Malaysia – Sprint: Bagnaia falls, Martin takes another step towards the title

• The Malaysian GP Sprint of MotoGP was likely to be just as intense as Qualifying, at the end of which Francesco Bagnaia took pole position, ahead of his rival, Jorge Martin. There is one important fact to take into account before the start, since the race is declared wet. If the rain does not cover the track at the time of the start, the riders are allowed to go into their pits to change bikes.
• When the lights went out, Jorge Martin made an excellent start and took the holeshot in front of the number 1. Starting fifth, Marc Marquez was already in the wake of Bagnaia after turn 2. In the leading trio, each one recited his part, and the group they formed quickly moved away from the pack.
• What had to happen did happen, however, and Bagnaia made a small mistake that would have serious consequences. Having entered turn 9 a little too early, the number 1 was caught out by a few bumps and lost control of his machine. He had to retire. The expression on the reigning world champion's face said it all after this incident.

THAT COULD BE IT! 🚨

THAT COULD BE THE MOMENT WHERE @PECCOBAGNAIA LOSES THE 2024 #MotoGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! 💥#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/LC8AmtSm2t

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 2, 2024

Martin soars to title

• At the halfway point, Martin seems confident. Informed of his opponent's fall, the Spaniard maintains a one-second gap to Marc Marquez, while Enea Bastiainini returns to the leaders.
• The Pramac rider reached the finish line calmly defending his position. He now has a 29-point lead over Pecco Bagnaia ahead of Sunday's main race at Sepang. Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini complete the top three.
• fabio quartararo made an excellent start to the race, and promised to be fifth after Bagnaia's fall. He managed to keep this ranking before the checkered flag. This is his best Sprint finish since his third place in Jerez, before his penalty.
• Victim of an engine problem, Johann Zarco had to withdraw from the event three laps from the finish.
• The main race, which will start tomorrow at 08:00, could therefore see Jorge Martin win the MotoGP world championship title. If he wins the race and Bagnaia is not second, he will automatically claim this title.

MotoGP Malaysia – Sprint Classification

Ranking : MotoTiming