Martin Leads Márquez Into Motegi

The 2026 MotoGP championship battle heads to Japan with Jorge Martin holding a narrow advantage over Marc Márquez as the season enters a decisive phase.

Martin arrives at Mobility Resort Motegi on 306 points, 12 ahead of Márquez, while Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi remains third on 264.

Austria proved crucial for Martin. After the championship rivals had arrived level on points, Martin won the Sprint and finished second in the Grand Prix while Márquez took fifth.

12 points separate the top two. Motegi is next.

Viñales Returns to the MotoGP Grid

Another major storyline in Japan will be the return of Maverick Viñales.

The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider is set to make his comeback after an extended injury absence, giving KTM another experienced rider as MotoGP begins its Asian run.

Motegi's heavy braking zones will provide an immediate physical test, meaning Viñales' condition throughout Friday practice will be closely watched.

His return also comes at an important moment for KTM.

Acosta Gives KTM Fresh Confidence

Pedro Acosta finally became a MotoGP race winner in Austria, producing one of the biggest breakthroughs of the 2026 season.

Acosta passed Martin before controlling the race to claim his maiden premier-class victory and deliver KTM its first MotoGP Grand Prix win since 2022.

The result followed a strong run of form from Acosta and provided further evidence that KTM has made meaningful progress with the RC16.

The timing is particularly interesting because Acosta is already set to leave KTM for Ducati in 2027, where he will join Marc Márquez as MotoGP introduces its new 850cc regulations.

KTM is finally winning again — just as its biggest young star prepares to leave.

MotoGP Enters a Crucial Asian Stretch

For Winbox Racing, the Japanese Grand Prix brings several of MotoGP's biggest stories together.

Martin has the championship lead, but Márquez remains within striking distance. Bezzecchi still has an outside route back into the fight. Acosta arrives with the confidence of his first MotoGP victory, while Viñales finally returns to competition.

At the same time, manufacturers are increasingly looking towards 2027, when MotoGP moves to 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, no ride-height devices and Pirelli tyres.

The present championship fight is heating up while MotoGP's next generation is already taking shape.

Martin vs Márquez. Acosta on the rise. Viñales back on the grid.

MotoGP heads to Japan with everything still to play for.

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