The MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 championship, with Francesco Bagnaia showing promising signs of recovery while Marc Marquez stands on the brink of securing his seventh MotoGP title. Bagnaia has kicked off the Asian leg of the season with an impressive practice performance at Motegi, suggesting a potential turnaround in his challenging season [1].
Marc Marquez's path to his ninth overall world championship title appears increasingly clear, as he could be crowned champion this weekend at Motegi [2]. The Spanish rider sees this potential victory as a way to "close the circle" after years of struggling with injuries [3].
The current championship situation has led Bagnaia to express frustration with his season performance, admitting he has "thrown away" the 2025 campaign due to persistent troubles [4]. However, his strong showing in recent practice sessions suggests a possible late-season revival.
Adding to the weekend's dynamics, Alex Marquez has faced his first significant setback of the 2025 season by failing to secure direct passage to Q2 [5]. Meanwhile, Aprilia Racing has set an ambitious goal, with CEO Massimo Rivola expressing their desire to defeat Marc Marquez at least once before the season concludes [6].
- https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/is-francesco-bagnaia-back-after-stellar-showing-in-motegi-motogp-practice/10762537/
- https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/2025-motogp-japanese-grand-prix-how-to-watch-session-times/10762129/
- https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marc-marquez-targets-closing-the-circle-with-comeback-motogp-title/10762244/
- https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/francesco-bagnaia-threw-away-2025-motogp-season-as-marc-marquez-closes-in-on-title/10762236/
- https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/alex-marquez-misses-q2-cut-for-first-time-in-motogp-2025-boosting-marcs-title-hopes/10762542/
- https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aprilia-boss-sets-mission-to-beat-marc-marquez-at-least-once-this-motogp-season/10761817/
