MotoGP Round 20 | Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) is the 2024 MotoGP World Champion! Having taken a 24-point lead into the title-deciding weekend at the Solidarity GP of Barcelona, the Spaniard held his nerve to win his first premier class title by 10 points. Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

Day 1 of #TheRematch decider at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona belonged to the hunter – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).

Read our Round 19 MotoGP Report here…

The reigning #1 set the pace on Friday to land an important early jab on World Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), as the latter managed to hold onto a fifth place finish after encountering some Turn 5 troubles deep into Practice. It was job done in terms of getting into Q2 without too many issues for the #89, but there was plenty of room for improvement for the rider who sat 24 points clear of the current #1 with the biggest Saturday of the season firmly on the horizon.

Operating inside the top three on Day 1 was second fastest – and one of Bagnaia’s chief allies – Marco Bezzecchi. The Italian was on song in Practice as he aimed to bid farewell to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team with a podium finish at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) started the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona from pole as the #1 stayed cool under pressure to hold on at the top. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) made a late lunge for glory but came up short by just 0.055 in his final Q2, with Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) completing a fascinating front row – and one that doesn’t feature Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). He will instead start P4, directly behind his title rival Bagnaia.

Moto2

0.231s was the advantage Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) held heading into Saturday at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona after the Spaniard set a 1:42.426 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) pocketed P2 on his final Friday with the Aspar outfit, as Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2) claimed third as the Spaniard went hunting for a third place Championship finish.

After claiming a phenomenal podium in Malaysia, Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing) kicked off his Solidarity GP with a P4 in Practice 1, as Sepang winner Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completed Friday’s fastest five. Newly crowned World Champion, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), had a solid outing to end the day in P6.

A 1:42.003 handed Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) a final race of the season pole position at the Solidarity GP of Barcelona, and by a decent margin too. A tenth and a half was the Spaniard’s advantage over second place Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2), as a late flyer from Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) saw the Dutch star grab a front-row start in third.

Moto3

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) topped the Moto3 timesheets in Practice 1 thanks to a 1:46.568, but it wasn’t by much as compatriot David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) lapped within a tenth of the #96. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) slotted his Honda inside the top three, just under two tenths away from Holgado’s pace.

Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) bagged top five results on Friday as the latter aimed to beat Holgado on Sunday to the 2024 silver medal honour. The duo sat tied on points ahead of qualifying and the race.

It was seven pole positions in 2024 for World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) as the Colombian again shone brightest on a Saturday afternoon. The #80 claimed pole by over three tenths in Barcelona to head Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) on the front row, as both set their sights on finishing as the overall runner-up in 2024 on Sunday.

Full Friday practice and qualifying results all classes are here...

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

It was pretty much a must-win Tissot Sprint for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, so win it he did. But it was also nearing a must-not-bin Sprint for Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and he passed his test too.

Revs up, lights out – it was a tight, tight run into the first corner, with it looking like Bagnaia was set for the holeshot before Martin made up the metres to move alongside – and then Bastianini sailed past both. But Bagnaia attacked back in the melee, grabbing the lead again round Turn 3.

There was drama at the same corner on Lap 1 as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) then tangled, however. Both headed wide and both stayed upright, but Marquez was able to collect it – and Acosta’s front fairing got ripped off, leading the rookie to limp back to pitlane, out of the action.

Bagnaia led Bastianini and Martin, but by the end of Lap 2, the reigning Champion was starting to build a small gap as the #89 lined up Bastianini. He got the job done into Turn 1, close but perfectly-judged, and stayed ahead until the next time round – when Bastianini did an even more brutal carbon copy to take back second.

The two were then locked together for another lap before Martin hit back, finding a few more millimetres to really push both to the edge. With that, the momentum behind for Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) got them involved, but Martin was just clear and Bastianini shouldered his way back through to third. As you were.

At the front, Bagnaia pounded on. Martin was hovering just over a second away but the gap was going up tenth by tenth, with those on his tail not being left behind either. Bastianini had faded briefly but got back within half a second, and both Alex Marquez and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) were now on the scene as Morbidelli started to get dropped.

By the penultimate lap, it was Bagnaia holding a small gap ahead of that quartet. But then Alex Marquez was wide at Turn 10 and Espargaro got through, dividing the four into a duel for fourth and a decisive one ahead: the points leader vs. his title rival’s teammate for second.

Down the main straight for the final time, Bastianini wasn’t quite close enough. But he was able to close in and by Turn 5, the red machine darted out from behind the Championship leader and went for it. Breath held, the move was aggressive but clean enough, and crucially it got the job done. Now Martin had to decide whether to try and reply or take the third place he’d got pretty secure. He looked tempted but Bastianini offered no way back through.

Bagnaia crossed the line just less than a second clear to ensure the Championship fight rolled on to the final showdown of the season, staying near perfect under pressure. Bastianini got his elbows out to stake a further claim on that third overall, as well as proving his own point.

Martin put in the exact performance needed to ensure he remained in a comfortable position heading into the Grand Prix – now 19 points clear. Could he wrap it up on Sunday? The duel behind saw Espargaro hold onto fourth, with Alex Marquez completing the top five.

“Job done for today, but for tomorrow we need to repeat what we did,” Bagnaia said. “I think that more than this is impossible, Jorge did again a fantastic job so it’s fantastic that it’s like this. Let’s see for tomorrow, but for today I’m very happy.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+0.942s
3. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+1.270s
4. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing (+1.857s
5. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+1.942s

Sunday
MotoGP

After 20 Tissot Sprints and 19 Grands Prix, everything came down to the final race of the season… and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) held his nerve. The #89 was crowned the 2024 MotoGP World Champion with a third place finish, becoming the first Independent Team rider to clinch the title in the MotoGP era. Even with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking an incredible 11th GP victory of the season, the podium was enough for the #Mart1nator to take the crown.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) claimed a strong second place, shadowing Bagnaia for much of the race before being forced to settle for second. It was, however, his 150th GP podium as he prepares to saddle up in red.

Bagnaia nailed the start to take the holsehot, but Martin got a rocket launch too to slot into second – initially. By Turn 1 on Lap 2 though, Marc Marquez attacked the Championship leader to tag onto the back of Bagnaia in the lead. A rear gunner or just waiting to pounce?

Martin then had Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) for company, but soon enough Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was on the scene. He diced with the Beast before Bastianini then went deep into Turn 1 and dropped back into the battle for fifth, leaving Espargaro as the rider safe on the chase behind Martin. Another rear gunner?

Bastianini was ultimately left fighting with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as at the front Bagnaia and Marquez were stretching away. Martin was in a safe enough third, but as the laps ticked on the battle behind him was going from any questions about rear gunners to serious throwdown as Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) arrived on the scene.

Bagnaia’s pace was relentless, remaining inside the 1:40 bracket with 11 laps remaining. It was an impressive ride from the Italian, pulling out all stops to increase a half-a-second gap to Marc Marquez. The #93 tried everything to respond, initially looking like he was fading before beginning to turn up the wick and match the Italian’s pace.

Behind, it was getting loose. Acosta was sixth on the circuit, losing a position to Bastianini before dropping to ninth on Lap 18, losing a further place to Morbidelli and receiving a track limits warning as the trio and Binder battled it out. Elbows were likewise out.

In the closing stages, it was becoming clear. Bagnaia was going to win the Grand Prix as he started to stretch away, and Marc Marquez was going to sign off from Gresini on the box. But Martin was going to win the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. Where in 2023 he may have faltered or doubted or come up short, not this time. The #89 staked his claim on the #1 plate with a third place finish, celebrating the title in style with a record-breaking 16th GP podium of the year, a new record for a Ducati rider. One he shares with Bagnaia, whose throne he now takes over despite the 2022 and 2023 World Champion’s awesome 11 GP wins this year.

Alex Marquez managed to edge out Espargaro in the closing laps, finishing fourth and missing the podium rostrum by just 1.512 seconds. Espargaro would round out the top five after the #41 defended heroically in the closing laps in his final outing as a full-time rider.

And just like that, 2024 drew to a close after an unforgettable season which will go down in the history books. However, the focus now shifts to Tuesday for the Barcelona Test as the riders and teams return to track for the first on their 2025 machines, where it will mark Martin’s debut for Aprilia! And remember: we’re about to see the new brand too! Stay tuned.

“I don’t know what to say, I’m completely shocked. On the last few laps I couldn’t even ride, I started crying a bit, it was really an emotional race. It’s been a long journey, a lot of crashes and big injuries. So finally we are here,” an overjoyed Martín explained.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+1.474s)
3. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+3.810s)
4. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+5.322s)
5. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing (+5.753s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 508
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 498
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 392
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 386
5. Brad Binder Red Bull KTM – 217

Moto2

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) grabbed victory at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, holding firm after a stunning ride from the #44. Canet defended in the closing laps to beat Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2) by just 0.091s, a result that helped the #18 bag third in the World Championship.

In the battle for third, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing) triggered his inner Valentino Rossi to pass World Champion Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) at the final corner to become the first Brazilian to finish on the intermediate class podium since Adu Celso at the 1973 Swedish GP.

There was drama from the off as front-row starter Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) crashed out together at Turn 1. Both riders were conscious, but both went to a local hospital for further examination after their Lap 1 incident. Elsewhere, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Jorge Navarro’s (OnlyFans American Racing Team) race ended early at Turn 5 as the pair made contact and crashed – riders OK.

At the front, Gonzalez put the hammer down in the opening laps as he built a half second margin over polesitter Canet. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) served his Long Lap penalty from the Thai GP which dropped the #54 to P13.

Canet’s key move came on Lap 4, igniting a duel with Gonzalez at the front of the field. Ogura sat comfortably in third, chipping away at the leader’s gap as the newly crowned World Champion sported a special livery to celebrate a successful 2024 campaign for MT Helmets – MSI.

Ogura had Moreira for company, with the Brazilian glued to the #79’s tailpipe. The impressive rookie was showing a consistent pace and the battle ignited on Lap 19, with Moreira’s first attempt arriving at Turn 3, but Ogura responded instantly at Turn 4.

Canet secured glory after a drag race to the line, winning by just 0.091s, fending off the hard-charging Gonzalez at the flag. It was a stunning end to the Grand Prix, with Moreira and Ogura’s duel being decided at the final corner. The Brazilian produced a magical final corner move to pocket a debut podium and secure Rookie of the Year honours, with Ogura forced to settle for P4 in his last intermediate class dance.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Aron Canet Fantic Racing
2. Manuel Gonzalez Gresini Moto2 (+0.091s)
3. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team (+1.124s)
4. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI (+1.167s)
5. Filip Salac Elf Marc VDS Racing (+3.450s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 274
2. Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 234
3. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 195
4. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 191
5. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 181

Moto3

For a truly incredible and historic 14th time in 2024, David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) emerged victorious in another brilliant Moto3 battle. 0.147s split the Colombian and second place Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) at the chequered flag as the latter clinched the 2024 silver medal, as Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) earned a final race of the year podium after teammate Adrian Fernandez was handed a post-race three-second penalty.

Once the lights went out, Alonso took the holeshot after a phenomenal launch from pole position. The #80 seized an advantage over Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Holgado as the final Grand Prix of the season got underway. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) was the rider on the move in the opening laps, with the #64 charging to fourth after qualifying P12 on the grid. Muñoz soon joined the podium battle, overtaking Ortola before pipping Alonso to enter second place on Lap 3.

It was a slipstream city at the front, with positions changing hands at every opportunity, to the delight of the Spanish crowd. Fernandez emerged as the contender for the lead, beginning to engage in a fierce duel with Holgado. Meanwhile, Alonso sat comfortably in eighth position, waiting for his opportunity to return to the podium fight.

There was action at every turn as Alonso worked hard to slowly carve his way through the field. Taking advantage of Ortola’s and Muñoz’s battle, the #80 was able to surge into second position. The Colombian was chasing a remarkable 14th win of the season, with tension mounting as he retook the lead on Lap 14.

The gloves were off in the closing laps, with elbows out throughout the top 10 as the season finale prepared to go down to the wire. Alonso had the lead on the final lap, securing a three-tenth margin after the front group continued to battle behind. Holgado was in pursuit, looking to find an opportunity on the newly crowned World Champion.

At the line, Alonso powered out of the final corner to win by a mere 0.147s ahead of Holgado. The #96 gave his all on the final lap, unable to catch Alonso as Holgado took another podium to secure second position in the World Championship. Meanwhile, Piqueras took the final spot on the podium after a shortcut from Fernandez on the final lap.

Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) turned around his weekend, fighting from P17 on the grid to finish in P4, beating Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) who rounded out the top five in Barcelona.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO GaviotaAspar Team
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+0.147s)
3. Angel Piqueras Leopard Racing (+1.210s)
4. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (+1.352s)
5. Ryusei Yamanaka MT Helmets – MSI (+1.685s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 421
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 256
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 242
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 224
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 172

The post MotoGP Round 20 Report | Martin Wins World Title! appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

0.050s split Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) after Day 1 of the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. That did nicely for the neutrals in the stands ahead of what would be a sensational weekend. The rematch rivals went head-to-head on Friday afternoon and it was the reigning World Champion who bagged the perfect day on paper, as the points leader suffered a small crash late in the day. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the top three as the Italian lapped just under two tenths slower than teammate Bagnaia. And remember, he said he wouldn’t help.

The greatest Q2 ever? It has to be in the mix. The rematch was turned up to full power on Saturday morning at Sepang as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) treated us to a qualifying battle for the ages – and it was the reigning World Champion who came out on top.

Read our Round 18 MotoGP Report here…

Pecco’s phenomenal 1:56.337 in the closing stages saw the #1 beat Martin’s magnificent 1:56.553 to clinch a crucial PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia pole position, as the title-chasing duo were primed to launch from P1 and P2 for the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race this weekend. Last year’s Sprint winner and Sunday podium finisher, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), joined Bagnaia and Martin on the front row for Chapter 19 of 2024.

Moto2

Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2) headed into Saturday’s Sepang Moto2 running as the benchmark after the Spaniard slotted home a 2:05.576 to finish a healthy 0.333s clear of second place Filip Salač (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). 0.035s further back in third was rookie Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who set an impressive pace on his first outing in the class in Malaysia.

Free Practice pacesetter, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team), ended Friday in P4 but the Briton’s day was hampered by a huge final corner highside in the afternoon session. Newly crowned World Champion, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), rounded out Friday’s top five in Malaysia.

A replacement rider pinching pole position doesn’t happen very often – but it did at Sepang! A brilliant all-time lap record in Sepang from Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) saw the Spaniard claim a Saturday afternoon P1, as OnlyFans American Racing Team celebrated a Q2 1-2 as Marcos Ramirez secured a P2 start. A late flying lap from Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw the Italian grab a front row start for Sunday’s encounter.

Moto3

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), once again, was the Moto3 rider to beat in Sepang after the 2024 World Champion set a late PB time to top Practice 1. The Colombian’s 2:11.241 was 0.216s quicker than second place Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) just under half a second adrift of Alonso in P3.

Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) made it two Japanese riders in the top four, with silver medal-chasing Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completing the fastest five on Day 1. The Dutch star was 0.560s down on Alonso’s best lap.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) stole the Q2 show in Sepang after the Spaniard left it late to land a sensational all-time lap record – a 2:09.542 – and a debut Grand Prix pole. That time saw pole position snatched from Ivan Ortola’s (MT Helmets – MSI) grasp as the #48 settled for P2, while World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) lined up on the outside of the front row in third.

Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) spearheaded the second row of the grid, with the Japanese rider joined on Row 2 by Q1 graduate Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta.

Full Friday practice results and Sat Qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

The Tissot Sprint at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia was always going to be pivotal. How pivotal was to be decided over 10 laps of technical racetrack shared by 22 riders in the searing heat, two of whom were fighting it out to be crowned 2024 Champion.

In the dance of risk and reward, points leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took off at the front to lay down the gauntlet. And as he so rarely has when under pressure, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took just that tiny bit too much risk as he slid out from second. Behind that drama, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) came home second after keeping Martin honest following Bagnaia’s crash, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completing the podium.

The tension rose even more following a brief spattering of raindrops, but as the grid roared off, the track was dry and Martin got the jump from second on the grid, nabbing the inside as Bagnaia hung it round the outside. But the #1 had to concede into Turn 2 and they shot off at the front together as the shuffle settled, with Marc Marquez for close company.

Just behind, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) had dropped back from the front row and was squabbling with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) for fifth, with Bastianini having leapfrogged them into fourth. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was soon up into that mix too, off the mark quick and with the speed to go with it.

Meanwhile, at the front, the leading trio pounded on. Martin was setting some serious space, with the #1 and #93 in hot pursuit. And then it happened – the moment that may have decided the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. Or certainly one of them. As Martin pushed on, Bagnaia had no choice but to push just as hard – with a 17-point deficit on the way into the Sprint. That then suddenly became a potential 29 as the reigning Champion slid out in one of the lowest speed, highest stakes crashes in recent memory. Rider ok, but Bagnaia was forced to watch on as Martin kept Marquez at bay at the front, likely cheering for the #93 for the first time in his life.

Martin did keep him at bay, however, never letting the Gresini machine really home in over the seven laps between him and that 29-point advantage. The #89 kept it calm to cross the line with just under a second in hand, setting up his first ever outright Championship point in MotoGP. Marc Marquez took second, keeping some pressure on but not able to really cut that lead.

Bastianini’s quick start and good pace rewarded him with third after he proved able to pull away from Alex Marquez, with the #73 taking P4. Just behind him came Quartararo after a stunning Saturday afternoon for El Diablo, taking his and Yamaha’s best result of the season in a Sprint or GP, equalling the P5 from Jerez on Saturday.

“As soon as I saw Pecco crash, I just controlled the gap. Marc was catching so I had to be really precise, it was easy to make a mistake today, Tomorrow will be super similar, so head down. Nothing to celebrate today, tomorrow is an important day,” Martin reflected.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+0.913s)
3. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+2.010s)
4. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+6.575s)
5. Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha (+7.917s)

Sunday
MotoGP

On Sunday, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) headed out to keep his World Championship hopes alive with a win at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, and he did just that. It was a sensational ride from the #1, who put the hammer down after a breathtaking battle with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in the opening laps that will go down in history as one of the best duels the sport has ever seen. From there it was a cat and mouse to the finish, with Bagnaia finding enough to keep Martin at bay and reduce the gap to 24 points by the flag. And remember, the maximum score per weekend is now 37.

Behind them, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to grab the final spot on the podium in a crucial day for “The Beast”, who moved a step closer as he continues his fight for third position in the Championship against the very same Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) who crashed out from third after getting a box office seat for the duel at the front.

Once the lights went out, it was a good launch from Bagnaia but he was near side-by-side with Martin on the charge into Turn 1. However, a crash at Turn 2 involving Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) would bring out the red flag and reset the tense showdown once again before a lap was complete. Miller was taken for checks and deemed fit, Quartararo and Binder walked away, but the South African pulled in before the restart.

After that shot of adrenaline, the lights went out again, with Bagnaia making an incredible launch on take two, catapulting into the lead on the run to Turn 1. Martin was forced to slot into second, with Marc Marquez battling into the podium places on Lap 1. As soon as was possible at the head of the field though, it was gloves off. Martin made his first move on the opening lap, with Bagnaia instantly responding as the title fight kicked into another gear. Game on.

Bagnaia and Martin continued to lock horns, trading places and trading blows in the opening stages of a spectacular Malaysian GP. The tension was high as the lead continued to swap hands at every opportunity, with just inches separating them on the circuit. Paint was exchanged between the title rivals in the opening stages including one near bash on the straight, and with Marc Marquez watching on from behind in third place.

It was a true spectacle, with the two title contenders absolutely going at it… and still able to somehow pull a gap on those behind. By Lap 5 though, Bagnaia had made it stick and a small mistake from Martin saw a sliver of breathing space become the fastest lap from the #1 as he got the hammer down. Now it became a battle of a different kind.

Some more drama then hit near the front, as the eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez slid out, rejoining down the order. That left Bastianini in third as he’d pulled away from the group on the chase but not homed in on the front battle. Behind, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) was fending off Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) for P4, and Quartararo wasn’t far off them either.

And then. After it could have seemed a foregone conclusion at the front, the gap suddenly started to come down. From over two seconds it disappeared in a tenth here and a tenth there, with Bagnaia either struggling or teasing. Just as it got below 1.5s, however, the #89 made a crucial mistake at Turn 9 – dropping a further eight-tenths behind. The possibility had proven strong but Martin didn’t falter with the temptation as much as Bagnaia may have been hoping, forced to settle for second but seemingly content to do so as his points advantage remains sizeable.

At the front, Bagnaia didn’t falter either, crossing the line to win by 3.141s on a critical day in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. The Italian’s victory sees the rematch to roll on after defeating Martin in Malaysia, and after the duo served up a true, true all-time great duel.

Bastianini made one error to halt what seemed like it could be a possible charge, wide at the final corner, but kept it on the road thereafter to take that third place. Behind, Alex Marquez claimed fourth, with the #73 continuing to defend from Acosta in the closing stages of the Grand Prix. 1.469s separated the duo at the line as Quartararo heroically finished inside the top six after a stunning ride from the Frenchman on the restart, taking his and Yamaha’s best GP result of the season so far. After Bagnaia was able to keep his title hopes in reach this weekend, it leaves everything to be decided at the finale!

“Managing the heat was the easiest part today,” said Bagnaia. “Jorge was very aggressive and he knew he had to let me behind, but our pace was too good. Like always in the race on Sunday I can attack, I can be more and more aggressive. We just need to understand why on Saturdays I’m struggling to do the same. It’s the 10th victory of the season and we are doing an incredible job. I just have to improve a bit on Saturdays.”

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+3.141s)
3. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+10.484s)
4. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+12.230s)
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (R13.699s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 485
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 461
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 369
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 368
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 209

Moto2

Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) emerged victorious at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, with the Italian securing an incredible win after looking unstoppable on Sunday. Vietti took glory by 1.486s, crossing the line in P1 ahead of Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who capped off a wonderful weekend as he continued to impress while substituting for the injured Joe Roberts. Navarro took second ahead of Izan Guevara, who took a late podium for the CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team as he capitalised on an error from teammate Jake Dixon heading into the final lap.

As the lights went out, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) made an incredible start, marauding into P1 on the run to Turn 1. However, Vietti then made a key move, snatching the lead at Turn 1, with OnlyFans American Racing Team’s Ramirez and Navarro in pursuit. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) also began to work hard at the start, charging into P2 and demoting Ramirez to third.

Ramirez would not wait long to respond, beginning to duel with Ogura before making the move stick at the end of Lap 1. Meanwhile, Vietti put down the hammer, stretching his gap to over one second in a stunning display. It was an unbelievable pace from Vietti, a rhythm which pushed the Italian to the limit as he made a mistake at Turn 1.

Vietti’s lead was now diminished, with Ramirez glued to his rear tyre as Ogura and Navarro began to duel. Navarro made the move stick on Lap 7, demoting Ogura to third as he aimed to claim his first podium since 2022. The #9’s charge did not stop there as he slid past Ramirez on Lap 9. Then, he soon turned his focus to leader Vietti.

The battle for the final spot on the podium continued, with Ogura responding on Lap 10 and snatching third position. However, the #79 was stopped in his tracks on Lap 11 as a bike issue caused the World Champion to end his race early. Once Dixon entered P3, the #96 began to extend his margin to half a second over Ramirez. Meanwhile, Navarro lost ground to Vietti at the front, as the #13 regained composure and extended his lead to one second.

Further back, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) continued his recovery ride from P13 on the grid, carving his way to ninth. Canet soon found his way through on Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2) as he took eighth and set his sights on Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in P7. On the final lap, nobody could match Vietti’s relentless pace, allowing the Italian to clinch his third victory of the season after defeating Navarro. It was a stunning ride for the #9 to bag second place while Guevara took the final spot on the podium after Dixon briefly slowed down at the start of the final lap. Dixon held onto fourth across the line, fending off Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) as the Italian rounded out the top five spots on Sunday.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Celestino Vietti Red Bull KTM Ajo
2. Jorge Navarro OnlyFans American Racing Team (+1.486s)
3. Izan Guevara CFMoto RCB Aspar Team (+3.265s)
4. Jake Dixon CFMoto RCB Aspar Team (+4.502s)
5. Tony Arbolino Elf Marc VDS Racing (+4.833s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 261
2. Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 209
3. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 181
4. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 175
5. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 175

Moto3

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) made history at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia after racing to an unbelievable 13th victory of the season. It was Alonso’s sixth consecutive win, but he was made to work hard by second place Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) after the #72 missed out by a mere 0.088s at the line. Comeback King Furusato produced a fine ride to beat the hard-charging third place finisher Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), as the Spaniard stood on the box for the first time since Aragon.

Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed the holeshot on the run to Turn 1, snatching P1 after an incredible launch. The #48 was chased by David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) on the opening lap, with the #22 charging from ninth to second. P2 hunting Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) suffered some early drama as the #96 crashed, which also saw Alonso drop to outside the top 10. Meanwhile, Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez and Angel Piqueras also had a disappointing end to their weekends as both retired due to mechanical issues.

Furusato had his opportunity in P1, with the recovering Alonso in pursuit. The gloves were off, with Alonso and Ortola pouncing on Furusato’s mistake at Turn 14. The #72 responded, finding a gap in the #48’s armour as he returned to second place. Tension was high at the front, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) entering the podium fight as the Dutchman began to duel for P3. However, the #95 had Rueda on his tailpipes, with the #99 showing blistering late-race pace to get into the podium frame.

On the final lap, Alonso was under pressure from Furusato, with the #80 aiming to create further history at Sepang. Alonso held onto P1, crossing the line to claim a stunning 13th victory of the season. The Colombian crossed the line ahead of Furusato as Rueda was able to fend off Ortola, increasing his margin to 0.996s at the chequered flag. Ortola took fourth, finishing less than one second adrift from victory and crossing the line in front of Veijer. The Dutchman rounded out the top five and is now tied on points with Holgado for P3 in the Championship. Meanwhile, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) was sixth, bagging solid points and placing ahead of Ryusei Yamanaka.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO GaviotaAspar
2. Taiyo Furusato Honda Team Asia (+0.088s)
3. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (+0.411s)
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI (+0.996s)
5. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+1.091s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 396
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 236
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 236
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 217
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 162

The post MotoGP Round 19 Report | Bagnaia defeats Martin in an all-timer classic appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

For a second Friday on the spin, Australian GP winner Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) headed into Saturday at the summit of the timesheets as the eight-time World Champion set a brilliant new Buriram all-time lap record in Practice. Marquez’s 1:29.165 was enough to see him beat Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by 0.110s, with the World Championship leader a further 0.052s clear of third place Enea Bastianini. His Ducati Lenovo teammate, title-hunting Francesco Bagnaia, ended Friday at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand in P4 with the top four in the title fight just 0.195s apart heading into a vital Saturday.

Read our MotoGP content here…

Last weekend it was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) who stole the qualifying show. Seven days later, it was the turn of title rival Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to do some Q2 record-breaking as the #1 fired in a belting 1:28.700 to bag a crucial pole position in a drama-filled Buriram battle. It also secured him a little history as the Ducati rider with most poles (22), surpassing MotoGP Legend Casey Stoner’s count with the Bologna factory.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) would launch from P2, “The Beast” a couple of tenths shy of teammate Pecco, as Martin was forced to settle for P3 after the Championship leader crashed at Turn 5 in the closing stages of Q2. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) was another big name to crash in Q2. The Australian GP winner’s qualifying stint ended at Turn 3 while the #93 was shadowing Martin. The Practice pacesetter eyed a victory challenge from fifth on the grid at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand.

Moto2

A two-tenth advantage heading into Saturday would do just nicely for Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) as the Spaniard enjoyed a fruitful day at the office in Thailand. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – despite a nasty incident in Free Practice involving Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) that saw both handed penalties for Sunday’s race – acted as Canet’s closest challenger at the end of play, while third place went the way of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing).

Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) rounded out the top five on Day 1 in Buriram, 0.4s adrift of Canet’s pace. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) ended Friday in P6, but it wasn’t a straightforward day for the World Championship leader after he suffered a bike issue at the end of Practice 1.

Pressure? There was no sign of it on Saturday as title race leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) collected a crucial pole position at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand to hand himself the best possible starting slot for match point Sunday. The Japanese star set a 1:34.728 to beat Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by 0.051s as rookie star Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) completed a front row that was split by just 0.074s.

Moto3

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was the Moto3 rider to beat in Buriram after the 2024 World Champion was the only rider to dip into the 1:40s in Practice 1, despite a crash coming at Turn 12 in the afternoon. A 1:40.703 saw the Colombian beat second place Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) by 0.385s, with the Australian less than a tenth ahead of third place Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) – two of the three riders chasing the overall runners-up spot – claimed P4 and P5, with both over half a second down on Alonso. It’s been a long time coming but finally, following a fantastic final lap in Q2, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) became a Grand Prix polesitter for the first time as the Australian’s 1:40.603 saw him beat Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) by 0.073s in Buriram.

After being in the group that didn’t get out of pitlane in time to complete a final flying lap, Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) settled for an outside-of-the-front-row start in P3. World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) started from the middle of the second row in P5 as he aimed to claim a record-breaking 12th win of the season.

Check out the full qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) charged to victory in the Tissot Sprint at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, taking glory by 1.357s after a sublime performance to escape at the front to lay down the gauntlet. Behind, the top two in the title fight went toe-to-toe, with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) just able to hold off Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on the final two laps to increase his Championship lead to 22 points.

Once the lights went out, Bagnaia made a phenomenal launch from pole, taking a slight advantage on the run to Turn 1. However, Martin was on the attack, launching a move down the inside and sending both himself and his main title rival wide enough to allow Bastianini and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) through. The #89 was now left with work to do, dropping even further to fifth as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) also picked his way past and defended when Martin tried to move straight back through.

On Lap 2, Martin was back in fourth though, past the rookie before Acosta overcooked it and slid out. The next target for the Championship leader was Marc Marquez. Martin made a textbook move at the final corner to overtake the #93, and it got close on the exit but the #89 kept it, digging in to now chase down the next target: Bagnaia in second. Martin began to edge closer to the reigning World Champion as Bagnaia, Martin and Marc Marquez were all glued close together on track. Once Martin was right on the tailpipes of the #1 though, he pounced at Turn 7. And there came some controversy as he ran slightly wide on the exit, that proving the next strike to award the Spaniard a track limits warning. But he kept the position.

It was building to be a tense finale, with Bastianini checked out at the front but the title rivals separated by a mere 0.350s on the chase. Bagnaia continued to pile on the pressure at every corner in an enthralling end to Saturday’s action, looking like he was going to be able to set up a move. By the final lap though, Martin had reeled in Bastianini more than Bagnaia had managed to make ground on the #89, and in a tense final few kms the three sliced round Buriram. Ultimately, the “Beast” kept it tidy to take a second Sprint win of the year in style, Martin held on under intense pressure to take second, and Bagnaia was forced to cede two more points in that Championship battle as he came home third.

Marc Marquez crossed the line in fourth, grabbing some strong points after the #93 was unable to match the pace of the top three in the latter stages. The eight-time World Champion finished ahead of teammate Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who rounded out the top five positions after a sensational ride.

“It was more than my expectation the race today. The qualifying has been (good), but, checking my pace, I wasn’t ready to win today. But, at the end, I don’t know, all the race I give my 100 percent from the first lap,” Bastianini explained. “Also, to be alone probably, in that track, can be an advantage, because you can brake much harder and also for the temperature of the tyre, we know that.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+1.357s)
3. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo (+2.372s)
4. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+5.402s)
5. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+10.140s)

Sunday
MotoGP

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) reigned supreme with a stunning wet weather win under pressure at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The #1 battled Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) for the lead before the #93 crashed out of contention, leaving Bagnaia to steel his nerves and get the hammer down at the front to escape Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by nearly three seconds. With that statement made, the gap at the top came back down to just 17 points with two race weekends remaining, and it’s now officially two contenders for the crown. The Rematch is on! Behind that battle there was another, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) claiming the final spot on the podium after a stunning showdown against Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jack Miller.

There was drama before the Grand Prix began, with the wet conditions catching out Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) on the sighting lap. He made the start though, and as the skies above Buriram continued to brood, the lights went out to decide the winner of the 2024 Thai Grand Prix. Martin made a rocket start, snatching the advantage on the run to Turn 1 as a shuffle through there saw Bagnaia emerge in second, Marquez move up to third and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) lose out as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) went on the attack.

The Championship rivals began to duel – locking horns on the opening laps as Martin went wide, thus leaving Bagnaia to take over. But the #89 responded swiftly as he sliced past the Italian at Turn 4. Martin began to extend his lead to almost half a second, shadowed by Bagnaia, with Marquez on their tail as Acosta duelled Quartararo in their wake. The rookie then sailed well wide, giving himself work to do as Quartararo suffered a worse fate following contact from Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing). The Italian was given a Long Lap, and the Frenchman was forced to rejoin at the back.

Back at the front, the first drama came on Lap 5 as Martin made a crucial error, running wide at Turn 3 and dropping down to third position – behind Marc Marquez. That gave Bagnaia the lead and made it a different tone of Jaws music for the reigning Champion as the #93 continued to shadow him. More drama hit in the meantime, as Morbidelli’s day soon went from bad to worse, crashing out at Turn 8, moments before Bastianini’s Grand Prix also came to a halt at Turn 8, with the #23 losing the front and ending any hopes of scoring strong points on Lap 9.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez began his charge for victory, sending a move down the inside at the final corner. It was repelled. The #93 began to pile on the pressure though, with Martin lurking and waiting for an opportunity to pounce in P3. Marc Marquez sent his next attack on Lap 13, unable to make the move stick, with Bagnaia fighting back. Marc Marquez continued to push to the limit, but then he pushed over it. The #93 made a crucial mistake at Turn 8 – skitting across the track on his knee and almost, almost saving it, but it wasn’t to be. The eight-time World Champion was on the floor on Lap 14, promoting Martin into P2.  The rematch was all but guaranteed, and the top two were now leading the race – in reverse order.

Bagnaia pounded on at the front, with Martin not able to home in but this now a battle of nerves. It was a nail-biting finale to the Grand Prix at the front as the laps ticked down for what must have seemed like hours for Bagnaia, but behind the fans were treated to an incredible show of a different kind. After his earlier dramas, Acosta was back on terms with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and managed to slice past the South African, then next up was Miller. The Australian put up a stunning fight as the two went toe-to-toe, sideways and all which ways in a high-speed game of chicken, but in the end the rookie was able to make it stick.

At the head of the field, Bagnaia sealed the deal. Nearly three seconds clear and taking his first wet weather MotoGP win when he needed one most as the reigning Champion cut it back down to 17 points ahead of the final two races. With plenty on the line too, Martin’s composure in second ensured it’s still some gap at least – to falter would have been to cede the title lead. And he didn’t. Acosta completed the podium after his late charge, in the end finishing ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) as the Italian put in his own final bout of glory. Miller was forced to settle for fifth, ahead of teammate Binder, with Aprilia Racing rider Maverick Viñales next up.

“It was a day to make the difference and luckily we did it,” Bagnaia said. “I want to dedicate this victory to my team, because after the morning we just sat down and spoke about what to do to improve the situation because I was struggling a lot on braking. And we did it, again. I’m so happy. It wasn’t an easy race because it was very long and stressful, but as soon as I started I saw my feeling was very good and I saw Jorge pushing a lot. But I just decided to wait two more laps to make sure the rear was more ready, and as soon as it was I just tried to catch him back.”

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+2.905s
3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+3.800s
4. Fabio Di Giannantonio VR46 Ducati (+4.636s
5. Jack Miller Red Bull KTM (+5.532s

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 453
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 436
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 356
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 345
5. Brad Binder Red Bull KTM – 203

Moto2

Ai came, Ai saw, Ai conquered. Having claimed a P2 finish in a red-flagged Moto2 PT Grand Prix of Thailand race, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was crowned the 2024 Moto2 World Champion! The Japanese star became the first from his country to win the World Championship since Hiroshi Aoyama in 2009, and also the first former IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup rider to win a Grand Prix title.

Race winner Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) did all he could to try to put the celebrations on ice in Thailand, as the Spaniard strengthened his grip on the silver medal with win number three of 2024. Meanwhile, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) finished P3 to bag his first rostrum of the season. Ogura got away well from pole position to slot into the lead ahead of Canet at Turn 1 before Canet pounced at Turn 3. Ogura was back in the lead at Turn 4 though as Turn 5 saw two key contenders go down. Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) crashed and took out the luckless Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), as the fast-starting Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) sent it up the inside of Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Ogura as the Championship leader was shuffled down to P7.

On Lap 3, Canet led from Ramirez and Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), with Lopez back down to P12 having run wide at Turn 5 a lap earlier. Ogura was now P6 behind Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Moreira. After a hectic start, the race settled down. The top six – Canet to Ogura – were covered by 1.7s with 16 laps to go, as Ogura then began to make moves. His first one was to set the fastest lap of the race, and his second was to aggressively pass Binder down at Turn 3. Contact was made, Binder was forced to run wide, as Ogura then set his sights on Dixon and Moreira.

With 16 laps to go, Dixon was picked off for P4 as Ogura stood in a Championship clinching position. Moreira was then demoted to P4 on Lap 9 of 22 as Ogura climbed to P3 and set another fastest lap of the race. The gap to Ramirez and Canet? 1.6s. After a couple of laps, Ogura was right on the coattails of Ramirez. And with nine laps to go, at Turn 3, the #79 used the cutback to great effect to overtake Ramirez. That was now P2 for Ogura, who had 0.9s to make up if he wanted to attack race leader Canet. That was soon 1.6s though as light rain began to fall in Buriram! Understandably, Ogura was cautious but with six laps to go, the rain wasn’t heavy enough for any kind of stoppage to come into play. Canet, meanwhile, slammed in his personal best lap of the race to edge his advantage up to two seconds.

With two to go, Canet was 3.6s clear of Ogura who in turn was a second ahead of Ramirez and then, the red flags were shown. Due to weather conditions and with 20 of 22 laps completed (over 2/3rds), Ai Ogura was crowned 2024 Moto2 World Champion. The red flags came out at the right time for Ramirez as home hero Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) was on course to get himself into the podium picture, but the returning Thai rider had to settle for P4. Nonetheless, that was some effort from Chantra.

Moreira rounded out the top five in a brilliant battle that included sixth place Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), seventh place Dixon, eighth place Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2) and ninth place Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2).

Moto2 Race Results

1. Aron Canet Fantic Racing
2. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI (+3.684s)
3. Marcos Ramirez OnlyFans American Racing Team (+4.683s)
4. Somkiat Chantra IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (+5.799s)
5. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team (+6.172s)

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 261
2. Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 201
3. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 179
4. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 175
5. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 170

Moto3

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) continued to etch his name into the record books at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, securing a 12th victory of the season and creating history as the rider to win the most races in a single season in the lightweight class… now beating, not equalling, Valentino Rossi’s 1997 record. The Colombian took the win by a few tenths ahead of rookie Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) grabbing the final spot on the podium after a dramatic run to the line and contact with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia).

It was declared a wet race start, meaning a reduced distance of 12 laps and an opportunity for the Moto3 field to complete multiple sighting laps given every session throughout the weekend was dry. By the time it was lights out though, everyone in the field opted for slicks barring Eddie O’Shea (Fleetsafe Honda – MLav Racing). From pole, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) claimed the holeshot and stormed into the lead at Turn 1, but it was a dramatic start, with Veijer not waiting long to pounce – stealing the lead from the Australian. The #66 responded though, bunching up the lead group as Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) created opportunities after carving his way inside the top five. The #48 attacked Kelso early after the polesitter was demoted to P5 after a tough Lap 3.

Meanwhile, it was soon Alonso’s time to shine as spots of rain fell onto the circuit. The Colombian snatched the lead on Lap 4, setting sights on a 12th win of the season and the opportunity to create history in Thailand. Alonso had steep competition on his hands as Furusato took over in front, who began to put the hammer down. Lunetta then began to make inroads, catching the back of the lead group after stunning pace. The Italian soon began to duel with Veijer as he set sights on the podium. There was then drama at the front for the Leopard Racing squad that interrupted the group too, with Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez colliding on Lap 11.

It was a grandstand finish, with Ortola and Alonso going head-to-head on the 12th and final lap. Alonso made the move stick, marauding to glory in Thailand as Lunetta and Veijer were able to pinch the podium from Ortola, who ran wide at the final corner. There was high drama in that fight as Furusato and Veijer made contact, the Japanese rider crashing just before the line. Rider ok and classified, but not a podium finish as he tookP5 behind Ortola. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) battled his way from P17 on the grid to P6, and he pipped teammate Kelso to the line as Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing) took the flag in a strong eighth.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO GaviotaAspar Team
2. Luca Lunetta SIC58 Squadra Corse (+0.353s)
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+0.522s)
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI (+0.936s)
5. Taiyo Furusato Honda Team Asia (+1.683s)

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 371
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 236
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 225
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 204
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 162

The post MotoGP Round 18 Report | Bagnaia brilliance in Thailand appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP
The #1 set a blistering time early on in Practice before improving later in the session to bank a brilliant 1:31.340. In a remarkable stat, Bagnaia going fastest in the first session on Friday was also the first time he’s ever done that in the premier class, despite two premier class World Championships and a full CV by nearly every metric.

On Thursday, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) predicted a 1:30.899 as the pole position time at the Motul TT Assen, and on Saturday he proved himself very wrong. His actual time around the iconic TT Circuit Assen was a stunning lap record breaking 1:30.540 to take his first pole of 2024. And even then it was only enough to deny title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by 0.081s as the duo headed the grid.

The two then had a little breathing space ahead of Maverick Viñales as the Aprilia Racing ace completed the front row, 0.330s further back.

Full Practice results here and Qualifying results here…

Moto2
Friday’s Motul TT Assen Moto2 honours went the way of Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp Racing) as the Spaniard set a new intermediate class lap record – a 1:35.912 – to lead Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) and Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing). However, the latter endured a Turn 7 highside, which resulted in the American suffering a right collarbone fracture, thus ruling him unfit for Saturday and Sunday’s action.

For the first time since the Spanish GP, Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp) will launch from pole position as the #54 beat Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) to pole position by 0.230s at the Motul TT Assen. The Japanese star earned his first front row of the season and started alongside Championship leader and teammate Sergio Garcia at the Dutch TT, as Boscoscuro riders locked out the front row.

Moto3
Home hero Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) bagged top spot on Day 1 at Assen as the Dutchman set a 1:40.259 to top the lightweight class field by 0.294s. Ryusei Yamanaka and his MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ivan Ortola enjoyed fruitful Fridays as the Japanese and Spaniard headed into Saturday’s action in P2 and P3 respectively.

A late Q2 charge from Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) saw the rookie claim a debut Moto3 pole position, with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) clinching a P2 grid slot after lapping just 0.074s slower than Piqueras’ 1:39.746. Home hero Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) also earned a spot on the front row in P3.

Saturday
Tissot Sprint
Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) statement weekend at the Motul TT Assen continued on Saturday afternoon as the reigning Champion took the Tissot Sprint win – making it back-to-back victories on Saturday afternoon for the first time in his career.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) followed him home in second to limit the damage in the standings. The pressure amped up further at the end of Saturday’s action too, with Martin handed a 3-place grid penalty for Sunday after being deemed to have been slow on line and disturbed Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) in qualifying.

As the lights went out, Bagnaia held on to the holeshot from pole, with Martin keeping second, ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who edged beyond Vinales. That put Viñales on the attack to take it back, and by the end of Lap 2, the Aprilia had homed back in and shot past at the chicane.

Meanwhile, drama hit for Marc Marquez. On the tail of that duel, the #93 overcooked it and suddenly slid out, forcing him to watch the Sprint from the sidelines.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had been on the tail of Alex Marquez since Viñales got back past the #73, but by half distance the two had some company: a queue of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had arrived on the scene.

Once there, Bastianini struck quickly, passing Binder and then immediately glued himself to the rear of Alex Marquez. The ‘Beast’ stalked him round the rest of the lap and then attacked at the chicane, taking over in fourth and pulling away. The #73 was then given a Long Lap for track limits, and soon after there was another key move in the group, also at the chicane, with Diggia attacking Binder. The VR46 rider headed a little wide, but kept it pinned, just as Alex Marquez had suffered his own little wobble. Into Turn 1 for the final lap, the net result was Diggia leading Espargaro and Binder, with the #73 dropping to the back of the gaggle and still with that Long Lap to serve.

Up ahead, there were no dramas for the top three. No one had an answer for Bagnaia as the reigning Champion won his second Sprint in a row for the first time ever, as Martin took second and Vinales third. Bastianini took that P4 after his charge up from outside the top ten on the grid, and in the grand battle behind, Diggia completed the top five ahead of Binder.

“At this track, it is important to stay extremely focused while riding in a smooth and precise way and without overdoing, as this circuit is quite an unforgiving one,” Bagnaia insisted.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+2.355s)
3. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (+4.103s)
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+6.377s)
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio VR46 Ducati (+8.869s)

Sunday
MotoGP
Bagnaia became the first rider to win three successive MotoGP Grand Prix races in a single season since he did it in 2022 with four in a row from Assen to Misano. This victory also marked his third win in a row at the TT Circuit Assen as he equalled Casey Stoner’s 23 wins with Ducati to tie the MotoGP Legend as the two most successful riders with the Borgo Panigale factory.

As the lights went out, Bagnaia nailed the start to take the holeshot, with Viñales just holding second to deny Martin. Still, the #89 launched it to near perfection from his P5 after that three-place penalty, and soon enough he did get it done to take over in second. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, was on the march and soon put his own moves on Viñales to slot into third.

That duo stayed together as the battle behind heated up. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) had shot up past front-row starter Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), but soon it was Di Giannantonio on the move, and he made it past Acosta at Turn 1, caught the Marquez-Viñales duo and then pounced on the Aprilia at the final chicane. Next up: #MM93.

By 19 to go, the yellow flash of the VR46 machine went past, but with Marquez also seeming to gesture at the Italian and make it a little easier for him too. The two Ducatis stayed nearby, with Viñales on their tail and Acosta on his. Lap by lap, however, Bastianini was cutting the deficit to the podium battle.

He made it past the rookie by nine to go, and a lap later the group shuffled again. Diggia was wide, but Marc Marquez didn’t seem to want to take advantage, so Viñales shot past both. Bastianini was then right on that trio once again, and, by seven to go, was past Diggia. A lap later he did a near carbon copy on Marquez to take over in fourth.

The hungry ‘Beast’ kept pushing and admirably got past Viñales with four full laps remaining, and from there the group couldn’t quite stay with him. By the penultimate lap it then looked like a Viñales-Marquez duel for the podium, but there was still drama to come.

On the final lap, Acosta slid out at Turn 7, and then Viñales headed just wide enough to allow Marquez through, leaving it an Aprilia-VR46 drag to the line for fifth instead. But when all was judged and confirmed, Viñales was forced to drop one position due to exceeding track limits at the chicane, promoting Diggia to fifth, and then the tyre pressure penalty for Marquez saw the #93 drop to P10.

When the dust settled, Bagnaia’s masterclass put the cherry on top of a weekend that saw him top every session bar Warm Up. Martin took a valuable second while Bastianini secured back-to-back podiums to recover from a P10 qualifying. It was then Diggia classified fourth ahead of Viñales.

Unfortunately, one piece of tougher news on the grid was for Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), who suffered a big crash at Turn 1 and was declared unfit due to a right wrist fracture.

“In terms of result, this is the best one I think in MotoGP. I was leading all the sessions, which is something that doesn’t happen all the time. To win in this way was incredible,” a delighted Bagnaia explained.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+3.676s)
3. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+7.073s)
4. Fabio Di Giannantonio VR46 Ducati (+8.299s)
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (+8.258s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 200
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 190
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 142
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 136
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing – 118

Moto2
In Triumph’s 100th race powering Moto2, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed a second victory of 2024 as a tense fight for victory played out between the Japanese star, second place Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp) and Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) at the Motul TT Assen.

Ogura grabbed the holeshot from his first front row start of the season, but by Turn 5, Aldeguer pounced into the race lead. The #54 clicked into his groove immediately and was a second clear of the chasers by Lap 5, as Garcia – having dropped to P5 – then carved his way up to P2.

For the next few laps, the gap stabilised at just over a second, with Garcia and Ogura edging clear of Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp), who in turn had a train of Kalex riders in tow, including Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2) and Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team).

With 11 to go, Ogura passed teammate Garcia for P2 following a small mistake from the latter, with Aldeguer’s lead now up to 1.6s. Then, with nine laps left, Aldeguer was handed a Long Lap penalty for exceeding track limits. Once completed, Aldeguer dropped behind Ogura and Garcia, with the top three now split by 0.8s with six laps to go.

With four to go, a blanket could cover the top trio. It was Ogura vs Garcia and Aldeguer for victory, but Garcia then made a mistake at the start of Lap 20 of 22 to see him drop 1.5s off the 25-point haul fight. Heading onto the last lap, it was Ogura vs Aldeguer. The Japanese rider unearthed a stellar last lap to pull clear of the Spaniard to win for the second time in three races, with Aldeguer settling for P2 and Garcia crossing the line in a lonely P3.

Dixon led the Kalex charge with a solid P4, with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) completing the top five.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI
2. Fermin Aldeguer Folladore Speed Up (+0.571s)
3. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI (+4.252s)
4. Jake Dixon CFMoto Inde Aspar Team (+8.985s)
5. Somkiat Chantra IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (+9.949s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 138
2. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 124
3. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 115
4. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up – 87
5. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 83

Moto3
Until the final time into the final chicane, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Intact Husqvarna GP) looked set to take home glory at the Motul TT Assen, but Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) had other ideas. The Spaniard led the early stages and the Dutchman the latter, but by the final lap it was a duel for Dutch TT honours – and Ortola went round the outside into the chicane to grab the glory by just 0.012.

After Ortola and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) led the way in the initial stages, Veijer brought the group back onto the duo. By nine to go it was a true Moto3 battle, with Veijer moving through to the lead, as the Dutchman got the hammer down to make a gap. But as the pack shuffled, Ortola picked his way back into second and was able to claw back the deficit to Veijer, setting the stage for a thrilling duel.

As the final lap began, Ortola was right on the rear wheel of the home hero, and the two were in a battle with a second in hand on the rest. The move came at the final chicane as the Spaniard went round the outside to steal it. Veijer valiantly tried to get him back on the sprint to the line. He almost did as they crossed the line side-by-side, but Ortola took it by just 0.012.

The masterclass is the #48’s first win of the year, while Veijer posted his fourth podium of 2024. For both, it’s points gained in the title fight too. After Alonso came home fifth and fellow frontrunner Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) took P12, Alonso’s lead is now down to 39 points ahead of Veijer.

Moto3 Race Results

1. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI
2. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+0.012s)
3. David Munoz BOE Motorsports (+2.197s)
4. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (+2.430s)
5. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (+2.460s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 154
2. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 115
3. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 111
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 105
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 76

MotoE
Race 1
Race 1 for the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship at the Motul TT Assen was unbelievable with drama around every corner in yet another twist in the Championship, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE) stealing the victory on the last lap. The #4 pulled off a fantastic move on the final lap to overtake Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing), who led the majority of Race 1. Zaccone crossed the line to finish in second before later being disqualified due to a tyre pressure infringement. This handed Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) second place after a brave last lap from the #99. Meanwhile, Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) took the final spot on the podium in the amended result.

Race 2
The Assen final race of the weekend for the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship at the Motul TT Assen delivered a spectacular show with Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) hitting the front with seven laps remaining before charging to victory by 1.909s.

The #61’s closest challenge came from Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI), who put in an outstanding ride and battled hard at the front of a huge group of riders. The #99 was able to extend his advantage on the last lap as Hector Garzo made a move on his teammate to steal the final spot on the podium on the last lap of the race.

MotoE Race 1 Results

1. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE
2. Oscar Gutierrez Axxis-MSI (+0.425)
3. Jordi Torres Openbank Aspar Team (+1.101)
4. Miquel Pons Axxis-MSI (+2.295)
5. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE (+3.219)

MotoE Race 2 Results

1. Alessandro Zaccone Tech3 E-Racing
2. Oscar Gutierrez Axxis-MSI (+1.909)
3. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE (+2.113)
4. Lukas Tulovic Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE (+2.252)
5. Jordi Torres Openbank Aspar Team (+2.642)

Full MotoE results can be found here…

MotoE Championship Points

1. Mattia Casadei – 140
2. Kevin Zannoni – 137
3. Oscar Gutierrez – 133
4. Hector Garzo – 129
5. Alessandro Zaccone – 119

The post MotoGP Round Eight | Bagnaia completes another perfect weekend appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP
After an intense Practice at the Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was at the top, stamping some authority on the field at the end of Friday to set a magnificent 1:44.938. However, he was also then given a three-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix race on Sunday for an incident with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), as he was deemed to have been slow on line and disturbed the #73. Meanwhile, the chasing pack was led by Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team) in second as Yamaha continued to make a statement of intent to fight further forward this weekend. Rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) made a brilliant recovery after a crash at Turn 13 to complete the top three.

Check out our previous MotoGP reports here…

Further back in fourth after a brilliant end to Friday’s proceedings was Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing), who improved late in the session to make it four different bikes in the top four as he repped for Aprilia. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) set a new lap record on Saturday to deny Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pole position, with the two split by just 0.043 at the top. Bagnaia had a three-place grid penalty for Sunday, but not Saturday, so he lined up second for the Tissot Sprint. Completing the front row on Aprilia Racing’s home turf was Maverick Viñales, with Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) forced to settle for fourth after a crash at Scarperia on what could have been a pole-threatening lap.

Moto2
Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) ended Friday with a 1:50.841, but it was tight at the top, with Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) a mere 0.011s behind and MB Conveyors SpeedUp duo Fermin Aldeguer and Alonso Lopez still within a tenth. After a dramatic qualifying at the Gran, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) claimed pole position on Sunday after a late heater to claim a new lap record. The #16 continues to battle for the World Championship against Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI), who started from second on the grid. MB Conveyors SpeedUp’s Alonso Lopez rounded out the front row in third.

Moto3
CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team’s David Alonso set the benchmark to beat once again on Friday at the Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo, over half a second clear of Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) was third quickest as his quietly impressive 2024 continued, and the Japanese rider was the final competitor within seven tenths of the top. A brilliant Moto3 qualifying concluded with David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) storming to pole position after an incredible performance all weekend. The #80 secured top spot on his final lap after a frantic session, heading Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) as the Spaniard got closest. Rounding off the front row at Mugello was Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda, who took his sixth front row of the season. Veijer headed the second row of the grid after a late crash at Scarperia while the #95 was on a fast lap. Alongside the Dutchman was Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in fifth.

Check out the full Practice and Qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint
Bagnaia got an almighty launch from second to take the holeshot, heading down into San Donato with metres to spare. Teammate Bastianini also launched it like a rocket to take the inside line and move into P2, denying polesitter Martin. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) shot up from P13 on the grid to challenge in the top five, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) losing out to the South African and Marc Marquez.

Binder vs. Marquez was the first big move, with the #93 attacking the KTM next time round down the main straight. He just found room on the right, tight as anything, and just kept it into Turn 1. The Gresini then set off after the top three – but drama was already brewing up ahead. Bagnaia held the lead as Martin barreled back past Bastianini, but the Beast went for a move at Turn 1, heading slightly deep. Martin took the cutback and there was contact, with Bastianini sliding out of his home Sprint.

With four to go, there was yet more drama, though, and at the front. This time alone, but once again for Martin. The #89 had passed Marquez and been passed back, and he was holding a fairly secure third just ahead of Acosta. But around San Donato, the front said no more, and the Championship leader was off.

That left a familiar chess match at the front: Bagnaia vs. Marquez. Next time around, the #93 took a huge chunk out of the lead, and it was down to seven tenths with two to go. But the reigning Champion found a response in the third sector of the penultimate lap, and with that, the deal was done. One more lap to right the wrong of the Barcelona Sprint – and with a second in hand. It was 1.469 as he crossed the line, and Marquez had put down his own burst of speed to leave Acosta a further two and a half seconds back.

Taking his first Saturday victory since the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix was a big statement as Bagnaia cut the gap to 27 points at the top of the Championship. He also once again escaped Marc Marquez, but the #93 banked some solid points, stayed consistent and this time starts Sunday ahead of the reigning Champion too. For Acosta, a podium was a nice way to mark a day that also saw him confirmed as a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider for 2025. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) equalled his best result of the season so far, taking his second P4 in a Sprint after doing the same in Jerez, with Viñales completing the top five after getting past Binder.

“I’m very happy, we were close in the last one in Barcelona. We managed everything in a perfect way. The last two laps were quite difficult to manage to remain at a constant pace, but I’m very happy,” Bagnaia reflected.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+1.469s)
3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+4.147s)
4. Franco Morbidelli Pramac Ducati (+5.421s)
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (+7.693s)

Sunday
MotoGP
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed a near-perfect weekend on home turf with a masterclass victory in the Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo. As the lights went out, Bagnaia went full Bagnaia. Second around San Donato as he threaded the needle from the second row, he immediately then lined up and pickpocketed Martin to go into the lead. From there, the hammer was down as Martin dug in to hold on, with Bastianini third ahead of Marc Marquez and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing).

The chess game was on from there on out. Three tenths, six tenths, eight tenths, five tenths; Martin wasn’t getting dropped but he wasn’t consistently able to stay close enough to attack the #1 in the lead.

Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was on the march. Marquez made a move on Bastianini into San Donato and headed wide, with the #23 hitting back immediately. And that put the rookie superstar right on Marquez’s tail. The GASGAS ace shadowed him round the lap but couldn’t find a way through before heading wide at the final corner to see his rival disappear out of striking distance.

At the front, the chess match rolled on. Bagnaia led Martin and Bastianini, with Marquez then starting to harry the #23. Acosta was a few tenths further back, with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) starting to come under pressure from Viñales with 12 to go. It was tense holding stations, with the one small ripple in the calm coming as Martin went deep into San Donato with 10 laps to go, but he gathered it back up.

By six laps to go, it wasn’t checkmate, but it was starting to heat up into a grandstand finish. Marc Marquez finally made a move on Bastianini, attacking into San Donato with a clean move that gave the #23 no right of reply. He closed the deficit to Martin, but Martin was starting to cut the gap to the front once again. By three laps to go, it had been halved from the eight or nine tenth maximum Bagnaia had had at any point. Game on. Very much so, but not for the #89.

Instead, Bagnaia threw down the gauntlet and disappeared again as Bastianini stole the spotlight. Through on Marc Marquez at Scarperia, the exact same style of move the #93 had pulled on him, the Beast was on a charge and his next target was the other half of the Sprint tangle that had sent him into the gravel.

Locked on and flying, as Bagnaia crossed the line to take his third Italian GP win in a row as part of his second Mugello double, Bastianini was homing in. Into the very final corner the Ducati Lenovo Team rider found space on the inside to complete the fairytale 1-2 for the team, and in some serious style as pandemonium erupted in the grandstands. Over the line with time in hand over Martin, Bastianini followed Bagnaia home – and Martin’s lead is now cut to just 18 points.

Still, it was another podium finish and a good haul of points, and it was ahead of fellow frontrunner Marc Marquez, who was forced to settle for fourth. Acosta ended up in a lonelier ride for fifth after he’d lost touch with the front group.

“It’s incredible. It wasn’t easy starting from P5, but I had a strategy to go from the outside and it worked perfectly,” explained Bagnaia.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+0.799s)
3. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+0.924s)
4. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+2.064s)
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+7.501s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 171
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 153
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 136
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 114
5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 101

Moto2
In a blockbuster Moto2 race, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) took victory in a nail-biting last lap decider – the American repelling the best efforts of Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2) to take top honours for the first time since the 2022 Portuguese GP.

Off like a rocket at the start, Roberts led early on. He had close competition, though, with Lopez and Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) following on eagerly. A flying start also came from Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) as well, who stormed to seventh after starting 12th.

Lopez would follow Roberts until lap four before he pounced at San Donato, but it wouldn’t be until Turn 3 before he could make the move stick. Unfortunately for the MB Conveyors Speed Up team, it was glory for one and disaster for another in that moment as Lopez’s teammate Fermin Aledguer crashed out after contact from Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team).

Still in the lead, Lopez now had Gonzalez behind as he had found his way through on Roberts. Slightly further back in the lead pack, disaster struck for Binder who skittled into the gravel at Arrabbiata 1, an early end to what had been a strong weekend.

In a six-rider battle for the lead, everything was building to a grandstand last half of the race. The action kicked off as Roberts and Lopez ran wide at Turn 1 – giving them both more work to do – and allowing Gonzalez and Canet to the lead. But it wouldn’t be long before Roberts would then return the favour and find his way through to the front with just three laps remaining.

As a dramatic finish loomed, Roberts entered the final lap in the lead. Gonzalez got a fantastic slipstream and attacked round San Donato, but the American hit back at the next available chance, diving to the inside at Turn 2. Under tremendous pressure, Roberts held firm to take his first victory since the 2022 Portuguese GP – by just 0.067s. Gonzalez’s search for a first Moto2 win continues while Lopez picked up his third podium of the season.

Claiming fourth was Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI), whose advantage in the standings was reduced to seven points. Behind Garcia was teammate Ogura, who Garcia pipped on the last lap.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team
2. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini (+0.067s)
3. Alonso Lopez MB Conveyors Speed Up (+0.934s)
4. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI (+1.192s)
5. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI (+1.253s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 122
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 115
3. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 99
4. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up – 79
5. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 66

Moto3
David Alonso (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) remains the rider to beat in Moto3, taking his fifth win of the season in style at Mugello. The Colombian led from the front for much of a shortened 11-lap dash and held off a late charge from Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) to take another 25-point haul. Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) charged up from P13 on the grid to secure third and his first ever Grand Prix podium.

The initial start was red-flagged following a crash for Fillippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Zurutuza heading to hospital for further examination. Once back underway, the distance was reduced to 11 laps of Mugello, with one clear aim for most: keep up with Alonso.

There was drama nearly immediately as Dani Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) tagged riders at Turn 1, sending Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Stefano Nepa (LEVEL UP-MTA) crashing out, with the #96 given a double Long Lap for irresponsible riding.

Meanwhile at the front, it was a breakaway group of six making their moves: Alonso, Veijer, Yamanaka, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports). With four to go, it looked like Alonso was trying to make a break, and it took Veijer a couple of laps to take over in second and get enough breathing space to start trying to close the Colombian down. That he did. And by the start of the final lap the Dutchman was within a couple of tenths, with Ortola in third.

Ultimately, however, he couldn’t get close enough to make a move, and then there was drama in the fight for the final place on the podium too as Ortola slid out at Turn 12, ending his rostrum hopes. One of the quickest remounts of all time saw him still take sixth, but Yamanaka was up the road to take his maiden Grand Prix podium to continue his impressive consistency running near the front this season.

Fourth went to Furusato as he was the final rider within a couple of seconds of the front, with Muñoz forced to settle for fifth further down the road.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team
2. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+0.142s)
3. Ryusei Yamanaka MT Helmets – MSI (+1.253s)
4. Taiyo Furusato Honda Team Asia (+1.700s)
5. David MunozBOE Motorsports (+5.399s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 143
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 106
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 95
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 80
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 60

MotoE report and results can be found here…

The post MotoGP Round Seven | Bagnaia completes perfect weekend appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP
Practice at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya definitely didn’t disappoint, setting the stage up for an interesting super Saturday. 2023 Barcelona winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was back on top and with a new lap record ahead of two RC16s on the chase as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) ended the session second and third, respectively.

Check out our previous MotoGP reports here…

The fairytale continued for Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). After announcing he’ll bow out at the end of the season and going fastest on Friday, he followed it up with pole position. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) banked second on the grid by just 0.031s, with a P3 for Raul Fernandez confirmed just following the session after his best lap was reinstated to give both the #25 and Trackhouse Racing their maiden front row.

Moto2
Friday in Moto2 ended in some wildcard glory, with Jorge Navarro (KLINT Forward Factory Team) taking to the top and with a new lap record. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was second quickest, with replacement rider Daniel Muñoz (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team) taking third fresh from doing the double at the venue in the Moto2 European Championship last weekend, where Navarro also stood on the podium.

Moto2 World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) confirmed he’d start from pole position after setting a brilliant 1:41.894 in the opening stages of qualifying. The #3 was 0.240s clear of Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors SpeedUp), who pushed hard on his final run but was unable to match the pace of Garcia. Rounding off the front row after battling through Q1 was Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – just a further 0.048s slower than Aldeguer.

Moto3
CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s David Alonso ended Friday at the top of the standings, fastest in the morning and afternoon. The #80 put in an impressive 12 lap run at the start of P1 and then stamped some authority back on the session on his final exit. He closed the day 0.158s clear of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) finding a heap of time on Friday afternoon to end P1 in third.

Pole position then went the way of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) after a brilliant final flying lap and a stunning final sector. Ortola took his first pole by a mere 0.019s from Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), who looked confident throughout the whole session, setting a good time early on and then leaving it late to exit pitlane on his final run. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) would start from third, setting a strong time late in the session.

Check out the full Practice and Qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) took victory in a dramatic Tissot Sprint at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, keeping it faultless to the flag as not one, not two, but three different leaders slid out. As the lights went out, Bagnaia took the holeshot from second on the grid, with Acosta slicing up to head the chase.

It didn’t take long for Acosta to attack for the lead, but it likewise didn’t take long for Bagnaia to hit back. Raul Fernandez was harrying them though, and as Acosta attacked into Turn 1 on Lap 3 and took it back, the Trackhouse machine lined up the reigning Champion at Turn 3.

Then it was all change in glorious, but relatively clean havoc at the front, with Raul Fernandez emerging as the race leader after barging past Acosta. The Trackhouse machine was absolutely flying as Binder and the rookie duelled just behind him, both for the position and some extra RC16 glory. Once Acosta made it stick at Turn 1, Fernandez was already eight tenths clear. But suddenly, it then all came apart for the Trackhouse rider as he slid out at Turn 10, rider ok but head in hands.

From there, Binder vs Acosta looked like it would light up the battle for the lead, but the 33 got the upper hand and started to build a gap – leaving Bagnaia to wrestle with Acosta instead. Soon enough though the second race leader to slide out became Binder, the front end of the KTM saying goodbye at Turn 5.

That left the lead as a fight between Bagnaia and Acosta. Turn 1 was the battle ground and the rookie pulled what was fast-becoming his Barcelona signature move, but the #1 was quick to find an answer up the curb on the inside of Turn 3. From there Bagnaia started to build a gap, and Espargaro was on the march, next to test out Acosta’s defences, finding a way through to take up the chase on the reigning Champion.

That left the master and the apprentice locked in battle over third. And this time, in a beautiful reverse of that statement Turn 1 move the #31 has been revelling in, it was Acosta under attack as the #93 sailed into the corner side by side with the rookie, taking over in third.

The final drama was dealt on the last lap. Seeming like he had it in his pocket, Bagnaia then suddenly slid out at Turn 5, seeing what could have been a key haul of points disappear in the gravel trap as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) suffered a tougher Sprint outside podium contention. Espargaro swept through for the spoils, in just enough clear air to ensure he held on for that fairytale win.

Marquez held off Acosta round the final sector too, and what could have been a key title swing proved much less as Martin’s drama-free Sprint saw him take P4 despite not having initially had the pace for it. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) made a solid comeback from outside the top ten on the grid to complete the top five.

“Incredible. The last two days have been amazing, like a fairytale,” Espargaro insisted. “The race was very tough; the track was super slippery and I lost the front a couple of times. Pecco [Bagnaia] was doing great as well, but he was risking it. So my goal was to push him until the last corner and it worked.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+0.892s)
3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+1.169s)
4. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+2.147s)
5. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+2.980s)

Sunday
MotoGP
After missing an open goal win on Saturday, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) came out swinging on Sunday. The reigning Champion needed to make a statement and take some serious points, and that he did on both counts.

From the outset, it was a showdown on the brakes into T1 but Bagnaia just held on for the holeshot ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Martin got a good start this time round, taking over in fourth, with polesitter Espargaro the main party losing out.

Into Turn 10 on Lap 1, the first big move was executed as Martin made an absolute lunge on Binder, but he got the job done and cleanly enough.

Acosta’s first attack came at Turn 10 after a couple of laps staring at the rear of the Ducati, but Bagnaia kept it tight to immediately take it back. Acosta’s foot was even off the peg. That closed everything up again, with Martin then right on their heels and Binder not too far behind either. Turn 10 staged another one next time round, this time for Championship leader Martin on the rookie.

Meanwhile, the squabble behind was heating up. Bagnaia had some breathing space in third but Binder, Espargaro and Raul Fernandez were locked together. After stalking his prey for a while, Espargaro then was able to just nudge ahead into Turn 1, before Raul Fernandez attacked the KTM into Turn 3. Aggressive but clean, Binder was pushed back to sixth.

However, that soon became fifth as big drama hit for Acosta. After lighting it up there earlier, it all came apart for the rookie at Turn 10 as he slid off, leaving Martin just over a second clear in the lead and Bagnaia now the rider on the chase. From there, the chess match began.

Lap after lap, the gap was coming down as the #1 chipped away. And once he was there, Bagnaia wasted absolutely no time in making his attack.

With six laps to go, the reigning Champion made his move – and at exactly the place he let big spoils go begging in the Tissot Sprint: Turn 5. No drama, no contact, and nothing Martin could do, the roles were now reversed.

The relentless pace from the #1 continued, however, and the battle of the laptimes was slipping from Martin’s grasp. Unable to keep up, Martin started to fade, leaving Bagnaia with the same task as Saturday: keep it upright to the flag. This time, it was a faultless performance as the Ducati Lenovo rider cut the gap back to 39 points and Martin, this time round, had to settle for second.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez was now on the tailpipes of Espargaro. The #93 pulled a carbon copy of the move the Aprilia rider put on Binder a few laps before and was into third – now he just had to hold onto it. After announcing his retirement at the end of 2024 just ahead of the event and taking pole and the Sprint win, the incentive was even bigger than normal for the #41 to make an attack. And he clawed his way onto the back of the Gresini by the final lap. But there was no way through that would have allowed both to finish, so it came down to the final drag to the line – with Marquez just staying ahead for that podium from P14 on the grid.

Espargaro took fourth to complete an incredible weekend on home turf, with a late charge from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) seeing the Italian just pip Raul Fernandez to fifth.

“Honestly, I was angry about yesterday knowing I had the potential to win,” Bagnaia said. “When I saw riders struggling with the front today I started to push more.”

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+1.740s)
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+10.491s)
4. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing (+10.543s)
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio VR46 Ducati (+15.441s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 155
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 116
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 114
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 94
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing – 87

Moto2
There was a twist in the tale for Moto2, and after showing some searing pace once at the front, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) left Barcelona victorious for the first time since the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix. Ogura charged through the field from 10th managing to get the better of teammate Sergio Garcia in the closing laps, making it another MT Helmets – MSI one-two. Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) was overcome with joy after picking up his first podium of the year in what has so far been a difficult season. And the twist? Initial leader Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) got a Long Lap for track limits and then crashed out as he entered the LLP loop.

Once the lights went out, it was a flying start from Garcia as he converted his pole position into the race lead at Turn 1. Teammate Ogura rocketed from 10th on the grid and somehow snuck up into the top three as they reached the end of the straight.

Back at the front, it didn’t take Aldeguer long to steal away the race lead. He dived to the inside of his fellow Boscoscuro rider Garcia at Turn 10 on Lap 3, and then set about putting the hammer down as he asked questions of the Moto2 sophomore. Pushing hard, Aldeguer did manage to make a gap before Garcia started to close him back in, and then the LLP for track limits added the first twist for the #54.

As they crossed the line to start lap 15, Garcia was nearly in a position to pounce. But he didn’t need to. Entering the long lap penalty loop at Turn 1, Aldeguer tucked the front on the brakes as he desperately tried to lose as little time as possible but in the end he lost all chance of victory.

Garcia was promoted to the lead but then just as he could breathe a sigh of relief, a second threat quickly became very visible. Ogura had sneakily taken two seconds out of his teammate in three laps.

The pivotal moment came at Turn 1 on Lap 18 as Ogura slipstreamed past Garcia and from there rode home to a clear victory in the end by almost four seconds. Amazingly, that’s Ogura’s first win since he won in his homeland of Japan back in 2022. The final laps of held breath turned to elation at the chequered flag as the MT Helmets – MSI squad secured a brilliant Barcelona one-two. Dixon in third was delighted to be back on the podium after a torrid start to 2024.

Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) took a fine fourth as he just edged out a brilliant performance from Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) who took fifth after serving a long lap penalty on the way too.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI
2. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI (+3.816s)
3. Jake Dixon CFMoto Inde Aspar Team (+9.186s)
4. Jeremy Alcoba Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team (+12.241s)
5. Senna Agius Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+12.593s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 109
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 89
3. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 88
4. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 63
5. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up – 62

Moto3
David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) played his cards to perfection, pouncing when it counted and then upping the pace to hold off the chasing pack to the flag. The victory, his fourth of the season, also makes him the new Moto3 World Championship leader. Just behind, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) converted his maiden pole into a podium in P2, with Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) back on the box in third.

After a scrappy start with many almost on the grass, Ortola emerged with a few bike lengths lead in the first half of the first lap – but Dani Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), up from P9 on the grid, was soon reeling him in. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) did the Rossi-Razgatlioglu move on Holgado at the end of the lap to take over in second, but by the time they got into Turn 1, things were shaken up. Ortola led Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), but the Japanese rider then got the notification to serve his double Long Lap given on Saturday, and Muñoz his single LLP. The race was on to move back through.

The freight train rolled on at the front with Ortola, Veijer and Holgado leading the way, but by six or seven to go, Alonso was starting to get busy. Over the line as the final five laps began, the Colombian was trying to stretch the group out from the front – with Ortola, Veijer and Holgado just about hanging in there as a gap started to grow behind the top four.

As the laps ticked on though, the picture changed again. Holgado was fading slightly into the clutches of Rueda and Muñoz, and once Rueda was past the Championship leader, he was able to claw back onto the leading trio. As the last lap began, it was once again a quartet, this time with Rueda in the ranks. The first move came from the number 99, getting past Veijer at Turn 4. But that would prove the last, with the pace so hot and the limit so close for each that no door was left open and no sensible chance possible.

Alonso crossed the line a quarter of a second clear to take the Championship lead, with Ortola denied a home win but taking another podium as he builds some momentum after some bad luck and trouble earlier in the season. Rueda, after an even tougher start to 2024 with appendicitis and a couple of on track dramas, took a second podium of the season and his third in Grand Prix racing after an impressive late attack.

Veijer was just too far back to slipstream it and claimed fourth, with Muñoz completing the top five despite that LLP. Holgado, meanwhile, faded to sixth and lost the points lead, with him now 14 points off Alonso.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team
2. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI (+0.242s)
3. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (0.513s)
4. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+0.560s)
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports (+1.648s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 118
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 104
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 75
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 70
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports – 49

MotoE report and results can be found here…

The post MotoGP Round Six Report | Bagnaia banishes Barcelona demons In Dominant Comeback! appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP
At the end of Friday, it was tight at the top, with just 0.187s separating the top three. Thanks to a new lap record, however, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) reigned supreme ahead of 2023 duelling partner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), with rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) making a statement in third and on team home turf.

Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) would start from pole at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, although the journey to the top, via a stunning new lap record in the 1:29s, was far from drama-free. But neither was it for his now closest-challenger in the standings either, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the #1 followed a tumble for Martin with one of his own. They’ll start 1-2 on the grid though, and they’ll have company from another fast challenger in Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the 2017 winner geared up for another shot at victory.

Behind that front row, it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate and 2023 Le Mans winner Marco Bezzecchi in fourth and fifth.

Moto2
It continues to be one of the most unpredictable Moto2 seasons yet, as Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) hit back to end Friday on top, claiming a new lap record at Le Mans with a 1:35.473 in the last five minutes of the session. Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) was second despite losing the front at the end of the session while on a fast lap (rider ok) and third went the way of his teammate Fermin Aldeguer, who found time on a last fast lap to rocket up the order.

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) came out of the blocks swinging in France on Saturday to secure a heroic pole position, fighting through from Q1 to pull off a spectacular 1:35.037. A late crash couldn’t dampen spirits as he looked to get back in the fight at the front despite his ankle injury. Joining Canet on a competitive front row was World Championship leader, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who was a mere 0.136s behind, with the rider Roberts’ stole the lead from last time out, Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI), lining up third.

Moto3
CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s David Alonso continued to stamp his mark in Le Mans, as the Colombian smashed the lap record for the second time on Friday, setting a remarkable 1:40.470. The #80 was ahead of teammate Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who was the only other rider inside the 1:40 bracket – but 0.480s adrift from Alonso. In third place after briefly snatching the top spot with 10 minutes remaining was Daniel Holgado.

After taking his first pole three GPs ago, David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hasn’t started from anywhere else since. His third consecutive pole position saw him destroy the lap record yet again with a 1:40.114 on his final flying lap in France as he looked to bounce back from a crash out of the lead in Spain. It was extremely close at the front, however, with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) securing second, missing out on pole position by 0.011s, with Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) returning to the action and the front row at once.

Check out the full Practice and Qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint
It was a stunning start from Martin to take the holeshot, and the exact opposite for Bagnaia as he plummeted from second to mid-pack, seemingly with some sort of issue. Meanwhile some friendly-fire – within the limit – between the Aprilias added another shuffle, and with that it was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slotting into second on the chase behind Martin.

Meanwhile, as Bagnaia went backwards, Marc Marquez was storming forwards. The number 93 threaded the needle to perfection off the start and rapidly powered into fifth. Within a few laps, he was the rider on the chase behind the Martin-Bezzecchi duel at the front.

Aleix Espargaro was next to drop out of that front battle as his start proved too good to be true, given a double Long Lap for the jump start. The drama then amped up again for Bagnaia just behind that, as he ran wide from the back of the field. Something was definitely wrong for the #1 as he then headed into pitlane. The reigning Champion was forced to withdraw from the Sprint.

That left Martin leading Bezzecchi and Marquez, with Viñales next up. A gaggle of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had the gloves off too, before Espargaro then rejoined in their midst.

Suddenly, there was more drama at the front. Yellow flashed across the run off at Turn 9 as Bezzecchi slid out from second place, leaving Marquez on the hunt behind Martin. The gap between the two was now over two seconds, thus meaning The Sprint King got the job done again in style to capitalise on a tough Sprint for Bagnaia.

Behind Martin’s impressive charge at the front, Marquez took second after an awesome comeback ride from P13 on the grid, with Viñales holding onto third in the last laps as Bastianini put in a late charge for glory. The Beast had to settle for fourth, as Espargaro recovered from his double Long Lap to finish fifth.

“First of all, great fans because this is a fantastic crowd. I’m so happy because the pace was outstanding. It was difficult because Marco was putting out some great laps, then when I saw he crashed I just tried to keep my constant pace right to the end, quite relaxed,” Martin said.

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+2.280s)
3. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (+4.174s)
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+4.798s)
5. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing (+7.698s)

Check out the full Tissot Sprint results here…

Sunday
MotoGP
Off the line, Martin made a good start from pole but Bagnaia bettered it, with the #1 taking the holeshot from second on the grid. Behind, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was threatening but ran in hot at the chicane, leaving teammate Aleix Espargaro to challenge Martin for second on the exit as the #12 Aprilia slotted in just behind Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in fourth. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, was up to eighth almost immediately, slicing up from his P13 grid slot.

At the front, Bagnaia had the hammer down but Martin refused to let him speed off at the front. The two pulled a small gap on the chasing pack led by Espargaro, with Diggia in fourth and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) eager to attack Viñales.

The rookie then proved the protagonist of the first drama. Looking for a way through on that duel ahead, he overcooked it into Turn 8 going for a move on the VR46 machine ahead, and then only just avoided tagging both as he slid out. More drama then hit nearly immediately after as Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) fell as he pushed to try and duel with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

At the front, Bagnaia pounded on. Martin shadowed, equally pitch perfect until one small mistake from both with 19 to go, heading ever so slightly wide. But they gathered it back up as the podium fight behind started to light up, the race split between a duel and a melee.

Diggia was homing in on Espargaro, but Viñales, Marquez and Bastianini lurked. The next move came there as Marquez attacked Viñales but was repelled, and Diggia then had a shot at the #41 Aprilia, also forced to hold station. But a lap later, the #49 was through into third, and Viñales then began to line up his teammate. He needed no second invite after the door was just left open, with Marquez then striking straight away too.

Next was Bastianini. The Beast came from a long way back and also went in hot, gathering it back up but Espargaro then taking to the run off before rejoining. Bastianini didn’t make the apex either, but his was a shortcut and he was then given a Long Lap for the time not lost.

Meanwhile, Marquez had picked Viñales’ pocket after the #12 went slightly wide, and the eight-time World Champion was homing in on Diggia. By Lap 16, the #93 made his first attack through Turn 3. The Italian responded, and in the shuffle, Viñales almost nearly made his way through too. But it was as you were until a lap later as Marquez went for it again, and this time Diggia ran wide trying to take it back. The #93 and Viñales were both past, and the #49 then got a Long Lap.

With just under ten laps to go, Bagnaia led Martin, the two still absolutely glued together, but now it was Marquez on the move. Soon, the chess match had its first big move. At Turn 3, Martin attacked. And he got through, but on the cutback Bagnaia judged it to the absolutely millimetre to nudge back ahead. As you were, until a lap later. Same move, different result as this time the #89 was able to hold it. There was a new race leader, but there was also a new fastest lap… from Marquez.

The Gresini flyer was on the factory machine of Bagnaia in what seemed like a flash as it became a leading trio. It seemed Martin was starting to pull out the centimetres as he dug in, but then the #89 was deep into the chicane with three to go, and it was absolutely locked together once again. Bagnaia was close as anything and showed a wheel but couldn’t barge the door open, leaving a six-wheeled fight for the win to roll on.

Over the line for the last lap, Martin and Bagnaia were almost one machine round Turn 1 and 2, but a Hail Mary on the brakes from Marquez saw that #93 re-appear in the shot by the time the trio dropped anchor at the chicane. Bagnaia was harrying, impatient and looking for any inch of space to make a move on Martin, but there was none – so Marquez made some instead.

The Gresini star divebombed it to perfection, getting it stopped to take over in second as the remaining apexes ticked down. Would Bagnaia be able to respond at the final corner? Up ahead, Martin crossed the line to take one of his most impressive wins to date, soaking up the pressure and making it a serious statement Sunday. His lead goes out to an incredible 38 points – enough to guarantee he leaves the next GP as Championship leader too – and it was Bagnaia and Marquez on his tail in that order. Marquez’s back-to-back podiums are his first since 2021 and he’s 40 points off the top, but Bagnaia remains second despite that 0 from the Sprint in France.

Behind the podium battle, Bastianini charged back from his Long Lap to get past Viñales late on, with the #12 forced to settle for fifth.

“Making it a Sprint and Sunday race [double] was one of the best,” Martin reflected. “I am really happy with my performance. I think we have got to a moment with the bike where I feel the limit where I can arrive and I am really confident. I think my progression is clear. I think you can see from the results. I am becoming a better rider, a better person, and this is the most important thing.”

MotoGP Race Results

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+0.446s)
3. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo (+0.585s)
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+2.206s)
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (+4.053s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points after MotoGP Round Five

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 129
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 91
3. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 89
4. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 89
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing – 81

Moto2
Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed the perfect start, pulling out a steady gap on the opening lap as the rest of the field battled hard behind. Polesitter Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) was swallowed by the pack in the opening stage of the race after a big mistake on the first lap, dropping to eighth in a fight with Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp). A number of crashers, including Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTO Gresini Moto2), saw the order chop and change, but the rider on the move was Canet. After setting a fastest lap, the #44 attacked Roberts for second in a brilliant three-way fight joined by Lopez, with the American bumped to the back of the trio.

At the front, Garcia charged on to keep the gap consistent, with all attention turning to the battle for second between Canet and Lopez. It was gloves off with three laps remaining, with Lopez slipping into second before making a mistake at turn four, allowing Canet to show his front wheel. The battle for second then bunched up even more with Ogura fancying a podium – charging into third on the last lap.

Garcia crossed the line to win the French GP, with Ogura finding a gap to pass Lopez for second, holding on to it to make it a historic 1-2. Lopez was then left to fend off a final corner move from Roberts, with contact but no drama and the Spaniard holding on to the line. Behind Roberts to cross the line in fifth was Somkiat Chantra, who was (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) a further 0.171s behind.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI
2. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI (+3.174s)
3. Alonso Lopez Folladore Speed Up (+3.704s)
4. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team (+3.764s)
5. Somkiat Chantra IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (+3.935s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 89 points
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 82 points
3. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 63 points
4. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 63 points
5. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up – 54 points

Moto3
David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) got the launch and initial lead, but through the chicane Holgado struck to propel himself into first. The Championship leader headed his closest rival as fellow front row starter Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) harried the duo, but in no time at all it became the classic Moto3 freight train.

Alonso, Holgado, Veijer and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) duked it out at the front, with close company from rookie Joel Esteban (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) and Ortola’s teammate Ryusei Yamanaka. On the final lap, it bubbled up to a three-way fight between the top three in the title fight as Holgado led Alonso and Veijer. But not for long, as the Colombian hit quickly to edge out the 96, leading into and through the 3-4 chicane. And he kept leading, with Holgado just not able to find a way through 9 and 10, nor into 12 as he looked tempted to try.

That left Alonso to complete his bounce back mission from Jerez in style to get back on the top step, and with it, closing the gap to Holgado at the top of the Championship to a single point. Veijer was likewise not able to nudge open the door to attack on the final lap, but third to follow up his victory at Jerez makes it the second time he’s taken back-to-back GP podiums.

Esteban nabbed fourth from Ortola on the final lap, taking his best Grand Prix result yet as he continues to impress in his rookie year. Ortola completed the top five though, with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) coming back to P6 from two Long Laps given for slow riding in practice.

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+0.105s)
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP (+0.242s)
4. Joel Esteban CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (+0.476s)
5. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI (+0.612s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points

1. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 94 points
2. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 93 points
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 62 points
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 50 points
5. Joel Kelso BOE Motorsports – 42 points
   

   ---

   Check out the MotoE results here…

   ---

The post MotoGP Round Five Report | Martin delivers French masterclass appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

The Le Mans Grand Prix came to an end with the second win of the season for Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI/Boscoscuro) in Moto2, whereas pole man and weekend dominator David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team/CFMOTO) swept Moto3. Press: Pirelli Moto

Throughout the weekend, Pirelli’s soft compounds allowed the riders to set new records in both categories: track lap record, race fast lap, and all-time best race pace.

Georgio Barbier, Motorcycle Racing Director, “For Pirelli, this was an extremely positive weekend. Straight away from the free practice sessions, the riders in both championships were extremely fast, so much that they dropped well below the track lap records as early as Friday, only to set new race lap records as well. The races were extremely fast and fiercely fought, with improvements in the neighbourhood of three tenths per lap compared with last year which were actually the fastest ever in Le Mans for these categories.

“The softest rear compounds, the SC0 in Moto2 and the SC1 in Moto3, were protagonists throughout the weekend, demonstrating highly consistent performance both in high temperatures, like on Friday and Saturday, and in the cooler temperatures on Sunday. The feedback received from the young Rookies Cup riders was also very positive, as demonstrated by the broken track records and the race times. Everyone involved is putting forth the utmost effort and we can see progress race after race. Congratulations to all the winners of this fantastic GP weekend”.

THE RACE OF THE TYRES
Moto2

• The softest tyres, namely the SC1 front and SC0 rear, were by far the most used during the weekend, as well as in the race on Sunday, where only Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team/Kalex) e Barry Baltus (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP/Kalex) preferred the SC2 (medium) front and Daniel Muñoz (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team/Kalex) the SC1 (medium) rear.
• Starting from the third spot on the grid, Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI/Boscoscuro) won the race with a total time of 35’20.709, making it the race with the fastest pace ever for the category in Le Mans, an improvement of more than three tenths compared with 2023. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing/Kalex) set the new race lap record with a time of 1’35.796, almost three tenths faster than Pedro Acosta’s 2023 record.

Moto3

• David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team/CFMOTO) won the race after having dominated in all the sessions throughout the weekend. All the riders on the front row started with the SC2 (medium) front and SC1 (soft) rear combination. Overall, this was the most popular choice. Only four opted for the SC1 (soft) front and nine went with the SC2 (media) rear.
• The races were held in practically identical conditions to 2023. With the same number of laps, the race this year was seven seconds faster than last season with an average improvement per lap of more than three tenths. In this case as well, it was raced with the fastest pace ever for the category in Le Mans.

Red Bull Rookies Cup

• Both the races this year were faster than those in 2023. In Race 1, the average lap was almost 1 second faster, whereas in Race 2, it was more than 1.2 seconds.
• ⁠In the race on Saturday, pole man Máximo Quiles won, whereas today Brian Uriarte took home the victory, beating out Máximo Quiles and Hakim Danish.
• Argentine Marco Morelli set the new race lap record with a time of 1’44.019 on the 14th and penultimate lap, demonstrating the consistent performance of the SC2 tyres that the riders have available to them in this championship.

The post Pirelli Riders Set Fastest Pace Ever At Le Mans appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Check out our other race news, including MotoGP, here…

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP
Day 1 served up the perfect aperitivo ahead of a tantalising round in Andalucia.
It was a hard battle for the top 10 in MotoGP Practice at the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España as the shootout for direct entry to Q2 went down to the wire, setting the stage for a truly super Saturday. By the end of play, a top three split by only 0.143 had emerged: reigning Champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), COTA winner Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP). All three were under the previous lap record, not just Bagnaia, and that teased plenty of action on super Saturday.

Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) duly raised the roof on home turf on Saturday, taking his first pole on a Ducati and the 93rd pole of his career. It was pure vintage Marquez too, crossing the line to take provisional pole, setting the only 1:46 and, as it would turn out, the only one of the session.

No one could overhaul his lap, as the #93 led the grid ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).

Moto2
Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) rocketed to the top spot at the end of Friday action in Jerez as the American continued to show immense pace on his way to setting a strong 1:40.664 to end Practice 1 ahead of pre-season favourite Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) by 0.234. Race winner at COTA and Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out the top three after a brilliant session for the #3.

Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) stormed to pole position, producing a statement performance on Saturday in his search for that first win of the year. Joining the #54 on the front row was Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2) who snuck onto the front row after a great final lap – ending the session 0.438s adrift. CFMOTO Aspar Team’s Jake Dixon secured third, claiming a first front-row start of the season.

Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) dominated Day 1 by posting an incredible 1:43.710 to destroy a lap record which had just been set by the Colombian on Friday morning. Alonso was almost a second clear of rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) only a further 0.083 adrift on a very impressive Friday for the Dutchman.

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) has been the fastest rider in Moto3 since Sunday at the Portuguese GP, and in Jerez even more so. The Colombian has been untouchably quick in most sessions so far and was so in qualifying, typically a second clear of the field until a late attack from David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) to cut the gap to just over two tenths. After duelling Alonso on the timesheets earlier in the session, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the front row.

Row 2 was Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports), Rysuei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) and, Q1’s fastest rider, rookie Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing).

Check out the full Practice and Qualifying results here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint
For Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), it was a smooth Tissot Sprint. But behind the #89, who extended his Championship lead, chaos reigned in Spain. 15 riders crashed, all ok. Most remounted. As the lights went out, Marc Marquez bolted left to cover Bezzecchi and Martin, but Binder nailed it from P4 and nabbed the holeshot instead.

Marc Marquez was next to strike, seeing the Prima Pramac machine starting to pull the pin and shoving Binder aside to give chase. But it wasn’t job done quite yet, with Binder replying at the final corner, pushing the #93 wide and then having his own moment on the exit.

The drama then started really heating up. Three into one doesn’t go, and as Bezzecchi divebombed Bagnaia at Turn 1, in fairness getting it stopped pretty well, the reigning Champion was pushed a little wide. So Binder went for the gap, but Bezzecchi had gathered it up, leaving Bagnaia sandwiched as the #1 got punted out of action, rider ok but left on the sidelines. It seemed like the big drama of the day at the time, but it was only the half of it. Next was Binder, Alex Marquez and Bastianini as they all slid out, leaving Acosta in third after he’d caught the group following his own misadventures in the early stages.

Up front the gap from #89 to #93 had been coming down, and fast. Marc Marquez was on a charge and one small error from Martin had seen him lose the momentum with six laps to go, giving the Gresini a chance to strike. And it didn’t go begging, with the eight-time World Champion taking over in front. Martin would try to respond, but not long after that, he needed to no longer as the number 93  suddenly slid off, leaving Martin in free air in the lead on home turf. Acosta was at a distance, and now the race was on for the #89 to hold on. For Marc Marquez, the race was on to recover as many positions as possible.

Viñales then fell, adding another key contender to the list, before the spotlight went back to Marquez as his charge saw him start elbowing riders out of the way, including a nudge of former Repsol Honda teammate Joan Mir, for which the #93 was consequently given a drop position penalty. Meanwhile Quartararo was on his own march, gaining 14 positions in the first two laps on his push for the podium as he kept the hammer down, but he had close company from Pedrosa. As Martin crossed the line up ahead, Acosta followed him home around three seconds back in a Spanish 1-2 on home soil. And it was a first for both – Jerez win for Martin, and Sprint podium for Acosta.

But behind, the battle for third went to the wire as Pedrosa homed in on Quartararo, after Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) proved another faller, forced to forfeit that battle. The #26 shadowed the Yamaha ahead round the final lap but couldn’t find a gap, forced to settle for fourth before that post-race penalty for Quartararo. Then, it was that historic P3 as the Frenchman’s 8s penalty demoted him to fifth. Amongst the chaos, Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) kept it together to take his equal best Sprint result in P4, ahead of Quartararo’s ultimate position.

“It was a difficult race, the track conditions were super hard,” Martin insisted. “I made a good start, but then I saw Marquez was coming. Marc overtook me. Then I tried to follow him, to push him, and he made a mistake.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati
2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+2.970s)
3. Daniel Pedrosa Red Bull KTM (+7.102s)
4. Franco Morbidelli Pramac Ducati (+8.481s)
5. Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha (+15.052s)

Check out the full Tissot Sprint results here…

Sunday
MotoGP
As the lights went out, Marquez took the holeshot – just – as Martin got incredibly close to the rear of the #93. But the Championship leader was forced to settle for second as Bezzecchi and Bagnaia slotted into third and fourth in the aftermath. Fourth wasn’t enough for the #1 though, even in the early stages, as Bagnaia went for an incredible 2-for-1 move at the end of the back straight… round the outside.

By the final corner on the same lap, Marquez was just wide enough on the exit to open the door. Bagnaia sliced through to lead, but by Turn 1 the #93 was heading back up the inside, both were slightly wide, and Martin was trying to pick their pocket. Bagnaia shot back into the lead, though, now with the #89 on his tail and Marquez relegated to third.

By the final corner next time round it was all change again, with Bagnaia getting passed by Martin and Marquez but the latter only temporarily as the #1 hit back at Turn 1. The next key move came from Bezzecchi at the final corner as he got through on Marquez, and then came the big title drama.

With Bagnaia right on his tail but a potential huge points lead up for grabs, Martin then suddenly slid out from the front as the Championship took an instant twist. Rider ok, but leaving key rival Bagnaia to lead Bezzecchi and Marquez in the chase for 25 more points, and letting that home GP win go begging.

Up ahead, the race pounded on. Bagnaia led the way as the tension rose on his tail, with the #93 inching closer to Bezzecchi ahead before scorching past the VR46 machine.

Marquez tagged onto the rear tyre of the Ducati Lenovo machine with five to go, and he didn’t stalk his prey for long. Marquez went for it at Turn 9, but Bagnaia responded immediately into 10, slicing straight back alongside the #93 as the two bashed into each other and jostled over the racing line. The #93 was ahead but as Bagnaia sliced through into the next apex, Marquez had no choice but to concede.

A lap later, the stadium section got another show. This time Marquez divebombed it instead, and the door for the cutback was left a little more open. Bagnaia needed no second invitation to surge back into the lead, slicing straight through. As you were. Three to go.  The #93 was forced to regroup, but over the line to start the next lap, Bagnaia had found even more – setting a new best race lap as the #1 put the pedal to the medal.

Both on the absolute limit, the crowd on their feet. Two laps, four tenths, two riders, one win. The #1 pounded on. The #93 cut back into the gap, centimetre by centimetre. But the tarmac left to race at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto was disappearing in metres and kilometers, not centimetres, and Bagnaia was holding strong. The final chance for Marquez to create his fairytale was the final corner but he just wasn’t close enough. So Bagnaia completed his.

0.372 is a small margin to be part of such a big statement, but it was a mammoth race win for the reigning Champion after a tough run – and it brings him to just 17 points off Martin in the Championship.

“It was simply fantastic. We needed such a win, not only for myself but also for the team and everybody working with me,” an overjoyed Bagnaia explained.

Marquez took his first dry weather podium since 2022, but that win will likely be on his mind as the paddock arrives at Mugello. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was back on the rostrum for the first time since his incredible Indian GP win in 2023. Behind, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) took fourth to just deny Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) by the flag.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+0.372s)
3. Marco Bezzecchi VR46 Ducati (+3.903s)
4. Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati (+7.205s)
5. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+7.253s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points After Round Four

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 92 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 75 points
3. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 70 points
4. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 69 points
5. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing – 63 points

Moto2
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) was the pre-season favourite for many after his brilliant end to the 2023 season, and came into the year with a 2025 Ducati contract in his pocket to boot. But the first three Grands Prix were a mixture of bad luck and trouble, a run he put to an end at Jerez on home turf, and in some style.

Behind, a charge from Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) saw the American slice up the order to duel Gonzalez over the final laps, coming out on top and those 20 points for second put him in the Championship lead.

It’s the first time an American has led a World Championship since Nicky Hayden in 2006, the first time an American has taken three podiums in a row since the very same campaign and Roberts’ score at the top of the table is 69 points. Once the lights went out, Gonzalez pounced to steal the lead, setting the fastest lap early on and holding off Aldeguer on the opening lap. Americas GP winner Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) also had a strong start, looking like he’d defend or extend his Championship lead coming into the race.

Roberts was the rider with the pace in the middle stage of the race, stealing the fastest lap after setting a 1:41.020 on lap 10. The American had worked his way up and pulled off an unbelievable move to steal third from Garcia, who had no response. By the final lap of the race, Aldeguer even had time in hand to celebrate with the crowd throughout the last lap. Roberts, having arrived at Gonzalez, attacked, and held on for a memorable second.

Further down the order, Garcia claimed fourth – losing time in the latter stages of the race but staying ahead of Albert Arenas, who capped off a great weekend for the QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 squad in the top five.

Moto2 Race Results

1. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team (+1.287s)
3. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini (+1.568s)
4. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI (+6.226s)
5. Albert Arenas QJMOTOR Gresini (+8.059s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points After Round Four

1. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 49 points
2. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 64 points
3. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 54 points
4. Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 46 points
5. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI- 43 points

Moto3
Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Huqsvarna Intact GP) was back on the top step! The Dutchman put in a perfect final lap to hold off David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) to clinch his second Grand Prix win in style. Muñoz got the start and then banged bars with Alonso, pushing the number 80 down to second. But the Colombian hit back later on Lap 1 before he and Muñoz started to make a small gap, but the dream was over by the end of the very first. The number 80 slid off at the final corner, rider ok and able to rejoin but the freight train of riders disappeared into the distance.

That left Muñoz in the lead, but Veijer soon attacked and made his way through. Veijer, Muñoz, Ortola, Joel Esteban (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team), Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) and Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) were the leading group of six in the early stages as Dani Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) tried to move his way through the second group on his fight back from P18 on the grid. On Alonso watch, the fight back was also on. The Colombian was on the move and by eight laps to go was homing in on the points. By five to go, he was well within reach in P12, trying to make up the gap to the next group.

Meanwhile, the fight at the front was now a four-rider group. Veijer led Muñoz, Ortola and Yamanaka, before another few laps later it became a trio as Yamanaka started to lose ground. Three riders, three places on the podium, and one win. It was going down to the wire.

On to the final lap, and the fight for victory was between Veijer and Muñoz. The Dutchman held strong, though, and his unbelievable pace through the fast final right handers was enough to avoid getting attacked into the final corner, as Veijer did enough to take his second Grand Prix win by just 0.045.

Ortola was forced to settle for third while Yamanaka banked fourth place to equal his best GP result so far. Kelso came out in fifth, as the Australian stayed strong to come out ahead of the chasing pack behind him.

Moto3 Race Results

1. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP
2. David Munoz BOE Motorsports (+0.045s)
3. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI (+0.871s)
4. Ryusei Yamanaka MT Helmets – MSI +4.849s)
5. Joel Kelso BOE Motorsports (+10.178s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points After Round Four

1. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 74 points
2. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 68 points
3. Collin Veijer Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 46 points
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI -39 points
5. Joel Kelso BOE Motorsports – 39 points

The post MotoGP Round Four Report | Bagnaia flexes his muscles appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Check out our other race news, including MotoGP, here…

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
Friday at the Bull Grand Prix of the Americas was a duel at the top, and the shootout for direct entry to Q2 went to the wire as lap records fell in MotoGP Practice. Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) set a statement 2:01.397 to destroy the lap record by 0.495 and secure top honours by the end of the day, but that was only enough to deny Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) by less than a tenth after a fast start for the Aprilia Racing rider, who also topped FP1 ahead of Martin.

With 10 minutes to go, Bagnaia was one of those outside the top 10. As the #1 has often managed before, though, with less than two minutes on the clock he pulled out a 2:01.808, ultimately ending the session in fourth. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) concluded a storming Friday with a late lunge into the top five.

Qualifying for the 2024 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas was a true classic, with a dash of drama and magic creating an incredible grid for lights out in Austin. On pole position was Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), who smashed the lap record set on Friday by half a second to carve out his own postcode at the front, three tenths clear in Q2. His pole lap was also a second quicker than pole in 2023.

In second was rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who took his first premier class front row as his pace in Austin continued to awe. And completing that front row was eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) after his first qualifying top three with Ducati, aiming for an eighth win at COTA. Just behind the #93 on the timesheets was reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).

Moto2
After a rollercoaster season so far, pre-season favourite Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) put in another statement Friday at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas as he looked for that elusive first win, or even podium, of the year.

Setting an unbelievable 2:08.359, he destroyed the lap record by 0.392. The Spaniard ended a fantastic session ahead of MT – Helmets MSI’s Sergio Garcia, who was 0.282 behind but also under the previous lap record. Dennis Foggia put in a great day for the Italtrans Racing Team in third, also spending most of the session inside the top five.

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) then went on to steal pole position in the closing moments of qualifying, setting a fantastic 2:07.631 to overhaul compatriot Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp). The #54 ended the session 0.109 adrift after spending most of the session at the top of the timesheets. Qatar podium finisher Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) ended the session in third for his second front-row start in the Moto2 class.

Albert Arenas (QJMotor Gresini Moto2) heads the second row of the grid after a fantastic final lap to place the Spaniard in fourth, losing out on a front-row start by just 0.046. Home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) rounded out the top five as the American put himself in a strong spot for a podium push.

Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) jumped to the top at the end of Friday, setting 14 laps in Practice 1 to hammer home his performance from Free Practice after he’d also started the day fastest. The Colombian’s 2:15.173 in the afternoon saw him edge out Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda, with Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) slotting into third after having been passed fit to ride.

Thanks to David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), Colombia secured a debut Grand Prix pole position to celebrate as the #80 left it late to bag a first Saturday P1. Alonso launches ahead of key rivals Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was just 0.017 adrift in P2, and Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) completing the front row.

Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) will head the second row of the grid, with Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) keeping up his good qualifying record in 2024 to earn a P5.

Check out the full Practice and Qualifying results here…

Tissot Sprint
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) made it back-to-back wins in the Tissot Sprint. The #12 started from a lap record pole, took off at full chat and never looked back at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, leaving the King of COTA – Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) – to battle it out for second on Saturday.

That battle for second pitted the eight-time World Champion against rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) first, and then Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), but Marquez dug in and held on for P2. Martin was able to get ahead of the rookie by the flag too, further extending his points lead.

Martin was the rider on the move in the early stages, getting past Bastianini when the gap to Acosta was hovering around a second and starting to hunt down the leading trio. By the time he’d cut that gap in half, Viñales was already over a second clear at the front, ominous from the off.

By seven to go, Marquez had Acosta and Martin for serious company, with the machines all locked together as they snaked round the mammoth Circuit of the Americas. The rookie didn’t take long to try a move either, attacking with five to go, but the number 93 was ready and repelled him on the cutback. That was Martin’s signal to try his own move and the #89 sliced past Acosta just before the back straight, shutting the door firmly and locking his sights on Marquez.

Up ahead, Viñales’ lead was increasing and increasing until it hit the two second mark, where it stayed within a few tenths here and there as his awesome pace continued. Neither the king of COTA nor the king of the Tissot Sprint had an answer on Saturday, with the #12 crossing the line for a second Sprint win in succession to defeat both on the same day.

“Can I just say I’m dreaming! I want to keep going. The level was amazing. We deserve it,” said a delighted Vinales.

Second on the road at COTA, meanwhile, went to Marquez. The #93 had enough in hand to make sure Martin had no chance to attack, although the Championship leader extended his advantage with third place. Acosta was forced to settle for fourth, able to hold off a late charge from Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).

Tissot Sprint Race Results

1. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (20m 27.825s)
2. Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati (+2.294s)
3. 3.Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+4.399s)
4. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+6.480s)
5. Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing (+6.657s)

Check out the full Tissot Sprint results here…

Sunday
MotoGP Race
If you’re going to make history, it’s best to do it in style – and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) got the memo. After a chaotic start that saw the #12 punted down to P11, the race was absolutely on to claw back through the field and unleash his stunning pace. And that he did. Pass after pass after pass put him back in the postcode of the podium, and from there he threaded the needle to the front and got the hammer down to make history as the first rider to win with three manufacturers in the MotoGP era, in what was one of the greatest races of all time.

Behind Batmav, and not by much, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) came home second to become the youngest rider to take back-to-back premier class podiums, and the rookie was box office – as ever. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium, making a late move on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).

Turn 1 caused a shuffle and set the scene for what was to come. Acosta took the holeshot with a storming start, and Martin caused a chain reaction with a tough move up the inside that sent Sprint winner Viñales wide, and a few more. But Martin converted that smash and grab into second behind Acosta, with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) up eight places into third. Soon, however, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) were on the scene.

The next shuffle came as Martin attacked, and this time took over at the front. Sensing the time was now, Marquez immediately made his move on Bagnaia, and then the rookie ahead was just wide – allowing the #93 through to chase down Martin. The #89, #93, #1 and #31 were locked together, and soon enough after enough shuffles, Bastianini and Miller were right on their tail too.

Meanwhile, Viñales was coming. After dropping to P11, he’d made it past a handful of riders already, including Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), before passing Bastianini with 14 to go.

Once Viñales was onto the back of Bagnaia, a spectacular duel ensued between the two as they danced a perfect 200mph ballet, but the reigning Champion couldn’t hold the Aprilia back. Now Viñales was in pursuit of the top three and the podium, and Acosta had likewise been making hay.

The rookie had cut Championship leader Martin’s advantage right back down, and he had Marquez for company. Once a move was plausible, the sensation struck for P1, pulling the door open to shoot past Martin and take over in the lead. Marquez was able to follow him through and take over second.

And so the rookie led the eight-time World Champion, as Viñales started to harry Martin for third. But the next move came from Marquez as he sliced through to lead.

Marquez then slid out, as the American dream of an eighth win at the track was over for the #93, leaving the rookie to sail to the lead over the line. But that wasn’t for long either, with another dance about to begin – because Viñales was past Martin and chasing Acosta.

The Aprilia was stuck to the back of the RC16 looking for a way past, which he found a lap later at Turn 11. From there he was able to pull out some tenths of breathing space for the moment, with the next action looking likely to come from Bastianini homing in on Martin. The Beast divebombed the Pramac at Turn 1 with five to go, but it was optimistic and the #89 hit back on the cutback.

From there the gaps went out, came back in, and went out agaim. And by the final lap, Viñales just had to focus on getting to the flag to make history. Crossing the line after plummeting down the order and ending even the first lap in P9, the #12 won with a third different bike, taking his 75th podium and completing the double for the first time in his career. The hat-trick of pole, win and fastest lap likewise go the way of Viñales after a spectacular Sunday.

“I made a lot of sacrifices to get here and it is all finally paying off. This shows us that you can never give up. You must have faith in your own abilities and keep growing. This is a historic achievement,” reflected Vinales.

MotoGP Race Results

1. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing (41m 9.503s)
2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+1.728s)
3. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo (+2.703s)
4. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+4.690s)
5. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo (+7.392s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points After Round Three

1. Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 80
2. Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 59
3. Maverick Viñales Aprilia Racing – 56
4. Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 54
5. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 50
   

   ---

Moto2 Race
Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) stunned at the Circuit Of The Americas to take a maiden Moto2 win, just finding enough in the tank to hold off home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing).

Garcia stole the Championship lead in the process, and in only the MT Helmets – MSI team’s third race in the Moto2 class, is now two points ahead of Roberts in the standings. Pre-season favourite Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) claimed a first podium of the year after a nail-biting race start and comeback in what’s becoming a calling card until the #54’s luck changes.

The Moto2 field roared into action on the entry to the technical turn one, with Garcia claiming the holeshot, leading the field from home hero Roberts in second – sending the American crowd to their feet.

It was also gloves off for QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 riders Manuel Gonzalez and Albert Arenas, with the teammates having a near miss and touching – handing Aldeguer sixth place which he happily accepted. Gonzalez would later receive a penalty for a start that was too good to be true – forced to serve a double LLP, thus dropping Gonzalez to a disappointing 15th.

The same fate could not be said for Aldeguer, who made his way inside the top five and latched onto the back of teammate Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp). The SpeedUp teammates did not give each other an inch of room before Aldeguer found a way through and did not look back, with nine laps remaining.

As the race progressed, Garcia’s rhythm looked perfect – stretching a gap of over one second to Roberts. Roberts then made a mistake, running wide at turn 12 to crush the hopes of an American win in the process.

However, the Austin crowd was treated to a fantastic Texan duel for P2 with two laps remaining between Roberts and Aldeguer, with the American able to get the upper hand. Meanwhile, at the front, Garcia made a handful of mistakes in the braking zone – losing time and the gap coming back down.

By the flag it was down to just under half a second, but Garcia held on to take a maiden Moto2 victory and celebrated his success in the Texas sunshine, taking the lead in the standings too.

Roberts was forced to settle for second but took back-to-back podiums for the first time, and celebrated that incredible result on home turf for both him and the team. Aldeguer came across the line to finish in a rock-solid third, ahead of teammate Lopez who was just unable to match the podium pace. Marcos Ramirez added to the OnlyFans American Racing Team’s point tally at COTA – rounding out a talent-packed top five.

Aussie Senna Agius finished in 17th place on the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP bike. 

Moto2 Race Results

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI (34m 25.954s)
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team (+0.492s)
3. Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up (+3.293s)
4. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up (+6.967s)
5. Marcos Ramirez OnlyFans American Racing Team (+7.102s)

Check out the full Moto2 race results here…

Moto2 Championship Points After Round Three

1. Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 51 points
2. Joe Roberts OnlyFans American Racing Team – 49 points
3. Alonso Lopez Beta Tools Speed Up – 38 points
4. Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 38 points
5. Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI- 33 points

Moto3 Race
David Alonso (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) proved unstoppable at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, taking off from pole and able to escape a dramatic contest behind to take his second Grand Prix win of the season in some style.

Up at the front to start proceedings, it was all Alonso, who grabbed the holeshot, with Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) a distance back in second before he peeled off to take the first of his three Long Lap penalties, leaving the Colombian with an even bigger gap.

By 11 to go, it was just over three seconds up the road to Alonso, and the second group was six strong: Holgado, Piqueras, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), Kelso and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI). But Furusato then crashed out from the chase while Kelso slid off, with the latter able to remount.

Veijer and Holgado were making inroads into the gap before even more drama as the Dutchman suddenly highsided out, right as Yamanaka went for a move on Holgado. Veijer was out, but Yamanaka and Holgado were both able to avoid the incident and straightline it across the run off. Piqueras got past both though.

After that, the lead was back up to over six seconds by the start of the final lap, but the podium fight was close as Holgado led Piqueras, who was ahead of Yamanaka, teasing a photo finish. And that it was. The Japanese rider couldn’t quite make an attack but Piqueras tucked in behind Holgado on the back straight and made a move stick at the end of it, no nerves on show as he fought for his first podium. But Holgado was able to hit back, and it went down to a drag to the line.

Looking for one more shot at second, Piqueras took a different line round the final corner and the two headed for the flag side-by-side, split over the line by just 0.013 as Holgado just held on. In doing so the #96 retains the points lead, but Piqueras still takes that maiden Grand Prix podium on only his third Grand Prix start. Alonso, meanwhile, took his second win of the season to move to just two points off Holgado in the standings.

Yamanaka took fourth, his best GP result yet, ahead of a gap back to David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Kelso 7th after the Australian remounted but then got an LLP that became a time penalty for the early race incident with Holgado. Rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GAGAS Tech3) took P8 ahead of fellow debutant Joel Esteban (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team).

Moto3 Race Results

1. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (31m 38.427s(
2. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+5.613s)
3. Angel Piqueras Leopard Racing (+5.176s)
4. Ryusei Yamanaka MT Helmets – MSI (+5.676s)
5. David Munoz BOE Motorsports (+13.285s)

Check out the full Moto3 race results here…

Moto3 Championship Points After Round Three

1. Daniel Holgado Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 65 points
2. David Alonso CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 63 points
3. Joel Kelso BOE Motorsports – 28 points
4. Ivan Ortola MT Helmets – MSI – 23 points
5. Tatsuki Suzuki Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 22 points
   

   ---

6. 

The post MotoGP Round Three Report | Vinales claims historic victory appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....