Malaysia MotoGP Saturday Sprint Catch Up

#TheRematch: Martin supreme to set up match point on Sunday as Bagnaia suffers shock crash at Sepang

Sunday promises to be an unforgettable day, with the stakes higher than ever as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia prepare to lock horns for the 2024 MotoGP™ Championship title. The Tissot Sprint at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia showed just how intense the battle could be as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) sprinted ahead to maintain his lead, while reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took a risk that proved costly, sliding out from second place and ending up 29 points behind. Now, with one race left, it all comes down to Sunday.

In the aftermath of Bagnaia’s crash, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) crossed the line second after keeping Martin within striking distance. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) also put in a strong showing, securing the final podium spot.

As the riders lined up on the grid under dry conditions, the tension was palpable. A few raindrops briefly added to the suspense, but soon the track was clear, and Martin seized the lead from his starting position in second. Bagnaia fought hard around the outside but had to concede to Martin into Turn 2, and they took off as the frontrunners, with Marc Marquez keeping close.

Meanwhile, a battle was forming behind them. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), starting from the front row, slipped back to exchange blows with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) for fifth, while Bastianini moved up to fourth. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) showed early speed, pushing his way into contention.

Out front, the leading trio powered on with Martin creating a solid gap, followed closely by Bagnaia and Marquez. But then came the defining moment of the Sprint – one that could go down as the turning point in the championship.

Bagnaia, with a 17-point deficit coming into the race, had no option but to press on and stay close to Martin. But in one of the season’s most dramatic turns, he pushed a little too hard and slid out in a low-speed crash. Fortunately, Bagnaia was unharmed, but he could only watch as Martin stayed ahead of Marquez, holding onto his 29-point lead.

Martin maintained control, keeping Marquez from closing in through the final seven laps. The #89 kept his composure to claim victory, adding valuable points to his championship tally. Marc Marquez finished second, applying pressure but unable to reel in Martin’s lead.

Further back, Bastianini’s fast start and pace won him third as he distanced himself from Alex Marquez, who finished fourth. Fabio Quartararo had a standout race, taking fifth place and securing the best finish of the season for both himself and Yamaha, tying with his P5 finish in Jerez.

Morbidelli finished sixth, followed by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who led the KTM/GASGAS pack. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) edged out Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in a thrilling contest, while Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) just missed out on the final point, trailing by less than a second.

Could this be the decisive moment in the championship? After a season of over 670 points up for grabs, every moment counts, but it’s clear that the championship could be decided at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia.

If Martin claims victory in the main race, Bagnaia must finish right behind him in second to keep his hopes alive. But with Saturday’s Sprint showing how quickly fortunes can change, Sunday’s showdown at 15:00 (UTC +8) will be a race no one will want to miss.

RESULTS

#TheRematch: who needs what on Sunday