MotoGP: Miller dominates as mayhem breaks out at Motegi

Jack Miller dominated the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, but fellow Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia’s MotoGP World Championship hopes have taken a big blow with a final-lap crash.

‘Pecco’ was locked in battle with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) over eighth position when he hit the deck, while Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also failed to score points after a technical problem before the start at the Mobility Resort Motegi.

Second on the day went to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder and third to Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin, while the Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez turned his first pole position in almost three years into fourth at the checkered flag after 24 hectic laps.

Marquez was out of the lead by Turn 1, his Honda no match for the more powerful other manufacturers, especially Ducati.

Taking a steady approach to conserve his strength until the end of the race, the #93 settled into fifth and his own pace.

His plan played out and as the race entered its closing stages, Marquez reeled in Miguel Oliveira ahead. Biding his time, the eight-time World Champion struck on lap 22 with a strong pass for fourth in the race.

“I am very happy with how the whole weekend has gone, and we were able to put together an exciting race in the end. Most importantly, it was a productive weekend and overall, it was a lot better than we were expecting. It was an important race because it is the first I have finished since my operation so it was a good test of the arm and also in this area we’ve been able to learn. Of course, I would have liked to finish higher, but being realistic, it was a good result and I was able to maintain my rhythm and then attack in the last laps. I want to say thanks to Honda and the Repsol Honda Team for helping me to put together a good weekend. Also thank you to all the Japanese staff and fans who came this weekend, it was a pleasure to see everyone again. Now we go to Thailand!”

Race Results

Rider Standings