MotoGP Bharat GP: VR46's Marco Bezzecchi Takes First Ever Indian GP Pole Position at BIC

Marco Bezzecchi claims pole position for the inaugural Indian MotoGP at the Buddh International Circuit. In addition to the VR46 rider, Jorge Martin and reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who has had multiple spectacular braking moments with his rear tyre high in the air, will make up the all-Ducati front row. However, on the second row, Joan Mir surprised everyone by finishing ahead of Marc Marquez and the rest of the Desmosedici riders to take fifth place. Mir and Marquez both tried to beat Bagnaia by running behind him in the slipstream. When the start of the session was delayed, Aleix Espargaro was released from the pits but had to wait at the end of the pit lane. He was upset with his Aprilia crew. After being forced back to the garage by several Moto3 mechanics, the Spaniard let his frustrations be known. Similarly to Raul Fernandez, Alex Marquez advanced through Qualifying 1, although Alex Marquez was forced to sit out of Qualifying 2 after sustaining injuries to his hand and ribs in a highside. Now, Marquez must undergo additional examinations at the hospital.

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: Riders Praise Buddh International Circuit’s Technical Layout After Friday’s Indian GP

MotoGP Bharat GP: Qualifying Result

Fabio Di Giannantonio was the fastest rider who did not make it out of Q1, missing out by only 0.010 seconds due to his injured Gresini teammate's poor performance. Brad Binder (KTM) led Q1 in the starting, but his first flyer after a tyre change only improved marginally before yellow flags relegated him to 14th place as a pained Marquez struggled to escape the crash site. Due to Binder's unfortunate timing, all four KTM RC16s were left stranded in Q1, making KTM the worst-performing manufacturer of the day.

After receiving input from riders and tyre suppliers on Friday about the hot and humid conditions, event organisers decided to reduce the MotoGP Sprint, Moto2, and Moto3 races by one lap, and the MotoGP Grand Prix by three laps.

Also Raed: MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marc Marquez Reveals his Special Helmet Design Ahead of Grand Prix of India

MotoGP Bharat GP: Race Distances Shortened Due to Hot And Humid Weather Conditions

The first practice sessions for the first-ever Grand Prix of India were held yesterday at the Buddh International Circuit, giving the riders their first look at the BIC layout. The MotoGP riders have suggested changing the race distances at the Grand Prix after yesterday's practice session proved difficult owing to the hot and humid weather. 

Officials have opted to cut one lap from the Tissot Sprint, Moto2, and Moto3 races after hearing riders' opinions and taking recommendations from the official tyre supplier into account. While Sunday's MotoGP Grand Prix will have a shorter race due to a reduction of three laps. 

As a result of the race being shortened, riders may need to come up with new tactics in order to compete efficiently in what is expected to be an extremely competitive setting.