Marco Bezzecchi: Bastianini was very fast today

Pulse Sports Team 07:19 - 04 October 2026

Marco Bezzecchi edged out Enea Bastianini by a mere 0.078 seconds in the battle for the final podium spot at the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix.

Following the race at Motegi, the Aprilia rider admitted his fellow countryman was remarkably fast today. He also revealed that he had lost someone close to him earlier in the week, which gave him extra motivation to secure a podium finish in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"Overall, it was a tough weekend. Bestia was very fast today. I really wanted this podium; it wasn't an easy week for me, as I lost someone very important right after arriving in Japan. That's why I wanted this result so much, and I worked hard to achieve it, so I'm very happy," Bezzecchi said.