Francesco Bagnaia also wins the Japanese Grand Prix repeating yesterday’s success in the Sprint Race. The reigning Italian world champion dominated the race from the start, taking the lead from the first corner and defending it until the end from the comeback attempts of Jorge Martin, who finished second after starting from 11th place. Pecco nibbles away on more points in the standings from his Spanish rival, getting close to -10 from the top with only four seasonal events remaining. Third position for Marc Marquez to complete yet another Ducati hat-trick on the podium, with Enea Bastianini only fourth.
The start was still good for Bagnaia who found himself dictating the times ahead of everyone after the first corner, dragging Acosta, Binder and a possessed Martin behind him, capable of recovering seven positions in just a few corners. During the fourth lap Acosta goes down giving up the fight for the podium and suffering the second consecutive fall after the one in yesterday’s Sprint, while in the meantime Martin overtakes Binder and starts chasing his rival Bagnaia, transforming the race into a two-man fight for success. The Spaniard seems to be able to close the gap lap after lap, but the Italian driver keeps him at arm’s length, defending a success that is very significant for the standings.