A spectacular one-two for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Motegi’s Sprint: Francesco Bagnaia on the top step, with Marc Márquez in second place

The Ducati Lenovo Team will resume proceedings tomorrow morning at 9:40 local time (GMT +9) for the warm up, which will be followed by the Grand Prix of Japan, contested over 24 laps from 14:00.

Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1st 

“Winning is always important, but to do so in the Sprint, where I’ve always struggled this year, is truly something special. We never gave up and this is the result. I’m really happy and now we look forward to what’s ahead of us while continuing to do our best; I really hope we’ve found the key to turn things around. Let’s see how tomorrow goes, but we know we have the potential on our side. We need to get a good start, manage the situation, and try to stay in the battle for the win. Our goal is still the top five.”

Marc Márquez (#93 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 2nd 

“We kept improving throughout the race. I was attentive in the early stages, trying to avoid any unnecessary risk. I took some pressure off my shoulders as the laps went by and got back to enjoying riding the bike. It wasn’t easy to get to second position as the riders ahead are among the best under braking, and therefore very hard to overtake. I know there’s something big coming and it’s getting even closer: I can’t say I’m fully relaxed, but today we still made another crucial step towards our goal.”