The Motegi circuit was buzzing with activity this Sunday morning for the warm-up session for the Japanese Grand Prix. In just ten minutes, the drivers fine-tuned their setup ahead of a decisive GP—and it was Marc Marquez who struck a major blow, setting the fastest time ahead of rookie Fermin Aldeguer and a vengeful Marco Bezzecchi.
All the cameras were focused on the box Lenovo Ducati. And for good reason: Marc Marquez could become world champion again today.
The Catalan knows that he only needs to score three more points than his brother Alex, currently second in the championship, to secure a historic ninth title. There's no question of him seeking victory at all costs: "The objective is clear: capitalize on this match point " he confided.
For its part, Pecco Bagnaia arrives pumped up after finding an incisive rhythm from free practice. Pole position on Saturday, then first Sprint Race victory this season against Marquez : the Italian proves that he remains a formidable hunter.
Hurry up, @marcmarquez93! 🏃😂#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/QyeepRAGaU
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 28, 2025
Japan: Mir renaît, Aldeguer impresses, Martin really scared himself on Saturday
Joan mir is probably having his best weekend since joining HondaSecond on the Sprint grid and fourth on Saturday, the Spaniard is finally regaining confidence after two years of struggle.
Fermin Aldeguer confirms that he did not come to MotoGP to make up the numbers. The rookie Gresini Ducati set the reference time in the first laps before being overtaken by Marquez in the last minute.
George Martin, he dives again. After causing a pile-up on the first bend of the Sprint, taking Marco Bezzecchi, the reigning champion fractured his right collarbone. His season turned into a disaster.
The session was marked by a yellow flag following a wide exit from Takaaki Nakagami, without consequence for the final classification.
The scene is set: Marc Marquez can be crowned today if he manages his race intelligently, while bagnaia remembers the good memory of Ducati. Aldeguer, sparkling, could play the spoilsport, while Bezzecchi will try to redeem himself after being knocked out the day before.
MotoGP, Japan Warm Up: times
