Le Mans witnessed an emotional and historic afternoon as Jorge Martin completed a sensational weekend by conquering Sunday’s race after already dominating Saturday’s sprint. The Aprilia rider delivered a comeback drive full of aggression, patience and precision, securing his first Sunday victory in 588 days and confirming himself as a genuine title contender once again.
Starting from seventh on the grid, Martin initially struggled to make immediate progress while his teammate Marco Bezzecchi controlled the race at the front. But lap after lap, the Spaniard increased the pressure, gradually closing the gap with relentless pace. With only three laps remaining, Martin finally launched the decisive attack, overtaking Bezzecchi in a spectacular move that sent the Aprilia garage into celebration.
Behind the leading duo, rookie sensation Ai Ogura produced the ride of his young career. The Japanese rider secured his first podium in the premier class and completed a historic clean sweep for Aprilia, marking the manufacturer’s first-ever lockout of the top three positions. It was also the first podium finish for a Japanese rider in the category since 2012, adding even more significance to an unforgettable day for the Italian factory.
The race itself was filled with drama from the opening laps. Francesco Bagnaia crashed while fighting near the front, throwing away what had looked like a potential podium finish, while several riders struggled with grip and tyre degradation around the demanding Le Mans circuit. Pedro Acosta managed to stay in contention throughout and eventually crossed the line in fifth after an intense battle with Fabio Di Giannantonio in the closing stages.
One of the biggest talking points of the weekend remained the absence of Marc Marquez following his violent sprint crash on Saturday. Ducati confirmed the reigning champion underwent surgery after fracturing his foot, forcing him out of Sunday’s race and leaving a major gap in the championship fight. Without him on track, Aprilia fully seized the opportunity to establish itself as the dominant force of the weekend.
For Martin, this victory felt far bigger than just another win. After a nightmare 2025 season filled with injuries and setbacks, the Spaniard has suddenly transformed into the championship’s most dangerous rider. He now sits just one point behind Bezzecchi in the standings, and with momentum completely on his side, the battle inside Aprilia is rapidly becoming the defining storyline of the season.
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