MotoGP Malaysian GP: Bastianini Wins Sepang Race as Bagnaia Extends Title Lead

With a dominant performance in Malaysia, Enea Bastianini won his first MotoGP race of the year, and teammate Francesco Bagnaia made a key move in the title race against Jorge Martin. The start of Martin's race was far more remarkable than the sprint, as he attempted to take the lead into the first bend. But he braked too late and ran wide, letting four riders—including title challenger Bagnaia—pass. Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo made a great start in sixth, followed by KTM's Jack Miller, VR46's Luca Marini in eighth, and KTM's Brad Binder. Aprilia's Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro were followed by Gresini's Fabio di Giannantonio and the rest of the Top 10. At the head of the pack, Bastianini kept Alex Marquez at bay by the narrowest of margins, while Martin passed Bezzecchi for fourth and began chasing Bagnaia for third.

Also Read: MotoGP: Alex Marquez Opens Up About Marc Marquez, Foresees a Crucial Year Ahead for Gresini Racing

MotoGP Malaysian GP: 2023 Sepang International Circuit Race Result

Over the course of two laps, the two leading MotoGP title candidates exchanged places several times. Despite Martin's formidable threat, Bagnaia was able to hold him off. Bezzecchi stayed in fifth place, Miller passed Quartararo, and di Giannantonio advanced to the top ten. Both Binder and Marini finished in the top ten, with Yamaha's Franco Morbidelli passing Vinales to take eleventh. Sadly, Espargaro, Joan Mir, Binder, and Nakagami suffered early retirements due to crashes, adding to the mounting list of departures, which previously included Oliveira and Fernandez.

It is all yours, @Bestia23!

Welcome back to the top step of the podium #MalaysianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/D4Qc3jqorb

— MotoGP (@MotoGP) November 12, 2023

In the meantime, a gap opened up between Martin and the rest of the pack, with Bastianini maintaining a comfortable lead. While Quartararo reclaimed sixth from Miller, Bezzecchi maintained fifth. Di Giannantonio stayed in eighth place, and Morbidelli and Marini were neck-and-neck for ninth. The Yamaha riders kept making gains, with Quartararo moving up to fourth after passing Bezzecchi and Morbidelli moving by Miller, who had previously passed di Giannantonio to move into eighth. Bastianini led from the front and maintained his composure to win the 2023 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix.

Also Read: MotoGP: Johann Zarco Confirms LCR Ride in 2024, No Switch to Repsol Honda

Marquez earned second place, followed by Bagnaia in third, with Martin in fourth and Quartararo in fifth. Tenth place went to Marini, followed by Bezzecchi, Morbidelli, Miller and di Giannantonio. Vinales finished 11th, followed by Zarco, Marc Marquez in 13th, and Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro of GASGAS Tech 3.