Thailand MotoGP Sprint Saturday Moto2-Moto3 Qualifying

Bastianini unstoppable as Martin fends off Bagnaia in a tense Buriram Sprint

Bastianini Dominates Tissot Sprint in Thailand, Martin Edges Bagnaia to Stretch Championship Lead

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) showcased a flawless performance in the Tissot Sprint at Thailand’s PT Grand Prix, taking a decisive victory by 1.357 seconds after a dominant run from the front. Behind him, the battle for the championship intensified as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) narrowly held off Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in the final laps, extending his points lead to a crucial 22 over Bagnaia.

The Start: A Dramatic First Lap

Bagnaia launched from pole position with a blistering start, seizing the advantage into Turn 1. But Martin was quick to respond, diving inside to challenge him. The aggressive move sent both riders wide, creating an opportunity for Bastianini and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) to slip through. Martin’s position dropped further as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) passed him, defending his place fiercely until an error caused Acosta to slide out on Lap 2.

Regaining his rhythm, Martin quickly overtook the rookie, reclaiming fourth. His next target was Marc Marquez, and with a precise move at the final corner, Martin snatched the position from the eight-time champion, setting his sights on Bagnaia in second.

Mid-Race Moves: Martin Closes in on Bagnaia

As the race unfolded, the trio of Bagnaia, Martin, and Marquez held close proximity on the track, with Martin gradually closing the gap to Bagnaia. When he got close enough, Martin made his move at Turn 7, momentarily veering wide and triggering a track limits warning but holding the position.

With Bastianini comfortably leading, Martin and Bagnaia remained only 0.350 seconds apart in a nail-biting chase to the checkered flag. Bagnaia attempted to regain second but couldn’t find a way past.

Final Lap Tension: Bastianini Prevails, Martin Fends Off Bagnaia

As they entered the last lap, Martin had reduced Bastianini’s lead, while Bagnaia trailed by a similar margin behind Martin. In a composed final push, Bastianini secured his second Sprint victory of the season, with Martin holding firm in second and Bagnaia crossing in third, conceding another two points to his championship rival.

Marquez Brothers Make Their Mark

Marc Marquez clinched fourth place, taking home valuable points after being unable to keep pace with the top three. His teammate and younger brother, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), rounded out the top five with an impressive ride, finishing just 0.947 seconds ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) in sixth.

Battles in the Midfield

Further back, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team engaged in their own intense duel, eventually finishing in seventh and eighth, with Bezzecchi just a tenth ahead. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who had surged up to sixth early on, faded and claimed the final point in ninth.

A spirited fight just outside the points saw Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) edge out Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who managed to stay ahead of Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) at the flag.

Tomorrow’s Showdown

With just 22 points separating Martin and Bagnaia, Sunday promises another thrilling race. Bagnaia will start from pole, aiming to close the gap with 25 points on the line. Be sure to tune in at 15:00 local time (UTC +7) for the next chapter in this exciting championship battle.

RESULTS

Moto 2 Ogura on song to seal match point pole in Thailand

Ogura Clinches Crucial Pole in Thailand as Title Showdown Nears

Under immense pressure, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) showed no sign of nerves, delivering a spectacular lap to seize pole position at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The Japanese rider, leading the Moto2™ title race, set a blistering time of 1:34.728, beating Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by just 0.051 seconds. Rookie sensation Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) rounded out the front row, with only 0.074 seconds separating the top three riders.

Arbolino’s Grit and Penalty

Pushing through the pain barrier, Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) clinched a personal best late in Q2, securing fourth position. However, due to his role in Friday’s incident with Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), the Italian was handed a three-place grid penalty, meaning he’ll start from seventh.

Second Row Shake-Up

With Arbolino’s penalty, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) moves up to P4, leading the second row. He’ll be joined by Filip Salač (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™), both of whom showed strong pace through qualifying.

Eyes on Aldeguer

Fresh off his Australian GP victory, Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) will launch from eighth as he looks to challenge Ogura’s shot at the 2024 crown.

Title on the Line

The stakes are high as Ogura enters Sunday’s race with the title in sight. A top-five finish would secure him the Championship, making the odds heavily in his favor. Will the #79 claim his crown in Buriram, or will the battle continue to Malaysia?

Don’t miss the action at 13:15 (UTC +7) as the Moto2™ showdown unfolds!

Moto 3 Kelso claims debut pole to deny Veijer in Buriram

Joel Kelso Grabs First Grand Prix Pole with Stellar Q2 Finish in Thailand

After a thrilling final lap in Q2, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) clinched his first-ever Grand Prix pole position at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. Kelso’s impressive 1:40.603 lap edged out Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) by a mere 0.073 seconds, giving the Australian his first taste of leading the grid. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), unable to complete his final flying lap due to a pit lane delay, will line up in P3, completing the front row.

Alonso Eyes 12th Win from Row 2

World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) will start from the second row in P5, aiming for a record-breaking 12th victory of the season. Alonso sits between Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) in P4 and Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing) in P6. Furusato is looking to replicate his podium success in Thailand from last season, while Ogden has his sights set on a maiden rostrum finish.

Holgado and Ortola in the Hunt for Silver Medal Standings

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), currently in the mix for the 2024 Moto3™ runner-up spot, starts in P7. His main rival, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), begins from P9 as both riders battle to keep their podium hopes alive heading into the final races of the season.

The Race Begins!

With the grid set and stakes high, all that’s left is to race. The Moto3™ showdown in Buriram kicks off at 12:00 (UTC+7) — be sure to tune in and see who will emerge victorious in Thailand!

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