Image: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (AFP)
Jorge Martin had a perfect MotoGP weekend in Misano: After the sprint on Saturday, the Spanish Ducati rider also won the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday. Behind Marco Bezzecchi (Ducati), Francesco Bagnaia celebrated an acclaimed comeback. The world champion was back on the podium just a week after his frightening accident in Montmelo.
In Catalonia, Brad Binder, who was following, ran over the Italian’s legs after a highsider. Almost miraculously, Bagnaia, who had been checked up and down at the hospital, escaped without any significant injuries. Rather, the 26-year-old came to Misano slightly ailing. “I really wanted to offer the fans something. I was completely destroyed halfway through the race. I’m just happy, it wasn’t easy,” said Bagnaia.
Despite third place, his lead in the Drivers’ World Championship over his pursuer Martin fell to 36 points. “We worked very hard and invested a lot of hours to improve,” said Martin, thanking his team.
In front of motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi and 141,056 spectators, things didn’t go as planned for KTM. Hopeful Binder missed out on a top result after a crash in fourth place and had to settle for 14th place. Jack Miller, the second works driver of the red-white-red racing team, was also involved in an accident. It was test driver Dani Pedrosa, who started with a wild card, who saved the day for Munderfinger with fourth place. The 37-year-old Spaniard was close to Bagnaia, but ultimately his first podium finish since 2017 was out of reach. Superstar Marc Marquez ended up in a good seventh place on his weak Honda. Aleix Espargaro, last week’s winner, was no better than twelfth after his nasty crash on Friday.
Bradl drives to Schwanenstadt
Honda test driver Stefan Bradl also entered the race in Misano with a wildcard and finished 18th. While MotoGP only continues in two weeks at the Buddh International Circuit near Delhi in India, Bradl is coming to Schwanenstadt next weekend. There the German will drive a Repsol Honda from the 2018 MotoGP season over the Hausruckring at the 13th Oldtimer Grand Prix. For the 33-year-old, it’s not about being the fastest, but about delivering the most consistent lap times.
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
