Jorge Martin Takes Record Pole at Japanese MotoGP as Marc Marquez Qualifies Second

Motegi, Japan, October 3, 2026: Jorge Martin has taken a stunning pole position for the 2026 Motul Grand Prix of Japan, setting a new all-time lap record at Mobility Resort Motegi as the MotoGP championship battle with Marc Marquez intensifies.

The Aprilia Racing rider clocked a 1:42.371 to secure the top spot, beating championship rival Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team by just 0.110 seconds. Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing completed the front row in third, narrowly edging Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi.

With Martin holding a 12-point advantage over Marc Marquez in the championship, Saturday’s qualifying session has set up another potentially decisive weekend in the 2026 MotoGP title fight.

Martin breaks Motegi lap record

Martin produced his record-breaking lap during the second runs in Q2. Red sectors were lighting up across the timing screens as the Aprilia rider put together a clean and extremely fast lap to establish a new benchmark of 1:42.371.

The lap put the pressure firmly on Marquez, who had been among the fastest riders throughout qualifying. The Ducati rider struggled to match Martin initially, running off at Turn 3 on both of his first attempts.

Marquez finally put together a clean final attempt, with Martin moving out of the way to give his title rival a clear run. The eight-time world champion came close, but a sideways moment through the final corner left him 0.110 seconds short of Martin’s pole time.

Acosta will start alongside the championship protagonists after qualifying third. The KTM rider was just ahead of Bezzecchi, who had been threatening to challenge for the front row throughout the session.

Bezzecchi misses front row by narrow margin

Bezzecchi qualified fourth for Aprilia, narrowly missing out on a front-row position. The Italian was consistently among the fastest riders during Q2 but was unable to beat Acosta’s final benchmark.

Alex Marquez qualified fifth for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, followed by Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in sixth.

Enea Bastianini produced his best Q2 qualifying performance of the season to take seventh for Red Bull KTM Tech3.

Raul Fernandez was another standout performer. After progressing through Q1, the Trackhouse rider converted that opportunity into eighth place on the grid.

Diogo Moreira qualified ninth for Pro Honda LCR, while teammate Johann Zarco completed the top 10 despite a crash during the session. Zarco was reported to be OK following the incident.

Ogura impresses in Q1 at home

Ai Ogura gave the Japanese fans plenty to cheer about during Q1. The SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider had narrowly missed automatic Q2 qualification on Friday but responded strongly in qualifying.

Ogura initially led the session, with Francesco Bagnaia and Raul Fernandez among those chasing the Japanese rider. Fernandez eventually moved into second, setting up a final-lap battle for the two Q2 places.

Ogura responded with another strong lap to extend his advantage at the top. Fernandez came close on his final attempt but missed out by just 0.001 seconds, meaning both Trackhouse riders progressed to Q2.

Brad Binder’s session ended with a dramatic crash during the final stages of Q1. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider was able to walk away from the incident.

Ogura ultimately qualified 11th in Q2, while Fabio Quartararo took 12th for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP.

Francesco Bagnaia, the 2024 and 2025 Motegi race winner, was the first rider to miss the Q2 cut after qualifying 13th.

Martin vs Marquez: championship battle heats up

The qualifying result adds another layer to an already intense 2026 MotoGP championship battle. Martin enters the Japanese Grand Prix weekend with a 12-point lead over Marc Marquez, and the pair will now start alongside each other on the front row.

Acosta will start third, with Bezzecchi fourth, leaving the KTM rider and Aprilia contender within striking distance should the championship leaders become embroiled in battle.

The Tissot Sprint is scheduled for 15:00 local time (UTC+9) on Saturday, followed by the Japanese Grand Prix at 14:00 on Sunday.

With Martin on pole, Marquez alongside him and Acosta starting from third, the Motegi weekend promises another important chapter in the 2026 MotoGP title fight.

2026 Japanese MotoGP Qualifying – Top 13

1. Jorge Martin – Aprilia Racing
2. Marc Marquez – Ducati Lenovo Team
3. Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
4. Marco Bezzecchi – Aprilia Racing
5. Alex Marquez – BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP
6. Fabio Di Giannantonio – Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
7. Enea Bastianini – Red Bull KTM Tech3
8. Raul Fernandez – SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team
9. Diogo Moreira – Pro Honda LCR
10. Johann Zarco – Castrol LCR Honda
11. Ai Ogura – SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team
12. Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
13. Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team