Marc Marquez secured the 2023 MotoGP world championship by finishing second at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, marking his first title since 2019 and his seventh premier-class championship overall. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, won the race decisively, further highlighting the Ducati team’s strong performance.
By securing the championship with five races remaining, Marquez achieved the earliest title win of his 12-year MotoGP career. This latest triumph adds to his previous six premier-class crowns earned during his time with Honda in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Overcoming Challenges to Reclaim Glory
The 32-year-old Spaniard’s journey back to the top was marked by significant obstacles, including four surgeries on his right arm and a change of teams in 2023. Despite these setbacks, Marquez amassed a commanding 201-point lead over his rivals, with 185 points still available for the remainder of the season. This victory brings his total world titles to nine when including his earlier success in the 125cc class in 2010 and Moto2 in 2012.
Throughout the season, Marquez has displayed remarkable dominance, winning 11 of the 17 Grand Prix events and 14 of the 17 sprint races. Notably, Motegi has been a lucky venue for him: he clinched his 2014, 2016, and 2018 championships at this circuit. With this win, he also became the first rider in MotoGP history to reclaim the championship after a gap of at least five years.
An emotional Marquez reflected on the difficulties he faced during his career, especially highlighting his decision in 2020 to attempt racing just one week after undergoing his first right arm surgery.
I don’t want to remember what I passed … just want to enjoy the moment. But it’s true that it was difficult, super difficult. I did a big mistake on my career to come back too early [in 2020] … I fight, fight, fight and I won again. I’m at peace.
Marc Marquez, MotoGP 2023 Champion
Bagnaia’s Commanding Performance at Motegi
Francesco Bagnaia dominated the weekend by securing pole position, winning both the 12-lap sprint and the full 24-lap race from start to finish. The two-time world champion of 2022 and 2023 crossed the finish line 4.196 seconds ahead of Marquez. Despite showing signs of trouble with his Ducati’s right-hand exhaust, which began to smoke intermittently from lap 15, Bagnaia maintained control and pace to secure a comfortable victory.
Meanwhile, Marquez had to work hard to pass KTM’s Pedro Acosta, overtaking him on lap 11 after starting from third on the grid. However, Marquez was unable to close the gap to Bagnaia during the race.
I don’t want to take out any spotlight from Marc, he has arrived and he deserves any spotlight today,
Bagnaia said about his teammate, recognizing Marquez’s achievement during the event.
In any case I’m happy [about my race], it’s just a shame that it happened now … but happy for the weekend and performance, and I hope from now on I will continue in this way because like this, I can fight.
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Rider
Additional Race Highlights and Upcoming Events
Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP world champion, earned third place on the podium riding for Honda. This marked his first podium finish since the 2021 Algarve Grand Prix, where he had finished second as a Suzuki rider. In contrast, Marquez’s younger brother, Alex Marquez, who was the only contender capable of extending the title fight to the next race in Indonesia, started eighth and finished sixth, trailing Bagnaia by 14.544 seconds and never posing a real threat to contest the lead.
Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta dropped from contention when he ran off the track at the first corner with six laps to go, sliding to last place, and Australia’s Jack Miller failed to finish after the chain on his Yamaha snapped while running 14th just three laps before the flag.
Looking Forward: The Race in Indonesia
The next round, the 18th of the 22-race MotoGP season, is scheduled for October 3-5 at Mandalika in Indonesia. With the championship already decided, all eyes will be on the riders to see who can claim victories and podiums in the remaining events, adding further excitement to the closing stages of the season.
