Two riders. 19 points. One race. And one crown… after super Saturday, it all comes down to this

Bagnaia Keeps Title Hopes Alive as Bastianini Outmaneuvers Martin

The stakes couldn’t have been higher for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) at the Tissot Sprint during the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona. In a near must-win situation, Bagnaia delivered a flawless performance, taking the victory and keeping his championship dreams alive. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), the current Championship leader, also had his own pressures to manage. Despite some intense battles, Martin stayed composed, settling for third after a final-lap duel with teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

As the season finale looms, the gap between Martin and Bagnaia tightens to 19 points, setting the stage for an epic conclusion.

A Fierce Start

When the lights went out, it was anyone’s guess who would claim the holeshot. Bagnaia initially appeared to have it in the bag, but Martin surged forward, only for Bastianini to sweep past them both. However, Bagnaia wasn’t ready to relinquish control. A bold move at Turn 3 saw him reclaim the lead amidst the chaos.

The opening lap wasn’t without its drama. At Turn 3, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) tangled with Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). While both riders stayed upright, Acosta’s front fairing was torn off, forcing him to retreat to the pitlane and end his race prematurely.

Bagnaia Takes Control

With Bagnaia leading, Bastianini and Martin began jostling for second. On Lap 2, Martin made his move at Turn 1, cleanly taking the spot. But just a lap later, Bastianini returned the favor with an even bolder pass, reclaiming second place.

The pair were locked in a thrilling duel, trading positions and pushing each other to the absolute limit. Behind them, Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) capitalized on the battle, closing the gap.

At the front, Bagnaia steadily built his lead. Martin, holding second, faced increasing pressure from Bastianini, who refused to let go. Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) joined the fight for the podium as Morbidelli started to fade.

Final-Lap Drama

By the penultimate lap, Bagnaia maintained a small but steady lead over the chasing pack. Behind him, the battle for second intensified. Bastianini, determined to make his mark, closed in on Martin. Down the main straight for the final time, the Italian unleashed a daring move at Turn 5, darting past the Championship leader. The pass was aggressive yet clean, leaving Martin with no room to counterattack.

Bagnaia crossed the finish line just under a second ahead, ensuring the championship battle continues to the final day. Bastianini’s move not only solidified his claim for third in the overall standings but also delivered a statement of intent.

Final Sprint Results

1. Francesco Bagnaia – A dominant performance under immense pressure.
2. Enea Bastianini – Bold, aggressive, and decisive.
3. Jorge Martin – A steady ride to maintain his Championship lead.
4. Aleix Espargaro – Held firm in a competitive field.
5. Alex Marquez – Another strong showing for the Gresini rider.

Further down the order, Morbidelli fended off Marc Marquez, who recovered well after his early tangle with Acosta. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also finished strong, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) narrowly missing out on the final point in 10th.

The Championship Picture

With the gap between Martin and Bagnaia down to 19 points, everything rides on Sunday’s Grand Prix. Bagnaia has proven he thrives under pressure, but Martin remains in a commanding position.

Don’t Miss the Finale

Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya has set the stage for a dramatic showdown. Will Martin secure his maiden MotoGP™ title, or can Bagnaia pull off a miraculous comeback?

🏁 Lights out: 14:00 CET. Be ready for one final showdown!

RESULTS

#TheRematch: who needs what on Sunday

Moto2 Canet clinches classy pole by a tenth and a half

Aron Canet Takes Final Pole of the Season at the Solidarity GP of Barcelona

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) delivered a stunning lap of 1:42.003 to claim pole position for the final race of the Moto2™ season at the Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona. The Spaniard set the benchmark with an impressive margin of a tenth and a half over second-place qualifier Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™). Rounding out the front row, Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) showcased his late-session prowess, securing third with a clutch performance.

Front Row Analysis

• Aron Canet (Fantic Racing): A commanding pole position on home turf with a stellar lap time.
• Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™): Solid in second, demonstrating consistent pace throughout the session.
• Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP): A surprise entry into the top three, edging out tough competition with a last-minute flyer.

Second Row Contenders

• Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team): Narrowly missed the front row by just 0.020 seconds. The Brit, in his final race with Aspar, will launch from P4.
• Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI): The reigning World Champion secured P5, ready to make a charge.
• Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team): Steady qualifying effort puts him in P6, closing out Row 2.

Row 3 Highlights

• Filip Salač (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team): Starts P7, continuing his strong late-season form.
• Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo): The Malaysian GP winner will launch from P8 as he looks to end the season on a high.
• Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team): Impressive as a stand-in, the veteran will begin from P9.

Big Names Starting Further Back

• Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp): Fought through Q1 but could only secure P13.
• Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI): Starts P14, just behind his teammate.
• Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team): A tough qualifying session sees him begin from P15.
• Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp): A crash early in Q2 relegates him to P18, leaving him with a steep climb ahead.

What to Expect on Race Day

With the grid set for the season finale, Aron Canet has positioned himself perfectly to fight for a victory in front of his home crowd. Meanwhile, Gonzalez and van den Goorbergh will be eager to challenge for their own podium spots. Further down the order, eyes will be on Lopez, Garcia, and Arbolino as they attempt to battle through the pack, while Aldeguer will need to mount an extraordinary comeback from P18.

Key Race Details

• Race Start: 12:15 (UTC +1)
• Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Who will end the season on a high? Tune in to find out!

Seventh heaven: Alonso pockets pole ahead of season finale

David Alonso Takes Seventh Pole of 2024 at the Solidarity GP of Barcelona

World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) continued his dominant 2024 form by securing his seventh pole position of the season. The Colombian phenom delivered a blistering lap to claim pole by over three-tenths of a second at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The #80 will start ahead of Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), both of whom are locked in a battle for the overall runner-up spot in the championship.

Front Row Line-Up

1. David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team): A masterclass in qualifying from the Colombian star, aiming to cap off an extraordinary season.
2. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP): Solidifying his credentials as one of 2024’s top riders, Veijer will look to challenge for a win.
3. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI): In the hunt for the silver medal, Ortola is in a prime position to make a statement.

Second Row Highlights

4. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing): The 2024 Rookie of the Year continues to impress, leading Row 2 with a strong qualifying performance.
5. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3): Starting from the middle of the second row, Holgado remains firmly in contention for the runner-up spot.
6. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse): Capping an impressive debut campaign, Lunetta will launch from P6, eager to finish on a high.

Key Contenders and Storylines

• Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing): Starting from P7, Fernandez is gunning for a top-five championship finish. With just nine points separating him from David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), every position will count.
• David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports): Starting from P12, Muñoz faces a challenging climb if he wants to hold onto his spot in the standings.
• Other Names to Watch: Riders like Ayumu Sasaki, Jaume Masia, and Scott Ogden will aim to make their mark in the season’s final showdown.

What’s Next?

All eyes are on David Alonso as he chases a record-breaking 14th win of the season. The Colombian’s unparalleled end-of-year streak puts him as the favorite, but with Veijer, Ortola, and Piqueras hungry to make their mark, the competition is fierce.

Race Details

• Race Time: 11:00 (UTC+1)
• Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Will Alonso’s dream season end with yet another victory, or can one of his rivals upset the reigning champion’s momentum? Don’t miss the action!