MotoGP Sunday Martin vs Marquez vs Bagnaia: last lap decider at Le Mans

Three of the biggest names in the sport throw down in France – and this time it’s Martin who writes a victory to remember

Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing rose to the occasion at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, prevailing in a thrilling three-way battle against Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™ and Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team that extended right up to the final lap. The event attracted an impressive crowd of nearly 300,000 fans over the weekend, treating them to an unforgettable spectacle as Martin, riding with the #89, closely trailed Bagnaia, executed a daring pass, and then skillfully defended his position in Le Mans, securing a remarkable 25-point haul. In a closely fought contest, Marquez managed to secure second place with a last-lap maneuver that demoted the reigning Champion Bagnaia to third.

At the start, Martin, starting from pole position, made a solid start, but Bagnaia seized the advantage, taking the lead from the second position on the grid. Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales of Aprilia Racing posed a threat but encountered trouble at the chicane, allowing teammate Aleix Espargaro to challenge Martin for second place. As the race unfolded, Marquez, starting from P13, swiftly climbed to eighth position.

At the front, Bagnaia set a blistering pace, closely followed by Martin. The duo opened a gap on the chasing pack led by Espargaro, with Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team trailing in fourth place, and rookie Pedro Acosta of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 eyeing an opportunity to make his move on Viñales. However, Acosta’s aggressive attempt to overtake ended in a crash at Turn 8, while Marco Bezzecchi of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team also suffered a spill while battling with Enea Bastianini of Ducati Lenovo Team.

As the race progressed, Martin remained glued to Bagnaia’s tail, with Marquez steadily making his way through the pack. With just under ten laps remaining, Bagnaia led the race with Martin in close pursuit, but Marquez emerged as a strong contender. A decisive moment came when Martin executed a bold move at Turn 3, momentarily taking the lead before Bagnaia swiftly regained the position. However, Martin’s persistence paid off, and he managed to seize the lead on the following lap, with Marquez hot on their heels.

The battle intensified on the final lap, with Martin and Bagnaia locked in a fierce duel, while Marquez capitalized on a late braking maneuver to snatch second place. Despite Bagnaia’s attempts to reclaim his position, Martin held firm to secure victory, extending his lead in the Championship standings. Marquez’s back-to-back podium finishes mark a significant milestone in his career, while Bagnaia maintains his position in second place despite a challenging race weekend.

In the battle for fourth place, Bastianini made a strong recovery after serving a penalty, overtaking Viñales in the closing stages of the race. Di Giannantonio finished in sixth place, ahead of Franco Morbidelli of Prima Pramac Racing, who narrowly edged past Espargaro. Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing delivered an impressive performance, charging from the back of the grid to secure eighth place. Fabio Quartararo of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ showcased his talent before a crash ended his race prematurely, while Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™ completed the top ten.

With the conclusion of the highly attended Grand Prix, Martin’s victory stands as a testament to his skill and determination. As the Championship moves to Barcelona for the next round, fans can anticipate another thrilling spectacle in the world of MotoGP™.

Garcia storms Le Mans to grab the points lead

Sergio Garcia of MT Helmets – MSI made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, reclaiming the Championship lead in impressive fashion. It turned into a dominant display for MT Helmets – MSI as they secured a 1-2 finish, with Ai Ogura staging a remarkable charge from P17 on the grid to snatch second place, while Alonso Lopez of Folladore SpeedUp held off Joe Roberts of OnlyFans American Racing in a thrilling battle for third on the final lap.

Garcia executed a flawless start, quickly establishing a comfortable lead on the opening lap while chaos unfolded behind him in the pack. Polesitter Aron Canet of Fantic Racing endured a challenging start after a major error on the first lap, tumbling down the order to engage in a fierce scrap with Fermin Aldeguer of Folladore SpeedUp.

The race witnessed several crashes, including Manuel Gonzalez of QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™, causing shifts in the running order. However, it was Canet who emerged as the protagonist, launching a spirited charge after setting the fastest lap. He engaged in an exhilarating battle with Roberts for second place, with Lopez also entering the fray, ultimately slotting into second position momentarily before a small error allowed Canet to reclaim the position. Ogura seized the opportunity to join the podium fight, surging into third place on the final lap.

Garcia crossed the finish line to secure victory at the French GP, with Ogura displaying impressive racecraft to snatch second place from Lopez, ensuring a historic 1-2 finish for MT Helmets – MSI. Lopez valiantly defended against Roberts in a thrilling duel for the final podium spot, successfully fending off a last-corner challenge from the American.

Behind Roberts, Somkiat Chantra of IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia crossed the line in fifth place, closely followed by Canet in sixth after a hard-fought battle with Roberts. Aldeguer delivered a strong performance in seventh place, ahead of Tony Arbolino of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team and Albert Arenas of QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™. Izan Guevara of CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rounded off the top 10.

With Garcia reclaiming the Championship lead, attention now turns to the Catalan GP, where contenders like Roberts and Aldeguer will be eager to mount a comeback. Join us for more thrilling action from Barcelona!

Alonso fends off Holgado and Veijer to bounce back in style

In France, the Colombian showcased impeccable defensive skills, narrowing the gap to Holgado’s Championship lead to just a single point.

David Alonso of CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team delivered a stellar performance at Le Mans, bouncing back from disappointment in Jerez with a masterful display. On the final lap, Alonso made a decisive move early on and expertly defended his position, denying Dani Holgado of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 the opportunity to claim victory. Collin Veijer of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP secured the final spot on the podium, setting the stage for an intense battle among the top contenders.

Alonso initially grabbed the lead at the start, but Holgado swiftly seized control through the chicane. As the Championship leader led the pack with Alonso hot on his heels, Jose Antonio Rueda of Red Bull KTM Ajo applied pressure from behind, setting the stage for a thrilling Moto3™ showdown.

The race witnessed early drama as Riccardo Rossi of CIP Green Power was overtaken by David Muñoz of BOE Motorsports, resulting in Rossi receiving a double Long Lap penalty. Despite the setback, Rossi rejoined the battle, joining the fray among the podium contenders from Jerez.

Alonso, Holgado, Veijer, and Ivan Ortola of MT Helmets – MSI engaged in a fierce battle at the front, with Joel Esteban of CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team and Ortola’s teammate Ryusei Yamanaka keeping close company.

As the race entered its final lap, the top three in the Championship standings—Holgado, Alonso, and Veijer—locked horns in a thrilling duel. Alonso made a bold move to surge ahead of Holgado, maintaining his position through the remaining corners to secure victory. Holgado’s attempts to reclaim the lead were thwarted, leaving Alonso to clinch victory and close the gap to just one point in the Championship standings. Veijer, unable to mount a challenge on the final lap, settled for third place, adding another podium finish to his impressive streak.

Esteban secured fourth place, marking his best Grand Prix result to date, while Ortola rounded out the top five. Adrian Fernandez of Leopard Racing staged a commendable comeback to finish sixth after receiving penalties for slow riding in practice.

Yamanaka, Rueda, Tatsuki Suzuki of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, and rookie Angel Piqueras of Leopard Racing completed the top ten.

With the Championship battle intensifying and only one point separating the top contenders, all eyes now turn to the next stop in Barcelona. Will the narrative take another twist in this thrilling Moto3™ season?

Official MotoGP Press Release