After the emotions of Mandalika, MotoGP returns to the track for the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, with the world race restarting from the challenge between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia. So let’s go and see what’s new on the Twin Ring starting grid on the eve of the race weekend.
Latest news
Miguel Oliveira underwent successful surgery following Mandalika’s fall, which resulted in a fracture of his right wrist. The Portuguese will be replaced by Lorenzo Savadori, who will have a fair chance of racing at Phillip Island too, depending on the Trackhouse rider’s recovery time. Savadori has already taken part in three grands prix in 2024, as a wild card, without collecting points. However, this will be the first occasion in which he will not be busy with the laboratory bike, but will be able to concentrate exclusively on performance.
The second news of the weekend is twofold: on the one hand it was confirmed that Francesco Guidotti will not be at the helm of the KTM team in 2025 (there is talk of a possibility for him in Honda in place of Alberto Puig), on the other it was announced that his replacement will be Aki Ajo. The manager, team owner and multiple winner of world titles in the 125 class, Moto3 and Moto2 (10 in total) was called with the aim of righting a ship that is sailing badly: in 8 years the world title has not even been touched by part of Mattighofen and for two seasons there have not even been sporadic victories. Clearly the reasons for the failure are not sporting but technical, but we’ll see if a breath of fresh air will help us improve in something.
What numbers
21 points separate Jorge Martin from Pecco Bagnaia. The Spaniard has a good lead in the championship with 5 races remaining: he has the same victories (3) as last year but has scored many more points (38), thanks to his ability to reach the podium in all the weekends held, including Saturday and Sunday. Martin is racing a championship far from any particular hype, but he is proving particularly effective, regardless of some tactical errors (like in Misano) or slips (like in Indonesia). His speed is beyond question and the 6 pole positions scored to date are there to prove it.
The challenge
With Bastianini at 75 points and Marquez at 78, the world battle for the moment is focused on the duel between Jorge and Pecco, with Bagnaia who in any case managed to “scratch” a few points from Martin last weekend. Pecco is absolutely not performing badly: he only has one point less than last year, he always manages to be very fast and in melee he gives the impression of having something more than Jorge. However, pay attention to the variables: Bastianini and Marquez are riders who can steal many points and the weather conditions will be a factor in this season finale.
Track you go
Rain has often dampened the races at Motegi, giving rise to legendary duels like the one between Marquez and Dovizioso in 2017, but also in the dry there have been good races, like the one ennobled by the confrontation between Rossi and Lorenzo in 2010. The brakes at the Twing Ring they are put under particular stress: not so much due to the presence of long straights and sharp braking sections, but due to the lack, in the central part, of a section where they can cool down. However, there is no shortage of overtaking points and the fun is guaranteed: the support is always very hot at Motegi, even if the Japanese manufacturers (the track is owned by Honda, among other things) have little to smile about in a world championship like this. ..
