Marquez produces Misano magic to defeat Bagnaia as Martin’s gamble backfires

Just one week after returning to the top step of the podium, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) reigned supreme at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. The #93 won by over three seconds in a Grand Prix which would prove to be crucial for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), with the Italian claiming second position and most importantly 20 Championship points. Finally, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) took the final spot on the podium rostrum, earning a dream third place in Misano. The Beast claimed another podium, delivering the goods on Sunday.

There were many storylines on Sunday, with Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) title lead being reduced to just seven points. Everything is still up for grabs after the #89 pitted for wet tyres as the rain began to fall, only for the track to dry. Martin was forced to pit again, dropping to 15^th place and taking just one point.

There was drama before the start, with spots of air and tension in the air, the white flags were waved, allowing riders to swap bikes – the stage was set for an enthralling San Marino GP.  At the start, Bagnaia secured the holeshot, converting pole position into the lead. Martin, unable to match his start from the Sprint was chasing behind in second as he found his way through Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) in third.

Martin looked for an opportunity on Lap 2, running out of room and avoiding contact with the #1 at Turn 2. Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) made contact with Morbidelli, just corners later – with the #31 losing his left wing. Acosta continued to battle with Morbidelli until any hopes of a podium came crashing down at Turn 14 – losing the front on Lap 5.

It was a dramatic start for Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), dropping to the latter places of the top 10. The Italian began to put on a show for the Misano crowd, beginning to duel with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

The rain began to fall heavier, with Morbidelli crashing at Turn 1 on Lap 7. It would prove to be a crucial lap as Martin pitted at the end of Lap 7, becoming the first rider to change bikes. Martin re-entered the track in 15^th position as Bagnaia began to battle in an eight-rider lead group on slick tyres. Positions were changing at every opportunity, with Marc Marquez charging to the lead of the Grand Prix after starting from ninth on the grid.

The key moment of the Grand Prix came at the start of Lap 10 as Martin’s call would backfire, with the #89 pitting for the second time, this time for dry tyres after the rain stopped. Martin was lapped by title rival Bagnaia and was not the only rider who changed machines twice, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing), Acosta and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) and Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales all pitting again.

Marc Marquez was the fastest rider on the circuit, stretching the lead to half a second with 10 laps remaining. The #93 continued to smash the fastest lap, setting the pace and soon creating a two-second advantage. It was looking to be a great day for the Gresini Racing MotoGP™ squad, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) running inside the top five spots, beginning to battle with Bezzecchi.

At the front, it was Marc Marquez who made it back-to-back victories in 2024, crossing the line to win the San Marino Grand Prix. It was an emotional day for the #93 and a huge day in the Championship, with Bagnaia claiming second and Bastianini in third.

Missing out on a podium finish was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), claiming a strong finish in conditions which suited the South African. The #33 crossed the line ahead of Bezzecchi, who recovered to P5 after a stunning final lap battle with the #73. Alex Marquez came second best in the battle, finishing in sixth position with solid points scored on Sunday. Meanwhile, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) concluded an incredible weekend, with the #20 storming to seventh from 10^th on the grid. The Frenchman was in front of Miller, who concluded a great day after finishing ahead of Fabio by Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargarowho rounded out the top 10.

Next up, we will return to the iconic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in two weeks, where the world’s most exciting sport is back in action as another classic awaits at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix!

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