Motegi, Japan, September 2025 – More than 2,000 days after his last MotoGP crown, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) is just one race away from reclaiming the MotoGP World Championship title. The six-time champion last celebrated glory in 2019, and since then, his journey has been marked by multiple surgeries, serious injuries, and two team changes. Now, ahead of the 2025 Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Marquez stands on the brink of one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

With a commanding 185-point lead, the title is now almost a formality. Marquez currently has 182 points, and Sunday at Motegi could finally mark his long-awaited return to the top.

Alex Marquez: The Only Rival Left

The only rider mathematically capable of denying Marc Marquez the crown is his younger brother, Alex Marquez. Riding in career-best form and having secured a factory seat with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP for 2026, the #73 has been the only other rider to win multiple Grands Prix this year. He will also aim for the Best Independent Team rider title, where he holds a commanding lead of 150 points.

The Battle for Third: Bagnaia vs Bezzecchi

Behind the title fight, the battle for third is heating up. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is just eight points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). With Bezzecchi carrying momentum, Motegi could prove decisive. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), last year’s pole-sitter in Japan, will also be looking to make up ground, currently 41 points adrift.

Rising Competition Across the Grid

• Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) continues to shine in qualifying but struggles on race day. Motegi’s heavy braking zones may give him a chance to strike back.
• Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) looks to stay ahead of Quartararo while keeping an eye on rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), who makes his home debut in Japan.
• Reigning Champion Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) is slowly regaining form and could complicate the battle for the front runners.

Honda and Yamaha Seek Home Glory

Motegi, home to both Honda and Yamaha, will also be a battleground for factory pride:

• Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) leads the charge as top Honda in the standings.
• Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) continues his impressive return from injury.
• Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) aims to shake off a streak of bad luck.
• Wildcard Takaaki Nakagami (Honda) joins compatriot Ai Ogura, marking the first time in years that two Japanese riders compete at Motegi.

For Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira will all be motivated to deliver on home turf, with Miller keen to add to his previous Motegi triumph.

History in the Making

As the Motul Grand Prix of Japan approaches, all eyes are on Marc Marquez. A win – or simply enough points – will see the #93 crowned 2025 MotoGP World Champion, marking his seventh premier-class crown and completing one of the most extraordinary comebacks in motorsport history.

The countdown to history is on. Can Motegi be the scene of Marquez’s long-awaited return to glory?