Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia currently holds the spot but is only eight points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia. Momentum appears to be with Bezzecchi, though Motegi could provide an opportunity for Pedro Acosta to close the gap. Local interest will centre on Ai Ogura, who makes his home debut in MotoGP for Trackhouse Yamaha. The series now heads to Motegi, the very circuit where Gonzalez scored his first Moto2 victory last year. From Motegi, the paddock heads to Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and then back to Europe for the final two rounds.