Japanese GP: Riders to Watch at Motegi

As the 2026 MotoGP season enters its final stretch, the championship has arrived at the Mobility Resort Motegi for the Japanese Grand Prix. This is the 16th race of a 22-round calendar, and with points becoming more precious every weekend, the pressure is mounting on the title contenders.

The main story is the thrilling battle for the world championship between Spain’s Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez. Just 12 points separate the two riders at the top of the standings, making every session this weekend critically important.

Who are the main title contenders?

Leading the championship is Jorge Martin of the factory Aprilia Racing team. The 2024 World Champion has 306 points and has shown incredible consistency all year. While he has only taken one Grand Prix victory this season, back in France, he has been a constant presence at the front, adding four wins in the shorter Saturday Sprint races.

Hot on his heels is the reigning World Champion, Marc Marquez. Riding for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, the nine-time champion (seven of which are in the premier MotoGP class) is just 12 points behind Martin on 294. Marquez is in formidable form, having won five Grands Prix this season, including consecutive victories at Aragon and San Marino. His experience and relentless pace make him a huge threat.

The dynamic between the two is fascinating. Martin is trying to win a second title on the Aprilia, while Marquez is aiming to secure back-to-back titles with the factory Ducati team. With the points gap so small, a single mistake or a brilliant victory for either rider could completely change the outlook of the title race.

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Who else could challenge for the win?

While the championship focus is on the top two, several other riders have the pace to fight for victory in Japan. Chief among them is young talent Pedro Acosta. Riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, Acosta has had a stunning season in MotoGP and sits fourth in the standings.

Acosta is arriving at Motegi full of confidence after taking his very first MotoGP Grand Prix win at the previous round in Austria. He has proven he can compete with the best, and a second victory is by no means out of the question. He is a fearless rider who is quickly becoming a fan favourite.

We also cannot ignore Martin’s teammate, Marco Bezzecchi. The Italian is third in the championship and has won four Grands Prix this season — more than anyone except Marquez. While his title chances are fading, he is more than capable of winning any given race and potentially taking valuable points away from the main contenders.

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Is there a home favourite?

Yes, and he is a very popular one. Ai Ogura, riding for the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, will have the full support of the Japanese crowd. This is his second season in the premier class, and he has already established himself as a race winner, taking a brilliant victory at the Dutch TT in Assen earlier this year.

Currently sixth in the championship, Ogura has shown impressive speed and maturity. Racing at home can bring extra pressure, but it can also provide a huge boost. Expect the grandstands to be a sea of support for the local hero as he aims for a dream result on home soil.

What makes the Motegi circuit special?

Mobility Resort Motegi is famous for its unique layout. It is often described as a ‘stop-and-go’ circuit, meaning it features a series of long straights followed by very heavy braking for tight corners. This places huge demands on a bike’s brakes and its ability to accelerate powerfully out of the slow turns.

This style of track can often lead to exciting, close racing with plenty of overtaking opportunities under braking. It is a true test of both rider skill and machine performance, and it should provide a fantastic spectacle as the championship battle rages on.

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With seven rounds remaining, including this weekend in Japan, the 2026 MotoGP World Championship is perfectly poised. Every lap counts, and the riders will be giving it all to gain an advantage in this incredibly close fight.

Quick Takeaways

• The championship battle is incredibly tight, with just 12 points separating leader Jorge Martin and reigning champion Marc Marquez.
• Young talent Pedro Acosta is in sensational form, having secured his first-ever MotoGP win at the previous race in Austria.
• Japanese rider Ai Ogura will be the home favourite and is looking for a strong result after winning his first Grand Prix earlier this season.
• The Motegi circuit’s ‘stop-and-go’ nature, with its hard braking and acceleration zones, promises exciting racing.