Bagnaia Wins the Battle; Martin Wins the War

Despite Bagnaia's best efforts, Martin hung on to third place on Sunday to seal the deal and take home the champion's trophy at the conclusion of a long 2024 season

- Charan Karthik

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA OF the Ducati Lenovo team took the final pole position for 2024 ahead of Aleix Espargaro of the Aprilia Racing squad. The pair were accompanied on the front row by six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez in third and he was on his final outing with the Gresini Racing team. Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) managed to qualify fourth. Martin’s teammate, Franco Morbidelli, and Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3’s Pedro Acosta closed out the second row. Before the Qualifying session got under way, Martin was seen in his garage, mentally rehearsing his qualifying lap in usual fashion with his eyes closed.

Sprint

MARTIN NEEDED TO OUTSCORE Bagnaia by two points to wrap up the title on Saturday but the Italian was quick on his toes and turned his pole into victory.

As the lights went out, Bagnaia took the lead and headed into the first corner but it was his teammate, Bastianini, who dived on the inside and snatched the lead after a tremendous start from P8 on the grid. Bagnaia soon regained the lead, though, and was being chased by his teammate with Martin in tow.