MotoGP Sunday Misano Round 13

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

Championship Leader Loses Ground After Flag-to-Flag Gamble, Marquez Triumphs, Bastianini Keeps Perfect Podium Record at Misano

Just a week after reclaiming the top spot on the podium, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) asserted his dominance again at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. The #93 showcased his skill in challenging conditions, opting to push for the lead rather than take the gamble to pit, ultimately securing his first back-to-back victories since 2021.

Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) also chose to stay out, battling Marquez for much of the race before settling for second place. This proved crucial as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who opted to pit, saw his gamble fail. Martin rejoined the race a lap down after being forced to pit again, finishing 15th and reducing his Championship lead to just seven points.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium, maintaining his 100% MotoGP™ podium record at Misano and closing in on Martin in the standings.

The race began with drama as rain threatened, and white flags allowed riders to swap bikes. Bagnaia took the holeshot, with Martin hot on his heels. The pair were closely matched, with Martin attempting a bold move at Turn 2 but just avoiding contact. Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) tangled with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), damaging his bike before crashing out as the rain intensified.

As conditions worsened, Martin pitted, leaving Bagnaia to lead Marquez. However, the rain soon eased, allowing Marquez to overtake and pull away. Meanwhile, Bastianini moved into third, overtaking Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) charged into fourth as the track dried. Despite their best efforts, neither Bagnaia nor Bastianini could close the gap to Marquez, who cruised to victory.

Marquez’s win not only marked a return to form but also reignited his Championship hopes on Gresini’s home turf. Bagnaia’s second-place finish resulted in a 19-point swing in the Championship standings, leaving him satisfied with his performance under pressure.

Behind Bastianini and Binder, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) staged a comeback to finish fifth, overtaking Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in a thrilling battle. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) matched his and Yamaha’s best result of 2024, finishing seventh after a late duel with Miller. Fabio di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s wildcard Pol Espargaro rounded out the top 10, with Martin salvaging a single point in P15.

After a weekend full of Championship twists, the battle at the top tightens as the grid prepares to return to the iconic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in two weeks for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, following a one-day test on Monday.

RESULTS

Official MotoGP Press Release