Marco Bezzecchi topped the final practice session at the 2026 Japanese MotoGP held in Motegi, securing an Aprilia one-two finish. He stood out by setting the fastest time using a fresh medium front tire paired with an older medium rear tire, whereas most of the top ten competitors opted for medium fronts and soft rear tires.
The practice was briefly interrupted after just six minutes due to a red flag, triggered by Franco Morbidelli’s engine failure and the need to clean up spilled fluids. With that session concluded, Qualifying 1 commenced for riders outside the top ten from Friday’s results, featuring notable names like Ai Ogura and last year’s double Motegi winner, Pecco Bagnaia.
Saturday Free Practice Results – 2026 MotoGP Japan, Motegi
| Position | Rider | Nationality | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Bezzecchi | ITA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP26) | 1’43.321s |
| 2 | Jorge Martin | SPA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP26) | +0.080s |
| 3 | Pedro Acosta | SPA | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | +0.180s |
| 4 | Marc Marquez | SPA | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | +0.243s |
| 5 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | ITA | Pertamina VR46 Ducati (GP26) | +0.269s |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 11 | Ai Ogura | JPN | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP26) | +0.466s |
| 12 | Francesco Bagnaia | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP26) | +0.479s |
*Note: Diogo Moreira and Toprak Razgatlioglu are rookies.
Official Motegi MotoGP Records:
- Fastest Lap: Alex Marquez, Ducati, 1m 42.811s (2026)
- Fastest Race Lap: Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati, 1m 44.412s (2025)
Marc Marquez, last year’s champion at Motegi, returns this weekend just 12 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin after being outpaced by Martin in both Red Bull Ring events. Both riders have gained a lead over Bezzecchi, who is currently 42 points behind the leaders.
Among the key contenders is KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who recently claimed his first MotoGP victory at the Red Bull Ring and now sits fourth in the championship. Acosta has shown strong form at Motegi, having led during his rookie season, achieved a Sprint podium last year, and was in the frontrunning pack before making a mistake in the grand prix.
Pecco Bagnaia, the winner of both Motegi races last year from pole position, is currently ninth in the standings this season, with his only win coming in a Sprint race at Brno. Although he hasn’t been on the podium since June, Bagnaia may be looking to replicate his previous success in Japan.
Replacements and Wildcards
Maverick Viñales makes his return for Tech3 KTM after missing the previous four rounds due to shoulder injuries. Meanwhile, Joan Mir remains sidelined as he undergoes further recovery following medical concerns after the San Marino GP. Honda test rider Takaaki Nakagami, who was set to race as a wildcard this weekend, suffered a fractured collarbone in a crash during FP1 and will not participate. Honda WorldSBK racer Somkiat Chantra has been unexpectedly called up to join the HRC team alongside Luca Marini.
Honda will also sport a special 60th-anniversary livery for the Sunday race.
Tyres and Track Conditions
Motegi’s circuit was completely resurfaced for the 2026 event. With no direct data from the new asphalt, Michelin’s engineers prepared an expanded tire selection including three options for front and rear tires, based on simulations and past editions’ data.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s Motorsport Two-Wheel Competition Manager, explained that the front tires (Soft, Medium, Hard) maintain stiffness levels from the previous year with symmetrical compounds. The Hard front tire uses reinforced construction, a feature suitable for certain Asian circuits like Motegi and Mandalika. The rear tires have increased stiffness compared to 2025 to better handle uncertainties from the new surface, with Soft and Medium using standard casings and Hard tires employing reinforced casings previously offered in Austria.
Taramasso pointed out the need for quick adaptation starting Friday’s sessions, as well as close monitoring of the evolving track and weather conditions, with cool temperatures and a chance of rain expected.
Fan Take:
This update is essential for MotoGP enthusiasts because it highlights the rising challenge from new contenders like Pedro Acosta and the technical adjustments teams face on a freshly resurfaced Motegi circuit. These dynamics could lead to unpredictable races, making the championship battle even more thrilling and setting the stage for exciting developments in the sport’s future.
Source: www.crash.net
