The Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint Race took a near-decisive turn on lap three when polesitter and reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia crashed while in second position, just behind Jorge Martin. The unexpected crash paved the way for Martin, who led the race to the chequered flag, extending his Championship lead to 29 points over Bagnaia, a gap that could prove decisive in the title fight.
With this victory, George Martin recorded his 16th victory in Sprint Race and seventh of the season, thus moving closer to a first MotoGP world championship title. The Spaniard only needs 9 more points that the Chivasso driver can be crowned 2024 world champion in the next race.
On the podium, Martin was accompanied by Marc Marquez, who brilliantly rode his Ducati GP23 with the Gresini Racing team, andEnea Bastianini, the second rider of the official Ducati team. Alex Marquez also had a good performance, finishing fourth with the second Desmosedici GP23 of Gresini, followed by a fabio quartararo in shape, who brought his Yamaha in fifth place, an encouraging result for the 2021 world champion.
Franco Morbidelli, on the second Ducati Pramac Racing, finished sixth, ahead of a series of KTM led by Brad Binder, Jack Miller et Peter Acosta, the latter being the last to score points. Marco Bezzecchi finished tenth with the VR23 Racing Team Ducati GP46, whilealex rins, on the second Yamaha , and Aleix Espargaró, the best Aprilia, took the following positions.
Luca marini crossed the finish line in 15th position, whileAndrea Iannone, who replaced Fabio di Giannantonio, who had shoulder surgery, finished 19th. Johann zarco was forced to retire due to an engine problem on his sling lcr, marking a race full of twists and turns.
First Sprint for the #Maniac, well done! 💪🏁 @ andreaiannone29 @MotoGP #MalaysianGP #PertaminaEnduroVR46RacingTeam #MotoGP #FW29 # VR46 pic.twitter.com/Jqh8Ted9x6
— Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (@VR46RacingTeam) November 2, 2024
With this victory, Martin is one step away from history, as tension mounts ahead of the final races of the season. Will this Sunday be the day of the Martinator's coronation before it leaves for Aprilia ? To find out, you won’t have to miss anything in this program…
MotoGP, Malaysia: opening hours
Sunday, November 3
Warm Up MotoGP 03-40
Moto3 race 05:00 p.m.
Moto2 race 06:15 p.m.
MotoGP race 08:00
