding track limits on the final lap.
Elsewhere, it has been a difficult weekend for Ai Ogura on home soil. Home Hero has had some technical issues and struggled for pace throughout the weekend. He will start Sunday’s Grand Prix outside the top positions, leaving him with plenty of work to do in front of the Japanese crowd.
Marc will be looking to do a double before heading to Indonesia. Can Martín extend his championship lead, or will Marc strike again? Either way, we are in for an exciting race at Motegi.
Join us for live coverage of the MotoGP 2026 Japanese GP.
MotoGP Motul Grand Prix of Japan 2026 – Sunday Grand Prix
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That’s a wrap on the MotoGP action in Motegi
Thank you so much for joining us for our MotoGP Japanese GP live blog. We’ll bring any post-session news on our socials, so don’t forget to head on over and give us a like!
We’ll be back next weekend as MotoGP heads to Indonesia to race at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit
