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

•  First Sprint win of the season for Bagnaia
• A second-place finish in tomorrow’s race can grant Marc the Riders’ World Championship title at the end of the Grand Prix of Japan
• The Ducati Lenovo Team also gets a match point for the Teams’ title

The Ducati Lenovo Team came out victorious in the Japanese Sprint with Francesco Bagnaia, who dominated the 12-lap encounter at the Mobility Resort Motegi. Marc Márquez finished the race in second place, further strengthening his chances to clinch the World Championship title already at the end of tomorrow’s race.

Bagnaia had the perfect start from pole – which he secured courtesy of the new outright lap record set in Q2 – and pulled away in the early stages before managing the lead up to the chequered flag. After starting from the front row, Márquez upped his pace later in the encounter, first moving up to third place with five laps left before overtaking Acosta for second two laps later.

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.”