The reigning double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, did not crack under the pressure and took five points from his Spanish opponent, Jorge Martin, who did not take too many risks to maintain a comfortable margin of 19 lengths. Bagnaia can thank his compatriot and teammate Enea Bastianini, who stole second place from Martin on the last lap this Saturday. To be world champion, however, Bagnaia will have to win this Sunday during the Grand Prix and hope that the Madrilenian does not finish better than ninth. Or he can afford to finish second if Martin does not do better than 15th.
Martin in a strong position
At home, the Spaniard therefore remains in a strong position to win his first planetary crown during the last race of the season. Last year, the situation was reversed and the Turinese retained his title without trembling.
This Saturday, Bagnaia dominated the sprint almost from start to finish: if Bastianini, who started from eighth position, got off to a great start which allowed him to pass the first turn in the lead, “Pecco”, who started from the pole position, took only a few turns to overtake his teammate to take control and never let go.
Behind, a very bitter duel pitted Bastianini against Martin, fourth on the grid, for second place, and it was ultimately the Transalpine driver who got the better of the Madrilenian on the last lap. But the Spaniard did not take as many risks as usual and preferred to secure a third place which nevertheless opens up a path to the title.
Behind this trio, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia), born a few kilometers from the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, took fourth place for the last sprint of his career. The Catalan will try to get a podium this Sunday to end his long career in MotoGP. His compatriot Marc Marquez (Ducati-Gresini) had to settle for fifth place. The French Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Johann Zarco (Honda-) finished just outside the points, in 10th and 11th positions respectively.
World championship ranking after the Barcelona sprint:
1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Ducati-Pramac) 492 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia (ESP/Ducati) 473 pts
3. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Ducati-Lenovo) 377 pts
4. Marc Marquez (ESP/Gresini) 372 pts
5. Pedro Acosta (ESP/Ducati-Lenovo) 209 pts…
13. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 108 pts
17. Johann Zarco (FRA/Honda-LCR) 53 pts
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