Jorge Martin wins his first Aprilia Grand Prix at French MotoGP

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

The Spaniard, who endured a forgettable 2025 season plagued by crashes and injuries, overtook race leader Bezzecchi with three laps remaining to secure his first win since capturing the 2024 title.

“It’s unbelievable. I still can’t say it enough times, because I’m so, so, grateful to all the fans,” an emotional Martin said.

“But for sure I have to remember my family, my team, my girlfriend, my dog – all the people that were with me all this time. I don’t have words!”

The victory moved Martin to within one point of championship leader Bezzecchi after five rounds.

Ogura makes history for Japan

Ai Ogura completed the podium in third for Aprilia’s satellite team Trackhouse, giving the Italian manufacturer its first-ever podium sweep while he became the first Japanese rider on the podium in 14 years.

“What can I say, it just feels amazing… It was not an easy race, but good race pace and I’m super happy,” Ogura said.

Ducati had another Sunday to forget with reigning champion Marc Marquez missing the race after fracturing his foot in Saturday’s sprint crash while teammate and polesitter Francesco Bagnaia crashed in second place.

Bagnaia had a poor start, allowing Bezzecchi to take the lead while home favourite Fabio Quartararo moved up to second.

Martin, unlike his lightning start in Saturday’s sprint where he jumped from eighth to first in two turns, could not make up places initially amid heavy traffic.

But the dynamics shifted dramatically when Bagnaia, who had worked his way up to challenge for the lead, crashed at turn three on lap 16 while under pressure – his third Sunday retirement in five rounds this season.

Martin, right, challenges Aprilia Racing teammate Marco Bezzecchi for the lead on lap 25 of the French MotoGP race at Le Mans, France, on May 10, 2026 [Loic Venance/AFP]

Martin hunts down Bezzecchi

Martin seized the opportunity, moving past KTM’s Pedro Acosta to second and then methodically hunting down Bezzecchi.