MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia does the double in Italy

Francesco Bagnaia does the double and has a perfect weekend at Mugello.

Francesco Bagnaia was in pole position this weekend, with both Marquez brothers joining him on the front row. Tension was rising on the grid for the first-ever MotoGP Sprint to take place at the iconic Mugello circuit.

The green flag waved at the back with the lights going on, and with Francesco Bagnaia in the lead into turn one. Jack Miller made an incredible start to the race, with Zarco running extremely wide at turn one.

Alex Marquez was the first crasher of the race, ending his race at the first corner of the race. Brad Binder was involved in the crash, leaving Alex Marquez extremely frustrated with the result.

The rain started to fall around the circuit, adding extra drama and tension to this MotoGP Sprint race. 

Binder receives a penalty

Brad Binder received a long-lap penalty for the crash on the first lap of the race, which he would have to serve within three laps. 

Alex Marquez had his own crash leaving the Gresini rider with zero points from the Sprint. Alex Rins also crashed onboard the LCR Honda, leaving Rins injured for the remainder of the weekend.

Bagnaia and Martin battled for the race lead, changing positions multiple times across one lap. Both VR46 Ducati riders were behind, showing how dominant the Italian brand is at Mugello.

Fabio Quartararo had an incredibly tough race, continuing the race in 10^th position on the Yamaha. Quartararo would not score points in the race, with only the top nine riders scoring championship points.

Bagnaia and Bezzecchi started to edge out a gap between the rest of the pack, with Martin losing touch. Zarco managed to get onto the back of Martin on the final lap of the race and attempted to make a move for third.

Bagnaia continued his incredible form, crossing the line to win the MotoGP Sprint by 0.369 of a second. Marco Bezzecchi came home in second place, growing his confidence once again. Jorge Martin managed to hold off his teammate to take third place, on a great weekend to Ducati.

Main Race

Bagnaia was in pole position once again, with added confidence from the Sprint and both Marquez brothers joining him.

Round six of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship got underway with Jack Miller leading the field into turn one. Bagnaia fought back in the opening stages of the race to take the race lead.

Bagnaia and Martin. Extended their gap for the race lead, with Jorge Martin setting the fastest lap of the race. The battle for third was on with Marini, Marquez, Miller, and Binder battling for third. The group of riders would soon expand to seven riders with Morbidelli joining the pack.

Alex Marquez had a heart-stopping moment, with the Spaniard outbreaking himself at turn one. Marquez had to thread the needle to take avoiding action. On Miller, Marc Marquez, and Bezzecchi.

Marc Marquez’s day got worse, with a crash after running slightly wide and losing the front end. Marquez was extremely disappointed and frustrated with the result and did not hide his feelings.

Crashes continued to happen, with Miguel Oliveira now hitting the deck as his season continues to get worse.

Johann Zarco made his way into the podium positions after a strong weekend at Mugello, showing that he still has the pace. Zarco was ahead of Luca Marini who is having a consistent year.

Alex Marquez now crashed out of the race, adding to a disappointing weekend at the Mugello circuit. Alex Marquez will leave this weekend with zero points to add to his championship tally.

Bagnaia wins in Italy

Bagnaia continued to not create any mistakes, pleasing the Italian crowd at Ducati’s home round. As the chequered flew in the air it was Francesco Bagnaia who won the race by one second, from Jorge Martin. Bagnaia’s Johann Zarco managed to stay on the podium, finishing in third ahead of Marini.

Brad Binder rounded out the top five, ahead of Aleix Espargaro onboard the factory Aprilia and Jack Miller. Marco Bezzecchi was in eighth, ahead of the returning Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli in 10^th.

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Highlights from the race!

Image credit: Ducati Media