Japanese MotoGP Stopped By Rain: Jorge Martin Wins, Marc Marquez Third Podium

Jorge Martin's action in MotoGP Japan must be stopped due to heavy rains at the Twin Ring Motegi Circuit, Sunday, October 1, 2023. (rash.net)

JAKARTA - Jorge Martin won the Japanese MotoGP which was held at the Twin Ring Motegi Circuit, Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2023. The race had to be stopped early because it rained heavily in the arena, in order to avoid an unexpected fatal accident.

The red flag, a sign that the race was stopped, was flown when the race entered its 13th round. The plan to restart was canceled because the rain never subsided, and Martin was declared the champion because at that time he was leading the race. The decision was valid, because the race had been held more than half of the 24-round race.

The decision not only benefits Martin, who is now only three points adrift of the leader of the drivers' standings, Francesco Bagnaia, but also for Marc Marquez. The Honda factory rider grabbed the third podium, one place behind Bagnaia.

For Marquez, this is his first podium since the Phillip Island 2022 MotoGP race, or almost a year ago.

The next MotoGP racing series will be held at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok on October 13-15.