![Defending world champion Bagnaia wins Catalunya MotoGP](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/images/UrduPoint-English-22.png)
Defending World Champion Bagnaia Wins Catalunya MotoGP
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published May 26, 2024 | 06:30 PM
![Defending world champion Bagnaia wins Catalunya MotoGP](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/images/UrduPoint-English-22.png)
Barcelona, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2024) Two-time defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia snatched victory at the Catalunya MotoGP on Sunday to edge closer to championship leader Jorge Martin.
Bagnaia on his factory Ducati reeled in race leader Martin before the Italian passed him on lap 20 at turn five where he crashed out of the sprint on Saturday, to claim his third victory of the season.
Martin could not respond and Bagnaia triumphed by nearly two seconds to cut the gap on the Spaniard to 39 points in the standings.
Home favourite Marc Marquez came in third ahead of Aleix Espargaro, who announced he is retiring at the end of the season earlier this week.
Marquez is third in the standings, 41 points behind compatriot Martin.
"Honestly I was very angry about yesterday (his crash in the sprint whilst leading on the last lap) but I knew the potential I had and was able to win the race," said Bagnaia.
"(It was a) tough start but then I saw some struggling at the front and I pushed more.
"The bike was amazing, the team did an amazing job setting up the bike and now I'm looking forward to the next race (next weekend's Italian MotoGP)."
Seventh at lights out on his Pramac Ducati, Martin got through on Pedro Acosta for second and then Bagnaia on turn 10 to take the lead with 20 laps to go.
Youngster Acosta was in hot pursuit on the day after his 20th birthday but skidded off the track in lap 11, rejoining in 20th place.
After Bagnaia passed Martin towards the end he kept the overall leader at arm's length to clinch victory.
"I am super happy, super proud, starting from seventh I executed perfectly the first corner and into fourth," said Martin.
"Towards the end I tried to keep the pace but had nothing left in my pocket.
"I tried to put some pressure on Bagnaia but there was nothing left and it was complicated."
After a sluggish start Marquez, aiming for a first MotoGP win since 2021, charged forward from 14th spot on the grid on his Ducati-Gresini.
He finally got past Aprilia rider Espargaro to claim a podium spot.
Espargaro, 34, won the sprint on Saturday and was hoping to do the double at Catalunya as he did last year, but was left frustrated despite starting on pole.
"I had a bad start, however, step by step I made up ground -- I was patient as I knew the race was long," said Marquez, who was recording his third successive podium finish.
"I was able to defend third, I was sorry for Aleix as it was his final race in Catalunya but delighted to be back among the top guys again."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
![Dutch eyeing top spot in Euro 2024 group ahead of ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719255171.jpg)
Dutch eyeing top spot in Euro 2024 group ahead of France
![Macron warns far-right, hard-left policies could l ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719255170.jpg)
Macron warns far-right, hard-left policies could lead to 'civil war'
![All political parties to be taken on board before ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719255168.jpg)
All political parties to be taken on board before launching operation: Defense M ..
![SPSC recommends candidates to be appointed as Agri ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719255058.jpg)
SPSC recommends candidates to be appointed as Agriculture/Research Officer BPS 1 ..
![AC prioritizes health facilities in DHQ Dhadar](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719254731.jpg)
AC prioritizes health facilities in DHQ Dhadar
![NCSW to hold dialogues on key issues of health, cl ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719254729.jpg)
NCSW to hold dialogues on key issues of health, climate change, law & education
![Law Ministry notifies appointment of 3 SC judges](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719254726.jpg)
Law Ministry notifies appointment of 3 SC judges
![All parties will have to come on one page for peac ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719254539.jpg)
All parties will have to come on one page for peace in Balochistan: Langove
![Foreign diplomats tour Beirut airport after weapon ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719253890.jpg)
Foreign diplomats tour Beirut airport after weapons claims
![Governor for development of Agriculture, Livestock ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719253887.jpg)
Governor for development of Agriculture, Livestock sectors
![‘Azam-Istakham’ to ensure complete peace, boos ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719253612.jpg)
‘Azam-Istakham’ to ensure complete peace, boost business activity in KPK: Ra ..
![Murder suspect arrested after escaping from police ..](https://photo-cdn.urdupoint.com/media/2024/06/_1/235x155/pic_1719253610.jpg)
Murder suspect arrested after escaping from police custody
More Stories From World
-
European stocks rise, Nvidia drags down Nasdaq
3 hours ago -
Foreign diplomats tour Beirut airport after weapons claims
3 hours ago -
Ketamine pill treats depression without psychedelic effects: study
3 hours ago -
Israel PM says 'intense' phase of Gaza war winding down
4 hours ago -
Israeli defense minister vows hostage efforts in US talks
4 hours ago -
Rohit stars as India beat Australia to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals
4 hours ago
-
US blacklists Brunei, Sudan on human trafficking
4 hours ago -
Dagestan attack toll hits 20 as Russia launches terror probe
4 hours ago -
Macron warns far-right, hard-left policies could lead to 'civil war'
4 hours ago -
Kenya's Ruto bids ceremonial farewell to Haiti-bound police
4 hours ago -
Few civilians left in Rafah 'trapped' by the fighting
4 hours ago -
Kremlin warns US after Ukrainian strike on Crimea
4 hours ago