Ranzi Sports

Marc Marquez’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on September 28th marked one of the most inspiring comebacks in MotoGP history. After finishing second behind his Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia at Motegi, Marquez claimed his seventh premier class World Champion title, and his first since 2019.

This emotional win was secured with five races still left in the season, giving Marquez an insurmountable lead over his closest rival—his younger brother, Alex Marquez, who finished sixth on race day.

Marquez’s return to the top was hard-earned. Six years have passed since his last world title, a period marred by injuries and relentless setbacks. Starting with a severe crash in Jerez in 2020, Marquez faced four major surgeries and numerous complications that twice threatened his racing career. The Spanish rider’s journey included more than 100 crashes and required him to switch teams and manufacturers, finally joining Ducati for the 2025 season.

Throughout the 2025 campaign, Marquez displayed impressive consistency and brilliance. After battling through qualifying and placing just behind Bagnaia in Motegi, he demonstrated the type of focus and racecraft which have defined his legacy. His ability to outperform his brother, Alex, by three points opened the door to claim the championship, with local fans in his hometown of Cervera celebrating this emotional milestone

This title means more than just another addition to Marquez’s storied career; it draws him level with the legendary Valentino Rossi’s record of seven MotoGP championships in the premier class.

The win also places Marquez among an elite group who have won titles with different manufacturers—Honda and Ducati—putting his name alongside icons like Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Notably, Marquez achieved this with the third earliest clinching of the title in MotoGP’s modern era.

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of his feat, Marquez was visibly moved at the finish line, seen weeping tears of joy and reflecting on the long road back to glory. As he inscribed his name on the MotoGP Tower of Champions in Motegi, the racing world witnessed a story of resilience, persistence, and renewed hope for the 32-year-old superstar. Fans now look ahead to future battles, wondering if he can surpass Rossi’s record and set new benchmarks in MotoGP history.