Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1539926
in myself and the team. I'm very proud of it, especially on a day like today. I'd like to congratulate Marc for his incredible season." Acosta slipped behind Bez- zecchi (lap 15) and Morbidelli (lap 17) before running off at turn one on lap 19. Marc (541 points) is now uncatchable with Alex 201 points behind. His second is far from secure with Bagnaia (274) back on form. Bezzecchi (242) remains fourth. Moto2 This was all set up for a Man- uel Gonzalez (IntactGP Kalex) masterclass. Along with Jake his rhythm barely faltered. As such, Bagnaia held on for one of the most important victo- ries of his grand prix career, with Marquez a title-winning second and Joan Mir hanging on for a first HRC podium and first race podium since 2021 with Suzuki. "This is wonderful, but also a pity that it happened only now, but we can only look forward and try to continue this way until the end of the season," Bagnaia said. "I never stopped believing Soon after, it was another name he was defending from. Mir had composed himself after a wild first lap before overtak - ing Quartararo for fourth at turn three (lap two) and then Acosta for third at turn seven (lap 14). Soon, he was charging after Marc, only for the world-champi- on-in-waiting to respond. That left the order static. But a note of jeopardy remained, as Bagnaia's lower exhaust started coughing up blotches of smoke with alarming frequency from lap 15. Technical Director Danny Aldridge was soon remonstrat- ing with Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna. Bagnaia's lap times were his saving grace, as ROUND 17 / SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2025 MOBILITY RESORT MOTEGI / HAGA DISTRICT, JAPAN ROAD RACE I FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP P92 Alex Marquez congratulates big brother Marc. "People at home see just 10 percent of the comeback, not the 100 percent. He deserves it more than anyone."