Jorge Martin Takes Japanese MotoGP Pole, Marc Marquez 0.1 Seconds Behind

Jorge Martin secured the start lead for the Japanese MotoGP after setting the fastest time in the Q2 qualifying session at Motegi Circuit on Saturday (4/10/2025). The Aprilia rider clocked a lap of 1 minute 42.371 seconds, breaking the circuit record while beating Marc Marquez (Ducati) by just 0.1 seconds. This is Martin's third pole position of the season and his second in a row.

Throughout the free practice sessions, Martin had indeed trailed his Aprilia teammate, Marco Bezzecchi. However, he was able to find his best performance at the crucial moment. Meanwhile Marc Marquez, who had briefly led the timesheets early in Q2, failed to make the most of his final attempt after running wide at Turn 3. The defending world champion had to settle for second position.

Pedro Acosta (KTM) completed the front row, 0.122 seconds behind Martin. The young Spanish rider put in an impressive performance and became a serious threat to the leading duo. As for Bezzecchi, he had to settle for fourth, followed by Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati), who had been the early benchmark in Q2 but ultimately dropped to fifth.

For Martin, this result strengthens his position at the top of the provisional standings. He collected valuable points from the qualifying session, though the race will still be decisive. Meanwhile Marc Marquez, who set a lap record at Motegi last year, must work extra hard to defend his title. Bagnaia's failure to reach Q2 is a heavy blow for Ducati, given that he is one of the title favorites.

"We knew our speed was good, but maximizing it in one lap is not easy. I am happy to break the record and take pole," Martin said after the qualifying session.

In the middle of the grid, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse) and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse) successfully escaped from Q1 and will each start from eighth and eleventh respectively. Ogura, performing in front of his home crowd, used only one bike in qualifying after suffering his second crash in FP2. Meanwhile, Somkiat Chantra, who replaced Joan Mir at Honda, showed promising form by finishing 15th, beating his teammate Luca Marini.

This qualifying session was also a nightmare for several riders. Brad Binder (KTM) crashed at Turn 12 and had to settle for a 17th-place start. Maverick Vinales (Tech3 KTM), who had just recovered from injury, was in 19th position. As for Jack Miller, Alex Rins, and Toprak Razgatlioglu, they completed the back of the grid.

With a surprising grid composition, the Japanese MotoGP race is predicted to be fierce. Martin has a great opportunity to widen his gap in the standings, but Marquez and Acosta will not give up easily. Will Martin convert pole into a victory, or will Marquez rise to the occasion? The answer will be revealed on the Motegi track.