Martin extends MotoGP lead as Bastianini wins at Misano and Bagnaia crashes out

AFP | Misano Adriatico

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Jorge Martin took advantage of Francesco Bagnaia crashing out of the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP to extend his championship lead despite being pipped to Sunday’s race win by Enea Bastianini on the final lap.

Martin was initially angered by Bastianini’s daring overtake which decided the race but is 24 points ahead of key title rival Bagnaia who slid out of his 100th MotoGP with seven laps remaining at Misano Adriatico.

Pramac rider Martin, who is hunting a first world crown, was forced off the “Marco Simoncelli” track by Bastianini’s move which earned Ducati their 100th MotoGP victory, and gestured angrily as he crossed the line in second place.

But pole-sitter Bagnaia’s fall gave him a much bigger buffer than he was expecting to have ahead of next week’s Indonesia MotoGP even though he was denied a first Grand Prix win since the French back in June.

“I saw that Enea was arriving so I just tried to close the gap.

The manner was maybe a bit too much because he pushed me off the track so I couldn’t fight back and yeah maybe afterwards I did some gestures because I was a bit hot,” said Martin.

“I think I was the best and deserved the victory but it’s OK, I will try for the next one.” Bastianini’s second GP win of the season, and seventh of his career, allowed Bagnaia’s Ducati teammate to move to within 59 points of Martin with six GP weekends left. “It’s been an incredible race today.

I tried with three laps to go but he closed the line from the exit at turn number six,” said the Italian, who was born down the road from Misano in Rimini.

“After I received a bit of space at turn number four I entered and I closed the line. It’s incredible to win today here in Misano in front of my friends and all the team.”

Marc Marquez took advantage of Bagnaia’s mishap by completing the podium, but he still loses ground in his bid to claim a seventh MotoGP title.