Jorge Martin wins MotoGP sprint at Japanese Grand Prix to close gap on leader Francesco Bagnaia

Jorge Martin won the MotoGP sprint race at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, Japan on Saturday after leading from the first corner.

The Pramac Racing rider had qualified in pole for the sprint, and was untouched by his rivals as he took out his third sprint race of the season.

South African Brad Binder finished second, with overall leader Francesco Bagnaia third.

Crucially, a brave pass by the Italian on the 10th lap of 12 allowed him to slip ahead of Jack Miller and grab what could be a decisive point.

Martin had cruised ahead of the field, leading by as much as 1.3 seconds at one point.

With the new format having only been introduced this season, Martin is now just one win behind Bagnaia for the all-time record (4).

Perhaps more importantly, the victory in Motegi allows Martin to close the gap in the overall standings with Bagnaia by eight points. Marco Bezzecchi is a further 39 points back, as Bagnaia and Martin look to be making the championship a two-horse race.

The 25-year-old was focused on Sunday's main race, and the championship after the victory which was his third in as many sprints.

Speaking to the media, he said: "We were trying to work on the details... I think we found great pace. We are happy that the pace is this fast. Hopefully, tomorrow I can be a bit more calm. Let's go for another victory tomorrow!"

Martin had broken Bagnaia's track record during qualifying, putting pressure on the Italian to respond.

After the race, Bagnaia was magnanimous. He said: "Jorge is in his best form."

Asked if he had expected more, Bagnaia agreed.

He explained: "I had problems with my rear grip."

Sunday's Grand Prix will see Bangaia attempt to defend his position atop the overall leaderboard in the 14th of 20 Grands Prix this season.

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