Marquez wins in Japan to cut Martin's MotoGP lead

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez took maximum points at the Japanese Grand Prix, winning Saturday's sprint and Sunday's race, to cut fellow Spaniard Jorge Martin's championship lead to just two points.

Martin, 28, who won the title in 2024, finished second after starting Sunday's race at Motegi Circuit in pole position, while his Aprilla team-mate Marco Bezzecchi was third.

Ducati rider Marquez, 33, had to bide his time after Martin held his advantage off the line, but the seven-time champion took his chance on the 11th lap to edge past his rival on the inside.

"The race was tough, especially when I was behind Jorge, but I knew that if I was able to lead the race, my pace was good," said Marquez, who moved to 331 points with six rounds remaining.

"Jorge tried to attack, but then I just increased a bit more the pace and it was enough to do the last two laps more relaxed."

Italian Bezzecchi, 27, moved to 284 points to keep his slim title hopes alive after fending off a late charge by Tech3's Enea Bastianini to claim his place on the podium.

Gresini's Alex Marquez had a race to forget, crashing out after serving a double long lap penalty for his role in a three-rider collision during Saturday's sprint.