Jorge Martín edged Marc Márquez to claim pole at Motegi for the Japanese MotoGP Grand Prix. It is his second pole in a row, his fourth this year, his 24th in the premier class and his 45th in the world championship. Acosta completes the Spanish front row in third place.
Q2 began with Álex Márquez first out, with a group of riders behind him, while Marc preferred to head out later on his own. Álex Márquez and Bezzecchi moved up after a second run. Martín encountered slower riders on his first flying lap, then found clear space and beat Marc by more than a tenth. Acosta, who was following him, also improved. Even with another lap available to “Bez”, Pedro and Marc, the Ducati rider could not take pole from Martín, after losing ground in the second sector.
After the session, Martín praised his team’s work: «The team has helped me a lot with the bike. On my good lap, I had a scare in the third sector. We have good potential. I thought they would take pole away from me, but it’s always nice to have one more. Marc will attack; Acosta is strong, but we’ll give it everything in the sprint.»
GeneralYáñez decided the derby against Atlético Madrileño with a superb left-footed strike. After conceding two unfortunate goals, Castilla survived a late equaliser when Castillo’s attempt hit the crossbar in the 101st minute.
GeneralItaly held firm against France despite their opponents’ control of the ball and the game. Olise’s goal was not enough to preserve Zidane’s perfect run, while Donnarumma produced a string of decisive saves.
GeneralThe four highest-ranked pairs advanced through the quarter-finals and will contest the two places in the final. Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea meet Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero, while Claudia Fernández and Martina Calvo face Paula Josemaría and Bea González.
GeneralBosnia and Sweden drew 1-1 in an emotional farewell for Edin Dzeko. Aged 40, the striker left the pitch in the 61st minute, bringing his time with the national team to an end.
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