Jorge Martin wins his first Aprilia Grand Prix at the French MotoGP | Sports News

The former MotoGP world champion is now just one point behind Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the riders’ standings.

Jorge Martin charged from seventh on the grid to win the French Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his first MotoGP win in 588 days, while moving within striking distance of fellow Aprilia Marco Bezzecchi in the Championship battle.

The Spaniard, who endured a forgettable 2025 season beset by crashes and injuries, overtook championship leader Bezzecchi with three laps to go to claim his first victory since winning the 2024 title.

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“It’s amazing. I can’t say enough times, because I’m so happy for the fans,” said an emotional Martin.

“But of course I have to remember my family, my team, my boyfriend, my dog ​​- all the people who were with me all this time. I have no words!”

The victory moved Martin within the race leader Bezzecchi after five races.

Ogura has made history in Japan

Ai Ogura finished third for Aprilia’s satellite team, Trackhouse, giving the Italian manufacturer its first sweep, as it became the first Japanese rider on the track in 14 years.

“What can I say, it just feels amazing… It wasn’t an easy race, but a good race and I’m very happy,” Ogura said.

Ducati had another Sunday to forget, with reigning champion Marc Marquez missing the race after breaking his foot in a crash on Saturday, while team-mate and polesitter Francesco Bagnaia crashed out in second place.

Bagnaia got off to a good start, allowing Bezzecchi to take the lead as home favorite Fabio Quartararo moved up to second.

Martin, unlike his lightning start on Saturday’s race where he jumped from eighth to first in two laps, was unable to make up ground in the heavy traffic.

But things took a turn for the worse when Bagnaia, who had been pushing for the lead, crashed at 16 under pressure – his third retirement on Sunday in five races this season.

Martin hunts Bezzecchi

Martin took advantage of the opportunity, moving KTM’s Pedro Acosta into second and then hunting down Bezzecchi.

Despite trailing by nearly three seconds at one point, Martin pulled away as the sun broke through the clouds at Le Mans.

Acosta’s hopes of finishing third on the podium faded with four laps to go when late sprinter Ogura passed the KTM rider, sparking the Aprilia sweep.

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola couldn’t help but watch as the two factory riders battled for the lead.

When the two were separated by points after five rounds, he was not worried about any argument between them in the garage, saying: “They are smart people, they are fighters.

As Martin took the flag, he celebrated his victory by smashing his own banner before mimicking French striker Kylian Mbappe’s celebration, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I still think about last year at Le Mans here, when Jorge wanted to leave (Aprilia) and I said, ‘I think you can win with us.’ So winning at Le Mans is very special for me,” added Rivola.

Finally, Acosta was denied fourth place at the death when VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio made a late move to steal the spot with two corners to spare.