For the first time in 2025, Francesco Bagnaia was on top of a Sprint Race podium after controlling the Saturday Sprint at Motegi.

In recent weeks, Sprint Races and Francesco Bagnaia have been bitter enemies, as he had failed to score a point on a Saturday since the Czech Republic Grand Prix in July.

However, everything was different for the Italian on Friday and Saturday at the Japanese Grand Prix as he was on the pace in Practice and claimed Pole Position in Qualifying.

Originally, Bagnaia played down his chances of success in the Sprint Race, stating that he wanted a top-five finish, something that would have been an achievement itself.

But the two-time MotoGP World Champion was able to return to a Sprint podium for the first time since the Italian Grand Prix as he secured his first Sprint Race victory of the 2025 season.

Bagnaia held his lead throughout the entirety of the 12-lap Sprint Race and controlled the gap until the chequered flag

"I am back to doing my favourite races, starting well and pushing, not starting from behind," Bagnaia said after winning the Sprint Race at the Twin Ring Motegi.

"But in any case, I am super happy, I want to say thanks to the team who, like always, have done an incredible job at setting up a fantastic bike for me.

"I was able to push, I was able to control, and these emotions are super sweet, so I am very happy."

With his newfound form, Bagnaia and Ducati will be hoping for further success on Sunday in the Japanese Grand Prix. However, he will likely have to watch his teammate, Marc Marquez, claim the 2025 MotoGP World Championship.