LE MANS, France - Jorge Martin secured his first MotoGP victory in 588 days at the French Grand Prix, battling from seventh on the grid to overtake championship leader Marco Bezzecchi with three laps remaining.
The win moves the defending champion to within one point of Bezzecchi in the standings, a remarkable turnaround after a 2025 season marred by crashes and injuries.
"It's unbelievable," an emotional Martin said. "I'm so grateful to all the fans."
Aprilia Makes History
Ai Ogura finished third for Aprilia's satellite team Trackhouse, securing the Italian manufacturer its first-ever podium sweep. Ogura also became the first Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium in 14 years.
The race shifted dramatically when polesitter Francesco Bagnaia crashed on lap 16 while challenging for the lead, his third Sunday retirement in five rounds. Reigning champion Marc Marquez missed the race due to a fractured foot sustained in Saturday's sprint crash.
Martin methodically hunted down Bezzecchi, erasing a nearly three-second gap as the sun broke through the clouds at Le Mans. His victory celebration included a trademark windscreen smash and a tribute to France forward Kylian Mbappe.