Bastianini’s MotoGP podium return in Portugal “beautiful”
The factory Ducati rider scored a first pole since the 2022 Austrian GP last weekend at the Algarve International Circuit, though he couldn’t convert this in the sprint after accidentally disengaging his front start device left him in sixth. Bastianini proved much more competitive in the grand prix and took the chequered flag in second […]
Portugal MotoGP win “amazing” at a track “where I almost lost everything”
The 2023 championship runner-up put in a controlled performance last Sunday in Portugal to score his first grand prix win since last year’s Thailand GP. With erstwhile championship leader Francesco Bagnaia crashing out in a controversial tangle with Marc Marquez, Martin now leads the standings by 18 points. Martin says defending the lead he took […]
Mir slams Morbidelli for ‘not clever’ opening lap clash in Portugal MotoGP
Although Pramac Ducati rider Morbidelli started Sunday’s Portimao three positions ahead of Mir in 17th, a poor getaway dropped him into the clutches of his Honda rival through the opening sequence of corners. As they battled for position, Morbidelli made contact with Mir in an incident not captured on TV, sending the Spaniard wide and […]
Vinales explains Portugal MotoGP race-ending gearbox issue
The Aprilia rider came into Sunday’s 25-lap grand prix in Portugal as one of the favourites to fight for the victory, having won the sprint on Saturday. Vinales was a factor in the victory battle from the off, breaking away from the rest of the field between eventual winner Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini behind […]
Marquez says Portugal MotoGP clash was Bagnaia’s “mistake”
The Ducati stablemates were battling over fifth position on lap 23 of 25 of Sunday’s grand prix at the Algarve International Circuit when they collided. Marquez made a move for the position under braking for Turn 5 on his GP23 but ran slightly wide, opening the door for Bagnaia to come back up his inside. […]
Bagnaia “angry” after Marquez Portugal MotoGP clash, accepts racing incident verdict
The reigning double world champion and the eight-time title winner collided on lap 23 of 25 in Sunday’s grand prix at the Algarve International Circuit while battling over fifth place. Marquez threw his Gresini Ducati up the inside of Bagnaia at the Turn 5 left-hander, but ran slightly wide. As he tried to cut back […]
Acosta “cannot expect anything” despite rookie MotoGP podium breakthrough
The 19-year-old Tech3 rider put in another headline-grabbing ride in Sunday’s grand prix at the Algarve International Circuit, as he came through from seventh on the grid. First dispatching his factory KTM counterparts Jack Miller and Brad Binder early on in the 25-lap race, Acosta then put overtakes on Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia to […]
Marquez tops shortened second practice at wet Losail
Rain hit the track at around 7pm local time in Losail, an hour before the scheduled start of the session and while the final Moto3 practice session of the day was running. Although the rain lasted for a brief period, it left the circuit too wet to allow any MotoGP running on slick tyres, prompting […]
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
The eight-time grand prix world champion will embark on his first season on Ducati machinery this year, having spent 11 seasons with Honda. Ending pre-season testing in competitive form, Marquez said last month that he was looking for the final three tenths of lap time to get on terms with the leading riders. Speaking ahead […]