MotoGP Bharat GP: VR46's Marco Bezzecchi Wins Inaugural Indian GP at BIC; Martin, Quartararo Complete Podium

VR46's Marco Bezzecchi has won the first-ever Indian MotoGP. Francesco Bagnaia's massive error moves Jorge Martin closer to the championship lead. Bagnaia and Martin went toe-to-toe throughout the opening half of the race, as Bezzecchi faded into the distance. After appearing to have beaten the Pramac rider on the entry to turn 5, the reigning champion crashed. With Bagnaia out of the way, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo was able to take home his second podium of the year. The Frenchman came close to taking second from a weary Martin as the latter went wide on the penultimate lap. The Spaniard quickly rallied, retaking second place from Quartararo by the narrowest of margins before skipping Parc Ferme to ask for water from his pit box. Brad Binder of KTM finished in fifth place, with Joan Mir of Honda in sixth, his highest finish of the season. 

MotoGP Bharat GP: Grand Prix of India Race Result

Behind the trio of Ducatis, Marc Marquez was running in fourth place when he lost control on the brakes and went down at Turn 1. Marquez rejoined in 16th place and moved up to ninth. Espargaro had to return to the pits at the halfway point due to a technical issue, joining Augusto Fernandez along with Fabio di Giannantonio.

The race winning trophy presented by the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, @myogiadityanath! #IndianGP  pic.twitter.com/7Ufi1JzevC

— MotoGP (@MotoGP) September 24, 2023

Also Read: MotoGP: 2024 Indian GP Race to Take Place in India on October 6 at the Buddh International Circuit

Both Alex Marquez and Luca Marini suffered fractures on Saturday, ruling them out of today's race. In qualifying for the Sprint race, Alex Marquez injured three ribs, and Marini shattered his left collarbone after he collided with teammate Marco Bezzecchi on Turn 1. Both of them won't be able to make it to the Japanese Grand Prix this coming weekend, either.

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: RNF Aprilia to Race Both Bikes with the Indian Flag at Buddh International Circuit

MotoGP Bharat GP: Honda’s Joan Mir Finish 5th

Joan Mir had a strong weekend finish, moving up to 5 place overall. He also left the queue with the first bunch. He maintained a steady pace throughout the race and finished fifth, his best finish of the year. Mir now has 11 points heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, which Honda will be hosting.

Márquez continued his strong Sunday performance and moved up to the front of the pack during the start of the race. On lap six of the race, though, he was involved in a minor crash that dropped him many places in the standings. The Repsol Honda Team rider re-entered the race in 16th place but made up significant ground to finish ninth.

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