MotoGP: Bagnaia gets closer to the coronation after the Qatar Grand Prix, Martin collapses

Francesco Bagnaia has never been closer to a second world champion title. Second in the Qatar Grand Prix behind his compatriot Fabio di Giannantonio on Sunday, the Ducati Italian took advantage of the fall of his rival Jorge Martin, only 10th, to dig a doubtless decisive gap. “Pecco” Bagnaia should formalize his coronation in Valencia, during the last Grand Prix of the season next Sunday.

The disillusionment is terrible for Jorge Martin, winner of the sprint on Saturday and came back seven lengths behind the Italian. The Spaniard from Pramac was undermined by a very delicate start, when Bagnaia took the lead on the first lap, while the two men started side by side on the second row, in 4th and 5th positions. Martin dragged this ignition delay like a ball and was never able to get back on track. Worse, he even fell back as the race progressed, finishing 10th while he was 8th after the first lap.

Quartaro 7e, Zarco 12e

The final victory remains mathematically possible, because his delay on Bagnaia amounts to 21 points and 37 units will be distributed during the last Grand Prix in Valencia. But unless the Italian fails, a comeback for the Spaniard seems highly improbable. On Sunday, Bagnaia was strong enough to maintain his substantial lead over Martin, even if he failed to achieve a sixth victory this season. In the lead for almost the entire race, he was overtaken by Di Giannantonio four laps from the finish. The Italian from Gresini then resisted, signing his very first success in MotoGP.

The French, for their part, did not particularly weigh in on this race. Interspersed in a group of pursuers but too narrow to join the fight, Fabio Quartararo finished in 7th place. Johann Zarco placed in 12th position and could see his fifth place in the general classification threatened.