-Pecco Bagnaia crashes out of the race
-Martin stretches his championship lead to 29 points
-Marc Marquez finishes second and Enea Bastianini finishes third
The 2024 MotoGP Malaysian GP Sprint was the perfect race for Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin. By winning the Sprint and his main title rival, Ducati Lenovo Factory Team’s Pecco Bagnaia crashing out, he’s got a 29-point lead and one hand on the 2024 MotoGP World Championship trophy.
Pecco throws it away
As the lights went out, Pecco Baganaia, who’d been dominant in practise and qualifying got off to a decent start from Pole position. Martin, however, was quicker off the line from P2 and slotted into the lead. Marc Marquez also made a great start and slotted behind Pecco in third.
As the race progressed, Martin began setting a hot pace, forcing Pecco to keep up. Marquez, who’s got nothing to lose also kept adding pressure on Pecco. A few laps later, Pecco succumbed to the pressure, made the costliest mistake of his career, and slid out of the race. His hands went up in despair as he knew these were crucial points that he’d thrown away.
Martin in control
While Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini finished second and third respectively, Martin was a sight to behold. He looked calm and composed on the bike and after learning the Pecco was out, he maintained a steady pace.
With 29 points clear of his rival, Martin needs to win the main race and Pecco to finish below P2 to seal the 2024 MotoGP World Championship.
