Ducati rider Marc Marquez took victory in the Aragon Grand Prix for the third year running on Sunday, trimming the points difference to title leader Jorge Martin while strengthening his record on circuits run in the opposite direction.

Marquez recorded his eighth success at MotorLand after a fierce contest with Aprilia's polesitter Marco Bezzecchi, whom he passed in dramatic style on lap six during a side-by-side move at more than 300 kph (186.41 mph).

KTM's Pedro Acosta took second place, prolonging his search for a first MotoGP win despite securing his 14th podium result, while Bezzecchi completed the podium and Alex Marquez came home fourth.

After winning Saturday's sprint, Marquez collected maximum points across the weekend to reach 237, moving ahead of Bezzecchi (232) into second behind Aprilia's Martin (256), who finished fifth.

Bezzecchi had taken pole with a lap record but Marquez struck at turn one to win the sprint; the Spaniard tried the same approach in the race only for the Aprilia rider to regain the lead at the following corner.

'Major error'

"The decisive moment came at the first corner. I attempted it once more but made a major error today because I overlooked the rear ride-height device and when I reached turn two the rear device had engaged again," Marquez said.

"I was very slow through the fast turns two and three and two riders passed me. After that it became tougher but from there I simply focused on building my rhythm."

Marquez needed to attack to close on Bezzecchi, posting fastest laps while targeting the Aprilia ahead as Acosta remained close behind in third.

The reigning champion struck on lap six, drawing level with Bezzecchi on the back straight, riding within inches and nearly touching before completing the pass.

"I heard his bike at turn 15 so I tried to cross but when we were near each other the slipstream affected us both strongly and it felt unusual," Bezzecchi said.

"Marc, with his experience and speed, was simply unbeatable today."

Joy for local supporters

Acosta seized the chance to move into second at the next corner to chase Marquez, prompting loud cheers from home fans as the two Spaniards fought for the lead.

Yet Marquez's ability to keep setting fastest laps enabled him to pull clear of Acosta, weakening the younger rider's challenge as the gap grew beyond a second while Bezzecchi trailed by nearly three seconds.

After another Aragon win, Marquez dismounted during the victory lap and rode to the stand bearing his name, dropping to his knees amid the loud cheers of fans wearing Ducati red.