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  • WorldSBK: Bulega signs off in style at Jerez

    WorldSBK: Bulega signs off in style at Jerez

    In his final WorldSBK round and with the championship long sewn up, Nicolo Bulega signed off with another treble of race wins to leave his mark on the series he has made his own since the departure of Toprak Razgatlioglu.  An emotional weekend saw Bulega and two other successful riders bow out of the Superbike World Championship and the Pirelli era come to an end at the Spanish Round in Jerez.

     

    Race 1

    Bulega’s biggest challenger at the start of Race 1 was Sam Lowes who had impressively outqualified Iker Lecuona and the rest of the field to start second.  After a bold attempt at the first corner, after half a lap Bulega was able to race clear as Sam settled a couple of seconds back en route to his best WorldSBK finish to date.

    Lecuona had a frustrating race that required some stern defence against Yari Montella in the opening stages, after which the damage was done as the Spaniard had to settle for third, and was arguably only the fourth fastest Ducati.  The man setting the timing sheets alive and reminding everyone what he was capable of was Alvaro Bautista who muscled his way up to fourth in what could be his final outing in the World Championship.

    The top Yamaha was a miserable 13th after Xavi Vierge’s bike went up in flames but it was even worse for BMW as their top finisher Petrucci (like Bautista racing in possibly his final WorldSBK round) was 17th after Oliveria retired.  Alex Lowes suffered a painful descent down the order, slowly falling to eighth behind a wave of Ducati’s although he once again finished as the best of the rest.

    Tommy Bridewell could not quite make it eight Ducati’s in the top eight and was stuck battling Alex Lowes’ teammate Axel Bassani behind.  Behind those two, Jake Dixon had another solid race on the Honda in 11th while teammate Chantra missed out on a point by half a second.

    Race 1 Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Tissot Superpole Race

    Lecuona avenged his poor start from yesterday and barged his past Sam Lowes towards the end of the first lap for second.  The latter was caught out by the aggressive move and the riders behind had to bunch up in avoiding action.

    Unsurprisingly Bulega was already clear enough by this point to settle into a comfortable lead although Lecuona – like Sam Lowes the previous day – was at least able to keep him in sight a couple of seconds up the road.  The gap did start to come down towards the end of the 10-lap affair but it was too late for Lecuona to do anything about his dominant Ducati teammate.

    Montella did not have the pace to challenge Sam Lowes for the podium but stayed a second clear of Alex Lowes.  This was just as well as Bautista repeated his charge up the field, only reaching sixth and less than a second behind the Bimota in fifth.

    Baldassari followed Bautista home while Bridewell lost out to Alberto Surra on the last lap.  The two banged bikes repeatedly through the first three corners of the final lap which allowed an opportunistic Vierge to scythe through for ninth and book his place on the third row of the grid for Race Two as Bridewell fell outside the crucial top nine.

    Tissot Superpole Race Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Race 2

    Lecuona secured the holeshot to turn one as Bautista made the most of his improved starting position to leap up to third.  After just six corners, Bulega was back in front and took his 32nd victory from 36 races in the 2026 season – yet another record tumbling at the close of his WorldSBK career.

    Sam Lowes snuck through on his fast-starting brother at the end of lap one and then Alex fell backwards just like the race the previous day.  Baldassari and Montella kept each other occupied in a close battle for fifth throughout the race while Lowes settled ahead of teammate Bassani.

    The two Bimota riders were clear of an entertaining battle for ninth between Surra, Vierge, Bridewell and Oliveira, the latter contending for the top 10 for the first time this weekend.  And then just five laps from the end, rain started to fall but thankfully the whole 22-bike grid made it home in the final race of the year.

    The rain would prove terminal for two-time champion Bautista’s hopes of a fairytale podium in what looks like his final WorldSBK race.  Sam Lowes moved past in the closing laps for his third podium of the weekend and it was a fantastic way for his and MarcVDS Ducati’s season to end but it was deeply disappointing for Bautista to lose out in front of his home crowd, while Petrucci came home a woeful 20th in what is at the very least his last race BMW.

    Bulega wrapped up the most wins, podiums, pole positions, points, fastest laps, consecutive wins, consecutive podiums and consecutive poles ever in the history of the Superbike World Championship and his redemption arc was finally complete.  Much later than planned Bulega is now off to MotoGP and back into the arms of Valentino Rossi, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy after an unforgettable three years in WorldSBK.

    Race 2 Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Championship Standings

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

    Feature Image Credit: WorldSBK

  • WorldSBK: Lecuona takes maiden treble as Bulega clinches championship at Cremona

    WorldSBK: Lecuona takes maiden treble as Bulega clinches championship at Cremona

    Rather ominously for the 2027 season, Iker Lecuona finally unlocked the kind of crushing form his teammate has displayed this year by taking a comfortable treble of victories in Cremona.  But today was all about 2026 as Nicolo Bulega was crowned Superbike World Champion on home soil at the EICMA Italian Round…

     

    Race 1

    From his first pole position since 2022, Lecuona held the lead throughout the entire race to take a comfortable race win.  In doing so, he delayed the coronation of Bulega for at least another day with the world championship leader having no answer for his teammate.

    Bulega was much closer to Sam Lowes behind than he was to Lecuona.  Sam had inherited the podium after fast-starting Yari Montella crashed out at the end of the first lap, later crashing again after restarting to make it four crashes in two days.

    Alberto Surra was searching for his first podium in WorldSBK but exited the race around the same time as Tommy Bridwell to let Sam Lowes go unchallenged in third.  Another contender for the podium then emerged in the form of Lorenzo Baldassari while Sam’s brother Alex held off Garrett Gerloff for the entirety of the race.

    The most action was undoubtedly between P7 and P12 as Andrea Locatelli valiantly held onto seventh as the two other Yamaha riders Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi fell back to 11th and 12th while squabbling the entire race.  Axel Bassani, Jake Dixon and Alvaro Bautista all pressed for seventh but came home in that order.

    Race 1 Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Tissot Superpole Race

    Bulega gambled on running the qualifying tyre to try and pounce ahead of Lecuona but his strategy would backfire.  Lecuona withstood the pressure from behind in the early laps and then Bulega – as expected – ran out of grip in the second half of the race.

    The muted battle out front was at least followed by a tight contest for third.  Surra finally took his first podium ahead of Montella (who briefly got ahead on lap eight) and the two Lowes brothers, with Sam again ahead of Alex.

    Baldassari and Gerloff crashed out at the Parabolica corner on the first lap while Bautista retired further back.  Meanwhile, Gardner had been declared unfit and Dixon again impressed while scything through to ninth on his Honda.

    Tissot Superpole Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Race 2

    World champion-elect Bulega once again had to settle for second as his teammate romped to his first ever treble, but he had done enough to be crowned on home soil with two rounds and six races to spare in 2026.  It marks the conclusion of an emotional redemption arc for Bulega, once on the path to MotoGP with guidance from Valentino Rossi, cast aside and rebuilding himself in World Supersport, then doing so well over the last three years that he will now return to VR46 in the premier class of motorcycling next year as Superbike World Champion.

    The Italian has won 26 out of 30 races held so far this year, and including the last four of last year went on an unprecedented 25-race winning run.  His worst finish all season is second, and his promotion to MotoGP next year is absolutely deserved having utterly crushed his opposition with an unparalleled level of dominance and consistency.

    Behind Bulega came Montella just a second clear of Surra, the latter enjoying the most impressive round of his debut WorldSBK season to date.  Those two were initially chased by the Lowes brothers but Sam took himself out at the final corner while trying to pass his brother.

    Baldassari had work to do after crashing in the morning and was a joy to watch in a rather mute race cutting through the field to seventh.  It was very nearly sixth but Dixon held on to take his best result of his injury-affected season in sixth and his Honda teammate Somkiat Chantra almost beat Danilo Petrucci to line for 12th.

    Sixth was the position that Bridewell crashed out of with Oliveria, Vierge and Bautista (for the second time today) also failing to finish.  The Yamaha riders finished no higher than 10th while Gerloff and Bassani had anonymous runs to eighth and ninth.

    Race 2 Results

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Championship Standings

    Image Credit: WorldSBK

     

    Feature Image Credit: WorldSBK

  • MotoGP: Marc Marquez Wins Thailand Sprint Race

    MotoGP: Marc Marquez Wins Thailand Sprint Race

    The first race of the 2025 season may not have been the most exciting or dramatic race but it’s the day all us MotoGP fans have been waiting 4 months for. 

    He’s the rider everyone has been talking about during the pre-season. He, without a doubt, has the most pressure on him for 2025 as he is many people’s favourite for the championship. Marc Marquez has used that pressure to his advantage to take a dominant Sprint race win in Thailand.

    Image Credit: MotoGP

    He started the race on pole, led every lap and faced no real competition from any riders behind him. A dream start to his season and first blood in his battle with new team mate Pecco Bagnaia!

    Just behind him was his brother, Alex Marquez, as they enjoy their first ever 1-2 race result. After a brilliant pre-season showing and strong qualifying result, Alex was able to bring his Gresini machine home in 2nd place. 

    The final podium spot was taken by Pecco Bagnaia, who was visibly quiet during the celebrations. He enjoyed a short battle with Alex Marquez in the opening corners of the race but was unable to improve on 3rd. 

    Image Credit: MotoGP

    Missing out on a podium spot by just less than 1 second was Ai Ogura. The rookie had a phenomenal race, staying with Bagnaia and, at some points, even close in on him and looking hungry for a podium. 

    It was a difficult day for Jack Miller, who crashed out of 6th midway through the race, after a brilliant qualifying performance. The KTM Tech3 riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, who won this race 12 months ago, also struggled and ended the day in 14th and 18th respectively. 

    As It Happened

    As the lights went out and the race started, both factory Ducati bikes flew off the line. Bagnaia looked ready to take 2nd place but Alex Marquez gave him a good battle and was able to retain 2nd place. Both settled in behind Marc Marqeuz who quickly put clean air between himself and the rest of the grid. 

    It was a good start for Ogura who took 4th place away from Jack Miller, who was shuffled down to 6th. 

    It was a terrible start for Marco Bezzecchi, who’s bike bounced off the line and left him swallowed by the grid and stuck down in 18th. 

    On lap 2, both KTM riders were catching up to Fabio Quartararo, in 7th. Pedro Acosta went wide and had to bail off the racing line. The following lap, Acosta got past his team mate Brad Binder at the inside of turn 4. 

    He was then chasing down Quartararo for another few laps until, on lap 7, Acosta was finally able to get ahead. Acosta put the Yamaha rider under so much pressure that he forced him to make mistakes, which he then took full advantage of. 

    One lap earlier, Jack Miller crashed out from 6th place, meaning Acosta was now up to 6th. 

    By now, Marc Marquez has a comfortable 1.2 second lead ahead of Alex Marquez who, in turn, was 1.3 seconds ahead of Bagnaia. 

    As things quietened down for the front half of the grid, there was a huge battle from 10th onwards. Johann Zarco, Raul Fernandez, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Fermin Aldeguer and Marco Bezzecchi were battling hard.

    At turn 5, lap 11, Di Giannantonio went wide and was looking down at his bike. He bailed off the racing line and eventually retired the bike with a mechanical issue, taking him out of the battle. 

    Top Ten

    Image Credit: MotoGP

    Feature Image Credit: MotoGP

  • MotoGP: Marc Marquez Claims First Pole of 2025 in Thailand

    MotoGP: Marc Marquez Claims First Pole of 2025 in Thailand

    MotoGP is back and the grid are in Buriram, Thailand, for the first race of the season. The three riders who appeared to be the “ones to beat” during pre-season testing have claimed the front row after qualifying today. 

    Marc Marquez has started his factory Ducati career in the best way possible, taking pole position today. He kept his coll despite the rising temperatures, topping the timing sheets at the start of the session and remaining there throughout.

    It was an odd Q2 session with two crashes in the final few minutes – the result yellow flags ruined all three fo Marc Marquez’s final runs but that didn’t matter. With others unable to improve on their times, he stayed safely at the top of the timings.

    He lines up alongside his brother, Alex, giving us a Marquez 1-2 on the starting grid for the first time! Alex Marquez is clearly enjoying riding his new Gresini, setting a time  just 0.146s behind Marc. 

    Just 0.027s behind Alex is Pecco Bagnaia, who had to come through Qualifying 1 to take 3rd place today. Bagnaia is forced to run in Q1 after a series of bad luck in free practice. He was impeded by Franco Morbidelli who was cruising at half speed on the racing line and then hit with a yellow flag that was shown by the stewards by mistake. They apologised to Bagnaia but weren’t able to reinstate his flying lap time. 

    Impressively, Jack Miller and Ai Ogura will line up 4th and 5th. Miller has told media in the lead up to this weekend that he is really enjoying his new Prima Pramac machine and is jelling well with the Yamaha engine. Ogura, the 2024 Moto2 champion, is already showing his speed for his first ever MotoGP race weekend. 

    Image Credit: MotoGP

    Qualifying 1:

    As the first flying laps were completed, Baganaia went straight to the top, where he stayed for the rest of the session. DiGiannantonio was the first to take the second progression spot, but was bested by Jack Miller. 

    As riders came out for their second run, Bagnaia made the bold decision to stay in the garage, presumably to save tires for the Sprint race later today. 

    With two minutes of the session left, it started to look like Baganaia had made a mistake as everyone began setting flying first sector times. As Bagnaia took his helmet off, Miguel Oliveira popped up into 2nd place and the Ducati team began looking very nervous. 

    The checkered flag fell and Jack Miller set a stonking lap, just 0.006s behind Bagnaia. He crossed the line and celebrated by slapping the tank of his bike and treating the fans to a a wheelie down the straight. 

    Other riders were unable to improve and this left Bagnaia and Miller as the advancing pair. 

    Qualifying 2:

    In this second session, with track temperatures now up to a blistering 50°C, Pecco Bagnaia was the first to hit the top of the timing sheets, with a 1:29.259. However, given times we saw in free practice, he would need to improve if he wanted a front row spot. As if to prove this point, he was quickly bestest by both Marquez brothers. Alex was the first to take provisional pole, only to be shuffled down by his older brother, Marc, who set a 1:28.782.

    With 10 minutes left on the clock, rookie Ai Ogura set a very impressive 1:29.134 to take provisional 3rd. His Trackhouse Aprilia is sporting a new, very classic, Gulf livery this weekend. 

    As the riders start their second runs, Miller was following Bagnaia and using him as a marker. He set an identical sector 1 time to Marc Marquez and eventually ended up leaping from 12th to 4th – a phenomenal result for the improving Yamaha. 

    Marc Marquez made a mistake on his next run, going wide at turn 8. This leaves him need to start over but, as he does so, Marco Bezzecchi goes down at turn 3 and the resulting yellow flag sees Marquez bail out of another fast run. The front of Bezzecchi’s Aprilia folds under him as he enters turn 3, forcing him to settle for 9th.

    With just 1 and a half minutes left of the session, exactly the same thing happens again. This time, Joan Mir goes down on the exit of turn 3, while trying to force his HRC Honda back on to the racing line. Another yellow flag catches Marc Marquez and, this time, also his brother Alex. 

    With tyres now losing performance, neither Marquez brother can improve their times on their last flying lap. In fact, the only riders to improve at Fabio Quartararo, going up to 10th, and Pedro Acosta, going up to 7th. 

    Results: 

    Image Credit: MotoGP

     

    Feature Image Credit: MotoGP

  • MotoGP: Bagnaia Wins Barcelona Sprint – #TheRematch Goes To Sunday! 

    MotoGP: Bagnaia Wins Barcelona Sprint – #TheRematch Goes To Sunday! 

    Pecco Bagnaia has mastered the tricky conditions in Barcelona today, taking a brilliant sprint race win to keep his championship hopes alive. He was joined on the podium by his teammate, Enea Bastianini, and championship leader, Jorge Martin. 

    MotoGP has called this weekend the “rematch” weekend and it’s certainly shaping up to a dramatic end to a dramatic season. Coming into this weekend, Jorge Martin was leading the championship by 24 points – comfortable, but by no means done and dusted for the Spaniard. That meant that Martin just needed to win today’s sprint race in order to seal the title. 

    However, it was his closest rival who took the victory today. Pecco Bagnaia took a dominant and convincing win, with no one able to come close to him at all in the race. He was totally at one with his machine all day today, taking pole position and then leading for most of the race. 

    Image Credit: MotoGP on X

    His Ducati teammate, Enea Bastianini, came home in 2nd. He had an amazing start, leaping from 8th to 1st in just one corner. He then had an 8-lap long battle with Martin for 2nd place, before drifting back in the pack during the middle of the race. In typical Bastianini fashion, he came back strong in the latter stages of the race and enjoyed another nail-biting battle with Martin before finally taking 2nd. The Ducati team were elated with a 1-2 finish today. 

    Martin has been struggling all weekend, complaining about rear grip and a lack of confidence in the front of the bike. He was therefore thrilled to take 3rd place, despite not being able to win the title today.

    Aleix Espargaro, on his final weekend as a MotoGP rider, finished in 4th. He enjoyed a brilliant qualifying session earlier today, stating that this track is his “favourite”, which saw him start on the front row of the grid. 

    Alex Marquez finished in 5th – a brilliant result for him after a weekend of equally brilliant form. The top ten was then rounded out by Franco Morbidelli, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder and Fabio Quartararo in 6th to 10th respectively. 

    There was just one retirement in the race today – our only rookie, Pedro Acosta, made contact with Marc Marquez on lap 1 which saw the front fairing of his GASGAS Tech3 bike ripped off. He sadly wasn’t able to continue on his “naked” bike and soon retired to the pits. 

    Top 10
    Image Credit: MotoGP on X
    Championship Standings
    Image Credit: MotoGP on X

     

    Feature Image Credit: Pecco Bagnaia on X

  • Moto2: Your Moto2 World Champion! Ai Ogura!

    Moto2: Your Moto2 World Champion! Ai Ogura!

    After not finishing lower than 4th place in the last 5 races, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was not letting anyone else take the title away from him this season!

    Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) did all he could and took a great win today but was unable to stop Ogura from taking the Moto2 crown! In a frantic battle stopped by the rain, Canet finished on the top step to Ogura in 2nd and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) in 3rd.

    AS IT HAPPENED

    It was a great start from pole position for Ogura who lead the field through turn 1. The lead though was cut short as Canet late on the brakes, went up the inside of Ogura into turn 2. Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) dove far too deep up the inside of Canet at turn 4, and opened the door for Ogura to retake the lead of the race.

    Turn 5 and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) from nowhere wiped out Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), both riders ok as the crazy first lap continued. Into the last corner and Ogura went from 2nd to 7th as Ramirez went by into turn 12 as Moreira and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) both barged their way by Ogura.

    Moto2 looked like a Moto3 race as everyone across the field diced and fought for positions. Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) went from 16th to 6th place after the 1st lap. Binder would later crash out of the race on lap 8 after such an heroic start.

    Third race distance completed and Ogura barged Binder wide with 16 laps to go. Canet still lead at the front from Ramirez in 2nd with a 1 second gap to Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) in 3rd. Moreira and Dixon swapped places as Ogura patiently waited to pounce and pounced he did to get by Dixon up into 4th place.

    Approaching half race distance, Ogura finally moved back into the podium places going by the Brazilian Moreira up into 3rd. At this point from the back of the grid to 11th, Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) was having a great race. Also, Dixon’s teammate and once Moto3 champion Izan Guevara was up into 5th.

    With 10 laps to go, Ogura was world champion if it stayed as it was riding in 3rd place. Setting the fastest lap of the race, it was only a matter of time before Ogura went by and passed Ramirez into 2nd.

     

    Into the final 3rd of the race and Canet was holding station at the front as Ogura continued to push to try and take victory in Buriram. Rain drops began to fall as local hero in the tiger livery Somkiat Chantra, was all over the back of Guevara fighting for 5th.

    5 laps to go and Canet set his fastest lap of the race with Ramirez closing in on Ogura. Chantra overtook Guevara into the final corner as the crowd roared on the home hero. Chantra now up to 5th place and hunted down Moreira in 4th.

    The rain flags waved to the inevitable red flag that followed. The race was stopped to the delight of the MT Helmets – MSI team. Canet was superb throughout the race but unable to stop Ogura’s surge to the title this season.

    Ai Ogura, the first ever Asia Talent Cup rider world champion and a huge inspiration to all those young riders coming through in the Asia Talent Cup.

    On a personal note, I was at Valencia in ’22 when it went down to the wire between Ogura and Augusto Fernandez a couple of seasons ago. Ogura crashed out in front of me on that Sunday and I watched his dreams shatter on that day.

    To see Ogura come back in the fashion he has after the injuries he’s suffered is superb! I was buzzing to see him win this season in Barcelona and also in Misano. I wish Ai Ogura every success next season as he moves up to MotoGP.

    Race Classification

    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Image Credit: MotoGP

    Championship Standings

    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Image Credit: MotoGP
  • MotoGP: Martin Enjoys Faultless Win in Indonesia

    MotoGP: Martin Enjoys Faultless Win in Indonesia

    Today’s race in Mandalika was tough for riders up and down the grid, with only 12 bikes finishing the race. However, the two riders at the front were able to control the field and keep their noses clean in an exceptional display of their abilities. 

    After a difficult Saturday, Jorge Martin has enjoyed a perfect Sunday here in Mandalika. He started the race on pole, led every lap and controlled the whole race on his way to a brilliant win. He was untouchable with his nearest rival rarely able to get within a second of him.

    On the cool-down lap and in parc ferme, he was celebrating as if he had won the title. After crashing during the sprint race, and crashing out of the lead of last year’s Indonesian GP, this was undoubtedly a display of relief from the Prima Pramac rider. This the first race win for Martin since Le Mans, and he will be keen to capitalise on this momentum as we now reach a crucial part of the season.

    Image Credit: MotoGP on X

    It was an equally fantastic day for rookie rider, Pedro Acosta, who came home in 2nd. He started the race in 3rd, claimed 2nd place on lap 3 and never looked back. As he crossed the line, he was instantly under investigation for a tyre pressure infringement. The team still celebrated in the park ferme and, two hours after the podium celebration, it was confirmed he would keep his 2nd place as no further action was needed.

    Martin’s closest championship rival, Pecco Bagnaia, came home in 3rd. Whilst he wasn’t able to end the day ahead of Martin, he will still be pleased with this result. After a horrible start, with the bike bouncing off the grid and dropping him down to 6th, he eventually was able to find his rhythm and make his way back up to 3rd.

    It was ultimately a race of attrition today with only 12 riders meeting the chequered flag.

    This started on the first lap as Jack Miller hit the kerb on the inside, at the change of direction between turns 2 and 3. This sent his bike down and, as he slid across the track into the gravel, he took down with him Alex Marquez, Luca Marini and Aleix Espargaro. For Marquex and Espargaro, it was their fourth crash of the weekend – certainly a weekend to forget for them both.

    It was also a retirement for yesterday’s podium-finisher, Marc Marquez, who wasn’t able to enjoy the same result today. On lap 12, his bike went “bang” and he pulled off the track with his Gresini machine on fire.

    For several laps before this technical issue, Marquez had been enjoying a fantastic battle with VR46 rider, Fabio DiGiannantonio. The pair were dicing and fighting, overtaking each other on most corners in a brilliant but clean display of tough racing.

    Enea Bastianini, who was setting a blistering pace and numerous fastest laps as he fought his way up into the podium positions, went down at turn 1 of lap 21. He ultimately overcooked it in the corner and the bike went down in the breaking zone.

    Both Marquez and Bastianini were clearly disappointed as they made their way back to the garage. Could today’s difficult result be the end of their championship battle?

    There were also DNF results for Fabio DiGiannantonio, who crashed out while under pressure from Marc Marquez at lap 9, Joan Mir, who crashed on lap 13, and Augusta Fernandez, who retired with a mechanical failure.

    It was a more positive day for Franco Morbidelli and Marco Bezzecchi, who finished in 4th and 5t respectively. Both riders have had a tough season so far so will certainly enjoy today’s results and the battles they enjoyed along the way.

    With action up and down the grid throughout the race, today’s race was a Mandalika classic!

    TOP TEN
    Image Credit: MotoGP on X
    CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
    1 Jorge Martin 366 points
    2 Pecco Bagnaia 345 points
    3 Enea Bastianini 291 points
    4 Marc Marquez 288 points
    5 Pedro Acosta 181 points

    Feature Image Credit: Jorge Martin on X

  • MotoGP: Bagnaia Brings Home Ducati 1-2 in Indonesian Sprint as Martin Crashes

    MotoGP: Bagnaia Brings Home Ducati 1-2 in Indonesian Sprint as Martin Crashes

    The 2024 MotoGP World Championship is turning into a story of mistakes, not successes. It’s a title that won’t be won, but rather won’t be thrown away. Today, it was Jorge Martin’s turn to make a devastating mistake which he will look back on with frustration as we draw ever closer to the final race in Valencia. 

    Image Credit: Enea Bastianini on X

    It was a race of contrasts today for our two championship leaders, Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. With a pole position, a brilliant start and a comfortable early lead, it should have been plain sailing for Martin from there on out. However, he seemingly pushed his tyres too hard too early and ended up crashing at turn 16 of the first lap.

    This gifted the lead to his closest rival, Bagnaia, who kept his nose clean and spent the rest of the race with a fairly comfortable lead. It was a near-perfect performance from Bagnaia, despite the dusty, slippery track conditions and chaos happening behind him.

    Joining him on the podium were two other championship contenders who have been able to pull closer to the battle at the front.

    Enea Bastianini was able to bring home a brilliant Ducati 1-2. It was a strong race from him after stating in 5th but showing his speed as he fought his way up to 2nd.

    Marc Marquez took the final podium spot, ending the sprint race in 3rd. He started the race in 12th after a crash in Q2. A classic Marqeuz-style first lap saw him leap up from 12th to 5th before turn 1, and the rest of the race was his to enjoy from there.

    Martin failed to score points today – he rejoined the back of the grid after his crash but, despite a valiant battle and a number of aggressive moves, he ended the day in 10th. He looked visibly dejected as he met the chequered flag, undoubtedly considering what could have been today.

    It was a much more positive day for Marco Bezzecchi who is back to his former self this weekend, after struggling so far this season. He started the race on the front row and ended the day in 4th – he would have been hoping for a podium finish but, on lap 7, he missed his breaking and almost hit the back of Bagnaia. This forced him out wide, on to the dirt, dusty part of the track and he dropped back from 2nd to 4th, where he spent the rest of the race.

    Just behind Bezzecchi were Franco Morbidelli, Pedro Acosta, Maverick Vinales and Johann Zarco in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th respectively. This group were in a huge battle for much of the race, jostling for position and enjoying overtakes on most laps of the race.

    This group were also fighting with Fabio Quartararo who is enjoying a much more positive weekend for Yamaha this weekend. Whilst he qualified in 6th, he faded towards the end of the race after a lap 8 bump with Morbidelli which saw him drop down the field. The Frenchman ended the day in 12th.

    TOP TEN
    Image Credit: MotoGP on X
    CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
    Image Credit: MotoGP on X

    Feature Image Credit: Marc Marquez on X

  • MotoGP: The Beast Strikes In Misano

    MotoGP: The Beast Strikes In Misano

    Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) clearly reflected on his Sprint race performance and upped his game for Sunday’s main event. ‘The Beast’ Enea hunted down Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and simply wouldn’t let anyone else take the victory.

    Was the winning overtake controversial? Yes! Of course it was, that said we have seen far worse moment’s in the heat of battle! It was a last lap battle for glory. It was hard racing and to some it crossed the line, but Bastianini took the chance and it paid off. Enea was rewarded for his relentless pursuit to win at his home Grand Prix in Misano.

    Martin had given everything to win and I’m sure would have been far angrier had title rival Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) not crashed out of the race. With the world champion in the gravel from a comfortable 3rd, Martin now has a 24pts lead in the championship as we head to Indonesia next weekend.

    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Image Credit: MotoGP

    AS IT HAPPENED

    Martin made a great start off the line and took the lead into turn 1. It was short lived as Martin ran in too hot into turn 2 and Pecco went around the outside of Martin and retook the lead into turn 2.

    Pecco looked strong on lap 1 with almost half a second gap to Martin at the end of the lap. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a great start and gained 7 places on the 1st lap and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) gained 5 places.

    Yellow flags waved in sector 1 as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out at turn 4. Binder was ok and re-joined the race to later finish in last place. The crash left a Binder sized gap between the front 3 of Pecco, Martin & Bastianini to the chasing back behind lead by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

    Into lap 3 and Martin was late on the brakes into turn 4 but unable to get it stopped as Bagnaia retook the lead into turn 5. Bagnaia, Martin and Enea all within touching distance at this point in the early stages of the race.

    In the opening stages Bagnaia was under immense pressure from the GP24’s behind him. Acosta in 4th looked to bridge the gap to the front 3 setting the fastest lap of the race. Into lap 4, through turn 6 and down the straight Martin went up the inside of Pecco and the move stuck for the Spaniard taking the lead of the race. Much to the dismay of the partisan Italian crowd.

    Bagnaia seemed to have less grip and pace with Enea seemingly being held up behind his Ducati teammate. Martin already stretched out a gap to 6 tenths of a second as Enea finally got by Bagnaia. Acosta however was still pushing that KTM to the limit and nearly lost the rear through turn 13.

    Quarter race distance completed and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team) was having his race of the season riding in 7th at this point on the factory Yamaha. Martin lead with Bastianini setting the quickest lap of the race.

     

    Onto lap 10 and Acosta’s KTM couldn’t hang on any longer as Acosta went down in sector 4 at turn 15.

    Bastianini continued the hunt of Martin out in the lead, as Bagnaia’s fortune turned for the better with blistering pace out of nowhere for the Bologna man. However, the world champ had an almost impossible task of closing the gap of 3 seconds to the leader.

    All the hard work from Bagnaia came to nothing as Bagnaia went tumbling into the gravel on lap 21 of 27. Devastating for the championship and could possibly of handed a 29pts gap lead to Martin at this point.

    Into the final few laps of the race and Bastianini was on the rear wheel of Martin. Bastianini planned his attack looking for any weakness in Martin as we headed to the conclusion of the race.

    There was nothing between Martin and Bastianini as Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) cruised around in the final podium position in 3rd.

    Into the last lap we went and Martin was still hitting every apex and not willing to give up the race win. Bastianini had other ideas though and forced his way through to take victory!

     

    Race Classification 

    Image credit: MotoGP
    Image credit: MotoGP

     

    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Constructors Champions 2024
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  • MotoGP: Pecco Pounced to Victory!

    MotoGP: Pecco Pounced to Victory!

    After an incredible performance in qualifying and back to full fitness. The world champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pounced on title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) after Martin ran wide and gifted victory to Bagnaia.

    After today’s sprint race, The Martinator only has a 4pts advantage to the Bologna bullet as we head into tomorrow’s 27 lap Grand Prix. Can Martin get to the front and stop Pecco from taking glory in front of his partisan crowd? Can we see Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) take his performance to the next level and beat his title rivals like he did at Silverstone? 

    When the conditions are clear and with plenty of grip, it’s clear to see the Ducati GP24s are another level to the rest of the field. A common sight of Pecco, Martin and Bastianini at the front some distance clear of the rest of the pack.

    Winner last time out in Misano, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing) stated he was happy with 4th place after the race and job done recognizing the GP24s have a pace that his Gresini Ducati GP23 simply can’t get near to. Marquez finished the race over 5 seconds behind the front 3.

    A special mention to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team) for riding the wheels off that Yamaha today. We no longer see the frustrated Fabio anymore, we see a more measured and ruthless Fabio proving that if given the bike, Fabio will deliver. Fabio is a world champion for a reason and Yamaha know it!

    The level of effort that is going into the factory M1 is monumental. Yamaha now more determined than ever to fight their way back to the top. What they promised Fabio when he signed his new contract, they are clearly starting to deliver on. As soon as the new Yamaha V4 is on track, we can be sure Fabio will take the fight to Ducati. 

    Image credit @Michelin_Sport on X
    Image credit @Michelin_Sport on X

    AS IT HAPPENED

    Martin and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had the start of their dreams as Martin blasted into the lead from the off. Binder started from 4th on the grid and up into 2nd up the inside of Pecco into turn 1.

    In the early stages, Binder dropped back through the pack and eventually finished in 6th place behind next season’s teammate and rookie of the year Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

    It was very much game on for the 2 riders at the top of the championship, as Martin lead from the front and Pecco hunted down the Spaniard.

    At the half race distance, Pecco got his reward for the pressure put onto Martin as Martin ran wide. A gift to Pecco and an opportunity he was never going to miss.

    One mistake was all it took and Pecco Bagnaia with the roar of the Italian crowd crossed the line to take the sprint victory. If Pecco takes victory tomorrow, he will sit atop of the standings as we head to Indonesia next weekend.

    There wasn’t much to mention from this sprint race and it wasn’t the most exciting to be honest. All of the overtaking was done within the first few laps and revealed the top 4 riders at the front. Fabio finished in the top 10 which was brilliant for Yamaha and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) battled his way to finish 13th after starting at the back of the grid.

    Race Classification 

    Image Credit: MotoGP
    Image Credit: MotoGP