MotoGP, Japan: What time is this Grand Prix on Motegi?

MotoGP is set to return to action this weekend at Mobility Resort Motegi for the 16th round of the 2024 championship, with the Japanese Grand Prix. After an eventful Indonesian GP, including Jorge Martin's crash in the Sprint race and his victory in the feature race, Pramac Racing's Spaniard maintains a 21-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia. The Piedmontese, meanwhile, finished third in Sunday's race.

Indonesia sealed – although not yet mathematically – the end of title hopes for drivers such as Marc Marquez et Enea Bastianini. Marquez was forced to retire due to a technical problem on his Ducati GP23, while bastianini, who was coming back quickly after fast laps, fell while aiming for the podium.

Cependant, le Japanese Grand Prix, home race for Honda et Yamaha , could offer them an opportunity to turn things around. Both Japanese manufacturers have shown progress recently, notably Yamaha , who are getting closer to the Top 6. This home race could be an opportunity for them to show themselves more competitive against the dominant European teams.

At KTM, the rookie Peter Acosta continues to shine, with a solid second place in the long race in Indonesia. It will be interesting to see if this good form continues in Japan. Aprilia, for his part, is struggling to find his place among the protagonists after several lackluster races, and hopes that the arrival at Motegi could mark a turning point.

The weather forecast indicates sunny weather for Friday, but rain is expected on Saturday and Sunday, which could add an additional strategic dimension to the race.

Le Mobility Resort Motegi, formerly known as the Twin Ring, is located in a mountainous area of the Kanto district. The circuit is 4,8 km long and was designed to international standards. It also includes a 2,5 km oval, used for American-inspired motor racing. Built by Honda In 1997 as a test laboratory, Motegi is a pillar of the championship MotoGP since 1999.

In addition to the track, the complex includes the famous museum Honda, which exhibits historic motorcycles and racing cars, as well as go-kart and dirt tracks. This vast complex employs more than 300 people and attracts car enthusiasts throughout the year.

Le Japanese Grand Prix promises to be a crucial event, not only in the title race, but also to see if the Japanese manufacturers can exploit their home advantage to close in on the leaders. Here are the times that promise sleepless nights for the most hardened fans again…