MotoGP: Martin's Sprint Win Takes Championship Battle with Bagnaia to Final Race of the Season

As Francesco Bagnaia finished fifth at the Valencia Grand Prix, Jorge Martin of Pramac kept his 2023 MotoGP title hopes alive with a crucial ninth sprint victory of the year.

By Divyam Dubey | on November 25, 2023 Follow us on Autox Google News

Jorge Martin has catapulted himself back into the MotoGP title race, narrowing the gap to just 14 points behind Francesco Bagnaia after securing victory in the sprint at Valencia. Although Bagnaia initially secured a lead as they entered turn one, Vinales promptly surpassed him at turn two, relegating Bagnaia to the second position. The championship contender encountered additional obstacles at turn 10, where Jorge Martin executed a strategic manoeuvre to overtake him.

With a 21-point advantage going into the Valencia finale, Bagnaia could have won the championship in the sprint by finishing ahead of Martin by at least four points. Nevertheless, despite initially holding a favourable position, Bagnaia ultimately secured a fifth-place finish on his factory Ducati, which allowed Martin to emerge victorious and reduce the point difference to a mere 14 points prior to the upcoming grand prix on Sunday. Martin secured victory over KTM's Brad Binder, while Marc Marquez claimed the podium on his Honda, preparing for his farewell with the Japanese marque on Sunday.

Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo did not complete the sprint, which came as a shock to everyone. In an attempt to pass Bagnaia on the fifth lap, the Frenchman went off course at Turn 2. Bagnaia is currently confronted with the crucial objective of achieving a minimum fifth-place finish on Sunday in order to secure the championship.

Also Read: MotoGP Valencia GP: Here’s When, Where and How to Watch Valencian GP Race in India

MotoGP Valencia GP: Sprint Race Result

Pos Rider Team Time
1 Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati 19m 38.827s
2 Brad Binder Red Bull KTM +0.190s
3 Marc Marquez Repsol Honda  +2.122s
4 Maverick Vinales Aprilia Racing  +3.106s
5 Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo +4.253s
6 Fabio Di Giannantonio Gresini Ducati  +4.400s
7 Marco Bezzecchi Mooney VR46 Ducati  +4.502s
8 Alex Marquez Gresini Ducati  +5.578s
9 Johann Zarco Pramac Ducati +5.910s
10 Augusto Fernandez Tech3 GASGAS +6.095s
11 Raul Fernandez RNF Aprilia  +7.674s
12 Jack Miller Red Bull KTM +8.098s
13 Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing  +9.513s
14 Luca Marini Mooney VR46 Ducati  +10.887s
15 Franco Morbidelli Monster Yamaha  +11.943s
16 Pol Espargaro Tech3 GASGAS +12.453s
17 Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo +12.599s
18 Takaaki Nakagami LCR Honda  +13.787s
19 Alex Rins LCR Honda  +20.378s
20 Lorenzo Savadori RNF Aprilia  +25.017s
DNF Fabio Quartararo Monster Yamaha  

Also Read: MotoGP: Luca Marini to Leave VR46 at the End of 2023, Honda Move Confirmed?

MotoGP Valencia GP: About Circuit Ricardo Tormo

Constructed in 1999, the Circuito de la Comunitat Valenciana swiftly became a host for both the Spanish Motorcycle Championship and the MotoGP in the same inaugural year. The Cheste track offers multiple counter-clockwise layouts of varying lengths. For MotoGP races, a 4-kilometer course is employed, featuring five right-hand corners, eight left-handers, and an impressive 876-meter straight.

The circuit's design, strategically laid out to provide a clear view of every section from each stand, fosters a unique atmosphere cherished by both local and international riders. Adding to its allure, the Valencia Grand Prix, being the season's final race, consistently radiates an infectious vibrancy. Notably, the Valencia GP earned the prestigious title of the finest Grand Prix in 2005, as recognized by the IRTA.

Tags: MotoGP Valencia GP MotoGP Valencia GP Jorge Martin Francesco Bagnaia

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