The MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix takes place from October 2nd to 4th at Motegi, kicking off the championship's Asian leg. The title fight is heating up, with Jorge Martín leading Marc Márquez by 12 points. The Aprilia rider comes into the race after winning the Austrian Sprint and finishing second on Sunday, while the Ducati rider secured a second and a fifth place, results that saw him lose ground in the standings.
Furthermore, Pedro Acosta secured his first MotoGP victory at the Red Bull Ring , a win that gives him an extra boost before heading to Japan. Marco Bezzecchi remains in contention after his podium finish in Austria, and with six Grands Prix remaining, every point is becoming increasingly crucial. In Moto3, Máximo Quiles has the opportunity to clinch the title at Motegi, adding another layer of excitement to the Japanese race.
Motegi, a circuit with history and demanding requirements
Motegi was built by Honda in 1997 and has become a classic circuit on the calendar. It holds a very special place for Marc Márquez , as he has secured several world titles there: in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2025 in MotoGP, in addition to his ninth overall championship last year. His history at the Japanese track contrasts sharply with his current need to close the gap to Martín.
The Japanese circuit typically tests tire management, brakes, and the bikes' adaptability. In such a closely contested championship, any mistake at Motegi can be costly , especially since Saturday's Sprint race awards points and Sunday's race is 24 laps long. The track can put the leading manufacturers to the test at a point in the calendar where there is no room for error.
Returns, withdrawals and wildcards on the grid
The MotoGP grid features some changes for this Grand Prix. Maverick Viñales returns to the Tech3 KTM after completing his recovery, while Joan Mir will be absent due to physical problems and his place will be taken by Somkiat Chantra. Honda will also have an extra bike for Takaaki Nakagami, who will compete as a wildcard entry.
Japanese GP schedule for Spain
Spanish fans will have to get up early, because Motegi is seven hours away. On Friday, MotoGP FP1 will begin at 3:45 AM , and the practice session, which determines direct access to Q2, will be held at 03:00 AM. Moto08 and Moto2 will also kick off the weekend early.
- Moto3 FP1: 02:00-02:35
- Moto2 FP1: 02:50-03:30
- MotoGP FP1: 03:45-04:30
- Moto3 Práctica: 06:15-06:50
- Moto2 Práctica: 07:05-07:45
- MotoGP Practice: 08:00-09:00
Qualifying and the sprint race take place on Saturday. MotoGP Q1 starts at 3:50 AM , Q2 at 03:15 AM, and the sprint race will begin at 04:00 AM and consist of 12 laps. Moto08 and Moto2 will complete their respective sessions and qualify beforehand.
- Moto3 FP2: 01:40-02:10
- Moto2 FP2: 02:25-02:55
- MotoGP FP2: 03:10-03:40
- MotoGP Q1: 03:50-04:05; Q2: 04:15-04:30
- Moto3 Q1: 05:45-06:00; Q2: 06:10-06:25
- Moto2 Q1: 06:40-06:55; Q2: 07:05-07:20
- MotoGP Sprint: 08:00, 12 laps
Sunday will be the day for the feature races. After the MotoGP Warm Up at 2:40 AM, Moto3 will start at 02:00 AM , Moto04 at 05:15 AM, and the MotoGP main event will begin at 07:00 AM, consisting of 24 laps. In Japanese local time, the MotoGP race is scheduled for 14:00 PM.
- MotoGP Warm Up: 02:40-02:50
- Moto3 Race: 04:00, 17 laps
- Moto2 Race: 05:15, 19 laps
- MotoGP Race: 07:00, 24 laps
Where to watch the Japanese Grand Prix on television
In Spain, DAZN holds the broadcasting rights and will offer all sessions of the Grand Prix. The platform can be accessed through its apps or via channels available on Movistar Plus and Orange. VideoPass, the official MotoGP service, is also available, offering English-language broadcasts and access to archived content.
For those who prefer radio, Radio Marca will be providing live coverage of the Grand Prix , and other media outlets covering the event at Motegi will be publishing reports, statements, and reactions throughout the weekend. The Japanese race can also be followed on mobile devices, tablets, computers, and televisions compatible with the platforms broadcasting the championship.
The fight for the title and the focus on the junior categories
In MotoGP, Martín defends a 12-point lead over Márquez, with Bezzecchi still in the fight and Acosta boosted by his first victory. A lackluster weekend in Japan could change the momentum of the championship, especially with six races remaining and Sprint points also counting. Motegi could set the tone for the Asian leg of the season.
In Moto3, Máximo Quiles has a chance to clinch the championship at Motegi if the necessary results go his way, a scenario that adds tension to the lightweight category. In Moto2, the title fight remains open, and the performance of the Spanish riders will be one of the key factors to watch. Therefore, the Grand Prix is not limited to the premier class.
The visit to Motegi is shaping up to be a test of endurance and strategy: the Asian tour begins with Martín and Márquez separated by 12 points , with Acosta on the rise, Bezzecchi lurking, and Quiles with a shot at the Moto3 title. Spanish fans will have to get up early to follow the sessions, available mainly on DAZN and VideoPass, but the weekend promises to be decisive for the outcome of the World Championship.