After MotoGP world champion Marquez slipped off while leading the race, Francesco Bagnaia won for Ducati at the chaotic American Grand Prix.
Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia won the chaotic American Grand Prix ahead of Grecini Racing’s Alex Marquez after leader Mark Marquez crashed mid-race and lost for the first time this season.
Marquez took pole position in qualifying and earned his third sprint victory on Saturday, but after his first crash at Red Ducati, the six-time MotoGP champion chose to retire due to heavy damage on the bike in Sunday’s main race.
Bagnaia took the checkered flag and moved to 75 points, but Alex Marquez leaves Austin with a bigger smile.
VR46 Racing’s Fabio di Giannantonio tried to catch up with Alex, but ran out of laps as he finished third to give Ducati another clean sweep of the podium.
“I’m very happy, I’m not already there. [my] voice. Bagnaia cried out loud after having a congratulatory hot dog in the paddock.”
“It would be a wonderful feeling to be back at the top step on the podium after such a difficult time.”
Even before the race began, there was a confusion when the sun came out temporarily, and the riders who chose wet tires suddenly returned to the pit to change bikes, picking smooth ones on dry tracks, leading to a red flag.
As the 19-lap race finally progressed, Mark Marquez had a full launch from the line, leading his brothers and Bagnaia before establishing a lead of more than a second by the end of the opening lap.
Bagnaia had finished behind the Marquez brothers in previous races and sprints. The Italians used Alex’s slipstream to overtake the Grecini Rider, finishing second on lap four.
Marquez crashes
Mark Marquez appeared to be in cruise control when he set the race lap record, but the Spaniard suddenly slipped off the track on the lap nine, seeing hopes for a record eighth victory on the American circuit.
Behind him, Bagnaia’s eyes brightened, and the Double World Championship seized an opportunity to fill the gap with his teammates in the championship, leading Alex as the race wore.
Mark tried to ride without pegs on his feet and screens, but five laps later he gave up and retired after nursing his bike.
Bagnaia ultimately led Alex in two seconds.
“We’re leading the championship right now. It’s really great. We’re Mr. S., [being] Alex said with a smirk.
For Di Giannantonio, it was the first podium since 2023 in Qatar, where the next round will be held.
“I’m speechless and tired… Honestly, I’d need something like 200 beers tonight to recover,” the Italian said.
“We certainly got a little gift from Mark. But hey, it’s lace.”
His teammates Franco Morbidelli and Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller completed the top five.
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