MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Motegi

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 3, 2026

Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on Michelin control tires, the seven-time MotoGP World Champion won the 12-lap race by 2.754 seconds.

Diogo Moreira was the runner-up on his Pro Honda LCR RC213V.

Polesitter, Jorge Martin finished third on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Enea Bastianini crossed the finish line fourth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.

Home hero Ai Ogura got fifth on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.

Jorge Martin leads the championship with 313 points, 7 ahead of Marc Marquez who has 306 points. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 268 points.

SPRINT RACE MOTOGP

MOTOGPworldstanding

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Marc Marquez wins dramatic Motegi Sprint as Moreira shines for first Saturday podium. Martin crosses the line second before a penalty dropping him to third, Bastianini just loses the podium and a Lap 1 incident hits for some key names in Japan.

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) took off running at the front in the Tissot Sprint at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, and championship leader Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) kept chase in the first half before looking like he was forced to settle for second. Some late drama, however, saw the #89 fade into the clutches of a three-way battle for third – and then both he and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) got hit with a drop one position penalty for track limits on the final lap. Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) therefore takes his first Sprint podium and becomes the first Brazilian to take a Saturday rostrum.

Marc Marquez just about grabbed the holeshot as Martin tried to keep it in there round the outside, but the #89 was forced to cede. Drama then hit early at Turn 3 just behind, with Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) making contact with both Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Fabio Di Gianannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and all three tumbling out. Riders ok, and Alex Marquez given a double Long Lap penalty for Sunday for his part in the incident.

That left Marquez leading from Martin, the two locked together, with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) trying to hold off Bastianini for third. The #93 had the hammer down in the lead, however, and the gap started to eke out between the duo at the head of the field as the battle began behind.

Bastianini wrestled past Bez on Lap 3, then more cavalry arrived in home hero Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Moreira. The three got their elbows out in close quarters but it was the Brazilian rider who made the most of it to get a 2-for-1 and move up into fourth, leaving Ogura to then attack Bezzecchi and take over in fourth.

At the front by half distance it was as you were – but the gap wasn’t growing. Hovering around a second, Marquez had it under control ahead of Martin, and Bastianini was carving out some breathing space in third. Lap by lap though, the #93 was making a break for it.

In the final stages it looked like the podium was set, but there was plenty of drama to come. The gap up from Bastianini to Martin was suddenly down to near zero as Martin started to struggle with rear grip, and Moreira was on the #23’s tail too. On track it stayed close to the line but no move was up for the making, but after the flag the drama continued – with track limits infractions on that final lap coming up for Martin AND Bastianini.

With that, a position each penalty was given – promoting Moreira up to a first ever Sprint podium for him and Brazil. Marquez takes the win, Moreira second and Martin holds into a place on the box in third – with Bastianini steaming at the lost silverware.

He takes fourth ahead of Ogura and Bezzecchi, with Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) staying ahead of Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) in P7 and P8. Fabio Quartararo scored the final point in P9 on home turf for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team, holding off Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP).

That’s a wrap on a dramatic day at the office in Japan, with more to come on Sunday – and a few familiar faces up for some revenge. Can Marc Marquez do the double or do his rivals have more in the locker on Sunday? Tune in to find out.

FULL RESULTS – MOTOGP SPRINT AT MOTEGI

Alpinestars Unveils The 2027 Racing Sport Collection

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 3, 2026

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Alpinestars Unveils The 2027 Racing Sport Collection

Race-developed protection from the track to performance riding on the road.

LOS ANGELES, CA, and ASOLO, Italy — Alpinestars advances the 2027 Racing Sport Collection with a new generation of protective motorcycle gear drawing on more than six decades of racing development and engineered for racers, track-day riders, and sport riders beyond the circuit.

At the center of the collection are the new Missile V3 1PC and 2PC Leather Suits, introducing the next evolution of Alpinestars’ racetrack-focused Missile platform with a new protection architecture. Drawing on technologies and protection advancements developed through Alpinestars’ work in MotoGP and at the highest levels of motorcycle racing, the new suits bring premium race-grade construction, advanced protection, and race-focused performance to racers and track-day riders.

Caliber V2 Leather Jacket, Zaca V2 Waterproof Jacket, Aeroshell Waterproof Jacket, and Faster V3 PLASMA Drystar® Gloves. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

The collection expands further with the Caliber V2 Leather Jacket, Zaca V2 Waterproof Jacket, Aeroshell Waterproof Jacket, and Faster V3 PLASMA Drystar® Gloves, extending Alpinestars’ race-developed protection and performance technologies from the track to performance riding on the road.

2027 RACING SPORT COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Missile V3 2 pieces Race Suit. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

MISSILE V3 — STREAMLINED PROTECTION FOR TRACK PERFORMANCE:

Developed for racers and track-day riders, the Missile V3 Leather Suit introduces the next generation of Alpinestars’ racetrack-focused Missile platform in 1PC and 2PC versions, bringing together premium race-grade materials, advanced protection, and refined racing style in a streamlined design engineered for comfort, mobility, and performance on the track.

The AAA-rated suits feature a premium bovine leather construction incorporating 1.3 mm Flex Plus race-grade leather, with an ergonomic race fit and pre-curved construction. A key development is the integration of DFS ST external protectors at the shoulders, elbows, and knees with a seamless construction that eliminates exposed external seams in these critical areas. Working in conjunction with CE Level 2 Nucleon PLASMA protection, the Missile V3 delivers advanced impact and abrasion protection while maintaining the flexibility and freedom of movement required for performance riding.

S-R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

The suit’s streamlined profile incorporates a low-profile perforated speed hump optimized to interface with the S-R10 helmet, creating a more continuous profile between the helmet and suit while supporting airflow and aerodynamic performance. Both Missile V3 versions are Tech-Air® 10 and Tech-Air® 5 PLASMA Ready and incorporate dedicated connectors for the Tech-Air® 7x Airbag System.

LEATHER JACKETS

CALIBER V2 — RACE-DERIVED PROTECTION FOR THE ROAD

The Caliber V2 Leather Jacket brings Alpinestars’ race-developed protection into a premium leather jacket designed for performance riding on the road. Featuring a full-grain bovine leather construction, the Caliber V2 combines CE Level 2 Nucleon PLASMA elbow protection, Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder protection, and low-profile DFS ST external shoulder armor with strategically positioned stretch for mobility and riding comfort. The AA-rated jacket is also Tech-Air® 5 PLASMA Ready.

Caliber V2 Leather Jacket. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

RACING SPORT TEXTILE JACKETS: RACE‑PROVEN PERFORMANCE

ZACA V2 WATERPROOF JACKET — ALL-WEATHER SPORT RIDING

The Zaca V2 Waterproof Jacket brings race-derived protection into an all-weather textile sport jacket. Inspired by street culture styling, the jacket features a 600D poly-fabric chassis and stretch softshell inserts, with DFS ST external shoulder armor and Nucleon Flex Plus protection. The AA-rated jacket is also Tech-Air® Ready.

Aeroshell Waterproof Jacket. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

AEROSHELL WATERPROOF JACKET — WET-WEATHER PERFORMANCE

The Aeroshell Waterproof Jacket is a crossover sport softshell jacket combining motorcycle protection and wet-weather performance with the streamlined silhouette of a technical hoodie. Lightweight Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder and elbow protection provides low-profile impact protection, while the stretch softshell construction and adaptive sport fit support mobility and riding comfort. A seam-taped waterproof membrane and waterproof front zipper provide effective wet-weather protection, while the open-slot hood construction is designed to reduce hood billowing while riding.

Faster V3 PLASMA Drystar® Gloves. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

2027 RACING GLOVES

FASTER V3 PLASMA DRYSTAR® GLOVES — WATERPROOF PERFORMANCE

The Faster V3 PLASMA Drystar® Gloves introduce Alpinestars’ adaptive PLASMA protection into a waterproof short-cuff sport glove. A goat leather palm, 3L softshell backhand, and stretch fabric provide an optimized fit and enhanced comfort, while Drystar® technology delivers waterproof and breathable performance. The low-profile PLASMA knuckle protector provides flexible impact protection, while palm sliders enhance abrasion resistance and a dedicated grip zone improves feel on the bike’s controls.
CE Level 1 KP certified.

The Alpinestars 2027 Racing Sport Collection will be available through authorized Alpinestars dealers and alpinestars.com.

For more information and to download digital assets—including product descriptions, videos, and high‑resolution imagery—please follow the links below or visit www.alpinestars.com.

ABOUT ALPINESTARS:

Alpinestars was established in 1963 and is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, helmets, and technical footwear. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research is achieved under extreme conditions. Its involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA and World Motocross, and MotoGP has led to the creation of the most advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes.

ASRA: Mr. Douglas DC-3 to Headline Daytona Opening Ceremony

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 3, 2026

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ASRA: Mr. Douglas DC-3 to Headline Daytona Opening Ceremony

Opening ceremonies at this year’s ASRA Race of Champions at Daytona International Speedway will feature a demonstration unlike any previously staged at the World Center of Racing. Jumpers will exit the historic 1941 Douglas DC-3 “Mr. Douglas ” (N129H), operated by Friends of Mr. Douglas, before professional canopy swooper Tyler Hudson crosses the start/finish line at more than 90 mph, inches above the pavement, and drives to the checkered flag. The team will also present a large U.S. flag, the ASRA banner, and additional canopy displays as part of the program.

This is the world-famous Mr. Douglas skydiving aircraft, a 1941 DC-3A designed and built by the Douglas Corporation in Santa Monica, California.

The DC stands for Douglas Commercial. The 3 stands for the version of the aircraft. The A stands for airliner.

A photo of skydiver airplane “Mr. Douglas” taken by Norman Kent. Photo courtesy ASRA.

Mr. Douglas was commissioned by United Airlines in April 1941.

The DC3 was the first all-metal commercial airplane; prior aircraft were made of fabric and were much slower.

The DC3 was the first airliner to make the airlines profitable, so they no longer needed government subsidies to keep them flying.

The DC3 aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney 1830–75 engines capable of producing 1350 horsepower. That’s like having 14 Harley-Davidson motorcycles on each wing, spinning large propellers.

After flying for the airlines for a number of years, the DC3 was replaced by the DC4, which was a four-engine pressurized aircraft that could fly above the clouds.

Aircraft that no longer have a viable use for commercial passengers end up flying as corporate aircraft or keep flying passengers or cargo in remote or third-world countries.

In 1952 the Hilton corporation purchased this DC3 and converted it to use as an executive aircraft with a new registration number N129H, and it still carries the same registration number today.

The Hiltons flew the airplane around the world buying hotels. Conrad Hilton and his family used the aircraft on many occasions, including flying passengers Elizabeth Taylor and Zaza Gabor. Baron Hilton used it to fly his friends from Los Angeles to his flying M Ranch for weekend outings. But all good things have to come to an end, and in 1963 the Hiltons sold the aircraft.

Donald Douglas purchased the aircraft in 1964 and used it for several years, flying with his executives to manufacturing facilities in Southern California. Donald Douglas and the Douglas corporation were the designers and manufacturers of the DC3. In 1964 they had just rolled out the DC9 which was a jet aircraft.

But instead of retiring old airplanes like this one, there’s still one use left: Flying skydivers. In 1972 a group of skydivers running a jump school bought the aircraft N129H and converted it into a jump plane based in Deland, Florida.

The jump school ripped out the fancy interior and installed paratrooper seats out of a C47 (the military version of the DC3) that had flown paratroopers during the D-Day invasion.

The DC3 became a very popular platform for competition jumping because it could carry many skydivers–people up to 40. All of the national Skydiving Championships from 1972 until 1987 used DC3 planes, so they were very much in demand.

In the case of this aircraft being owned by Donald Douglas himself, one of the pilots coined the name, “Mr. Douglas.”

Most airplanes are labeled as females, but not Mr. Douglas; Mr. Douglas is one of the only male aircraft.

People came from all over the world to jump out of the DC3 and to train prior to the national championships and the world championships. The current owners estimate that more than 250,000 people had jumped from Mr. Douglas from 1973 until 2001. And it was the only DC3 with the a stereo system so jumpers could listen to their favorite music all the way up to 12,500 feet.

When Mr. Douglas blew an engine in the spring of 2001, his commercial life was over. Turbine aircraft had became affordable, and were more reliable and less expensive to maintain. Then the DC3 was put out of business–until 2017, when some skydivers saw the plane parked on the tarmac in Tullahoma, Tennessee and decided to resurrect Mr. Douglas.

A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity was set up and began to raise money to restore Mr. Douglas. After more than seven years of hard work by volunteers, Mr. Douglas took back to the skies on April 4, 2026!

It’s next stop will Daytona International Speedway for the ASRA Race Of Champions. We’ll see you there!

Moto2: Guevara Takes Pole Position At Motegi

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 3, 2026

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Moto2: Guevara Takes Pole Position At Motegi

Izan Guevara was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying 2 Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Pirelli-shod BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on the 2.98-mile (4.8 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:46.851, which led the field of 27 riders and broke his owns’s 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 1:46.950 he set this morning during FP2.

Filip Salac was the best of the rest with a 1:46.902 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:46.961 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Row-two qualifiers included Aspar Team’s Daniel Holgado (1:46.967), REDS Fantic Racing’s Tony Arbolino (1:47.044) and Holgado’s teammate David Alonso (1:47.103).

American Joe Roberts finished the qualifying session 19th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex with a time of 1:47.615.

moto2 QP

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Guevara grabs crucial Motegi pole, Gonzalez third. The title-chasing top two are joined on the front row by Czech star Salač at the Japanese Grand Prix.

A frustrating but, in the end, very successful Moto2 Q2 at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan played out for title-chasing Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), who collects a fourth pole position of the season in a fiercely contested 15 minutes on Saturday afternoon. It’s all set up nicely for Sunday’s Grand Prix with Austrian GP podium finisher Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team) pinching a late P2 despite an early crash, as World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) earns an important front row in P3.

Salač’s crash came at Turn 1 early on when the Czech rider hadn’t yet set a time, with Guevara making a couple of small errors in his first run as tempers rose under the lid, with chatter once again plaguing the Austrian GP winner. Both responded superbly though to front the grid at the Mobility Resort Motegi, with Gonzalez a threat throughout for P3.

Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) lines up at the spearhead of Row 2 in P4 ahead of Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing) and the Spaniard’s teammate David Alonso. The gap between the top six? Just 0.252s.

The rider third in the championship leads Row 3; that’s Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – JP Financial – MSI), so can the Spaniard cut the gap to Gonzalez and Guevara in the championship chase tomorrow from there?

Moto2 qualifying results from Japan!

Moto3: Almansa Claims Pole Position In Japan

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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Moto3: Almansa Claims Pole Position In Japan

David Almansa earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM on Pirelli control tires, Almansa turned a lap time of 1:54.572. Not only was that good enough to lead the 26-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse his own’s 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 1:54.745 he set this morning in FP2.

Brian Uriarte was the best of the rest with a 1:54.617 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine, and his teammate Alvaro Carpe claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:54.647.

Row-two qualifiers included Aspar Team’s Maximo Quiles (1:54.854), LEVEL UP MTA’s Matteo Bertelle (1:54.918) and Almansa’s teammate David Muñoz (1:55.147).

moto3 qp

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Seventh heaven for Almansa in the Land of the Rising Sun. The Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP rider takes a season seventh pole ahead of Red Bull KTM Ajo duo Uriarte and Carpe.

David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) continued his Moto3 qualifying dominance at Motegi, storming to a seventh pole position of the season with a new all-time lap record. The Spaniard’s 1:54.572 was enough to hold off Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by just 0.045s, with teammate Alvaro Carpe completing the front row.

Uriarte had been the early benchmark, putting himself provisional fastest with a 1:54.617 on his third lap. Almansa responded soon after, though, delivering the lap that would ultimately decide the Japanese GP polesitter on his fourth tour as the clock ticked into the final six minutes.

The closing stages were anything but straightforward. Uriarte had a crash with around three minutes remaining while pushing on a fast lap, but the Spaniard was quickly back to his feet, picked up his KTM from the gravel and got straight back to it. Despite all that, the #51 came within 0.072s of his own best on his final lap, but Almansa’s pole lap time remained out of reach.

There was late drama elsewhere too. Carpe took the scenic route through the gravel before regrouping for one final attack, and the Championship contender delivered when it mattered with a 1:54.647 on his last lap to jump into third. It secured the #83 a second consecutive front-row start, while giving Red Bull KTM Ajo two riders alongside Almansa on row one.

Yellow flags also played their part in a frantic finale. Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) went down at Turn 5 before getting back on his bike, while teammate Adrian Fernandez later tucked the front at Turn 9. Earlier in the session, Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) suffered a nasty highside but thankfully got back to his feet; the Indonesian was unable to set another lap and finished 18th.

Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) entered the final moments with one last opportunity to threaten the front row, but the Championship leader was unable to improve on his 1:54.854 and will head up row 2. Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL UP – MTA) claimed fifth, while David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) made a late move into sixth with a 1:55.147.

Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3) leads row three in seventh, ahead of teammate Valentin Perrone and Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), with home hero Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) completing the top ten.

For Almansa, it’s pole number seven in 2026 and another statement Saturday as the title fight enters its final stretch. With seven Grands Prix remaining, Quiles has his first opportunity to wrap up the crown in Japan, although Almansa, Uriarte and Carpe, from row 1, can all ensure the fight rolls on.

MotoGP: Martin On Pole Position At Motegi

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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MotoGP: Martin On Pole Position At Motegi

Jorge Martin earned pole position during MotoGP qualifying 2 Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on the 2.98-mile (4.8 km) track, Martin turned a 1:42.371. Not only was that good enough to top the 22-rider field and claim pole position, it was also good enough to eclipse Alex Marquez’s 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 1:42.811 he set yesterday during the practice session.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:42.481 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, and Pedro Acosta claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:42.493 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Row-two qualifiers included Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi (1:42.530), Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez (1:42.546) and VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (1:42.628).

motogp QP

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Martin smashes lap record to deny Marc Marquez at Motegi. The #89 leads the #93 in the standings and on the grid as Acosta and Bezzecchi lurk in third and fourth.

It’s 12 points in the Championship and just a tenth of a second on track as Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) took a stunning lap record pole position at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. His 1:42.371 puts him 0.110 clear of Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completing the front row – just denying Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). The stage could not be more set for fireworks in Japan.

Q1: Ogura does the business

It was a big Q1 for the home fans as Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) saddled up to try and move through, just missing out on Friday. In the early stages he was leading the way ahead of 2024 and 2025 Motegi winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), before Raul Fernandez slotted into second behind teammate Ogura.

As the second runs began, Ogura was the star of the show again on his flyer, taking some time off his best lap to increase his advantage at the top. There were red sectors coming in from Fernandez too before a fast – but very stylishly recovered – crash for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), rider ok, leaving it down to a final lap shootout. Fernandez put it together again to home in on Ogura, coming up short by jut 0.001 but heading through.

Q2: title fight heavyweights come out swinging

After the first runs, it was Marquez leading Marquez at the top as Marc headed BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Alex – but by only 0.065. With the field locked and loaded to head back out, however, there was plenty to come. First to shoot for the top was Martin. Red sectors were coming in from the points leader and the #89 kept it tidy to the line, setting the new benchmark 1:42.371. The gauntlet was thrown down with a new all-time lap record.

The first attempt at beating it from Marc Marquez saw him run off at Turn 3. The second attempt, the same. In the meantime, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was putting together a fast one hovering thousandths off the top through the sectors – and he had Acosta on his tail. The duo shot round the Mobility Resort Motegi and over the line, just coming up short on the pole position time but moving up into third and fourth – the #37 leapfrogging the Aprilia in the tow.

Back to Marc Marquez. Turn 3 was drama free on his final run at it, and the lap was close. Martin got out of the way and the #93 had a clear run at it, but even so – it wasn’t quite enough. 0.110 splits Championship leader Martin, who kept that pole position, from his closest challenger Marc Marquez – with Austria winner Acosta in third and Bezzecchi P4 at the head of Row 2.

Alex Marquez takes P5 with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) closing out that second row, losing out on his final lap round in the final sector, with Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) putting in his best Q2 of the season to qualify seventh.

Raul Fernandez turned Q1 graduation into P8, with Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) next up in ninth. His teammate, Johann Zarco (Castrol LCR Honda), completes the top ten after a crash, rider ok.

Ogura will be looking for a lot more when the lights go out, only able to take P11 on home turf, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) completing the Q2 runners in P12, just ahead of Bagnaia as first to miss the cut in Q1.

The stage is set. Martin leads Marc Marquez in the standings and on the grid for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with Acosta lurking third with nothing to lose in the Championship fight – and Bezzecchi hot on their heels. Join us for the Tissot Sprint at 15:00 (UTC+9) on Saturday before the Grand Prix at 14:00 on Sunday as another twist in the 2026 title fight awaits.

FULL RESULTS – MotoGP QUALIFYING AT MOTEGI

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice In Japan

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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MotoGP: Bezzecchi Is Best In Saturday Practice In Japan

Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian rider turned a lap time of 1:43.321 to lead the 22-rider field.

His teammate, Jorge Martin, was the best of the rest with a 1:43.401.

Pedro Acosta was third at 1:43.501 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Seven-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez finished the session fourth with a 1:43.564 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio finished the session fifth on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 with a time of 1:43.590.

motogp fp2

Moto2: Guevara Tops Final Practice At Motegi

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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Moto2: Guevara Tops Final Practice At Motegi

Izan Guevara was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Pirelli-shod BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on the 2.98-mile (4.8 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:46.950, which led the field of 27 riders and broke David Alonso’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:47.508 he set yesterday during the practice session.

Filip Salac was the best of the rest with a 1:47.221 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:47.284 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Alonso Lopez crossed the finish line fourth on his ITALJET Gresini Kalex with a lap time of 1:47.327.

Tony Arbolino, riding his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex, was fifth with a time of 1:47.444.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 11th with a best time of 1:47.628 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

moto2 fp2

Moto3: Almansa Sets New Lap Record At Motegi

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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Moto3: Almansa Sets New Lap Record At Motegi

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.98-mile (4.8 km) track in 1:54.745, which led the field of 26 riders and broke Ivan Ortola’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:54.761 from 2024.

Maximo Quiles was second-best with a time of 1:54.777 on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.141 and his teammate Brian Uriarte got fourth with a time of 1:55.156.

Matteo Bertelle, piloting his LEVEL UP – MTA KTM, finished the session fifth with a lap time of 1:55.241.

moto3 fp2

MotoAmerica: Privateer Money Awarded To Bandit Landers at NJMP

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 2, 2026

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MotoAmerica: Privateer Money Awarded To Bandit Landers at NJMP

New Jersey Motorsports Park roars as MotoAmerica VIP Superfans rally behind Talent Cup racer Bandit Landers.

New Jersey Motorsports Park roared with energy as the MotoAmerica VIP Superfans delivered an unforgettable wave of support for MotoAmerica Talent Cup privateer racer Bandit Landers during the MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey season finale. The weekend’s randomly selected qualifying position — eighth — proved to be the lucky number for the 17-year-old, instantly making her the focus of the VIP Privateer Program’s generosity and enthusiasm.

Landers comes from a prominent family of dedicated racers, following in the tire tracks of her father, Stoney, and her older brother, Rocco Landers. Competing under the Jones Honda Powerhouse banner, Bandit pilots the No. 17 Krämer APX-350 MA machine in the highly competitive Talent Cup class. After battling across the line in a thrilling photo finish for sixth place on Saturday, she visited the track’s VIP suite to discuss her career-best result of the 2026 season.

Little did she know, a massive VIP effort was waiting for her. The weekend’s fundraising was supercharged by Mission King Of The Baggers stars Tyler O’Hara and Kyle Wyman, who stepped up as guest auctioneers. The crowd bid generously on racing memorabilia, exclusive VIP hats, and special action photography donated by Geoff and Barb Nickless. Driven by the significant contributions of VIPs Bob McKenna and Joey Bones, Landers was presented with a check and envelope totaling $4,000 to fuel her privateer racing journey.

(From left to right) Ashton Yates, Superbike rider and Jones Honda Powerhouse teammate of Bandit Landers; Cameron Jones, her crew chief; Bandit Landers; Bo Landers, her sister; and Stoney Landers, her father, as Landers receives her payout. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

“The challenge was to exceed over $25,000 in donations for the 2026 season,” said Ron Heben, MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Director. “Rain or shine, our VIPs are so generous. I can’t wait to see how we can build on this to benefit our MotoAmerica Privateers in 2027. Thank you to everyone; you certainly made a difference.”

Bandit Landers utilized her eighth-place qualifying spot and a brilliant Saturday performance to secure a career-best sixth-place finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Landers leading Sawyer LaFayette (#61-Sawyer Lafayette Racing) and Rikard Herb (#18-Rikard Racing) on her way to a P6 finish at NJMP. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

“What an awesome surprise! When I went up to the VIP Superfan interview, I thought we were only doing a nice interview with the fans. So it was a truly crazy and amazing surprise to get such a helpful donation to our racing program!

“I cannot thank everybody involved enough! Ron Heben, Kathy Price, VP Racing fuels, MotoAmerica, the auctioneers and the whole VIP crew and superfans!I am so grateful to be part of such a helpful program.

“This year has been such a fun and crazy ride with Jones Honda Powerhouse, Darrell (Jones), Cameron (Jones), my dad, my brothers and sister. All While my mom (Jamie) covered the farm so we could be gone. Watching my brother (Rocco) grow up racing as a privateer and then becoming one myself, I know how challenging it is to travel all across the country to race.

“As everyone knows, it is not the cheapest sport and every bit of help counts. I am so pumped to put it towards training, practice and some gear I have been needing. I intend to give it everything I’ve got and come back stronger and faster.

“I appreciate all of you benevolent contributors, your help will make a big difference. I will never forget this!”

With the 2026 racing calendar drawing to a dramatic close in New Jersey, the VIP Privateer Program successfully met its milestone goals — a phenomenal testament to the unmatched passion, community spirit, and generosity of the MotoAmerica VIP Superfans.

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Motegi

October 3, 2026

MotoGP Race start at Motegi. Photo courtesy MotoGP.