WATCH: Controversial last lap overtake by Enea Bastianini on Jorge Martin in Emilia Romagna MotoGP

Enea Bastianini’s aggressive last-lap maneuver over Jorge Martin during the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP stole the spotlight. However, it sparked debate and frustration in what became one of the most dramatic finales of the season. The Italian rider snatched victory for Ducati at Misano, marking his second win of the season and Ducati’s milestone 100th premier-class victory, but the way it unfolded left Martin fuming.

The race was set to end in Jorge Martin’s favour after he led for 22 laps following an early pass on reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia. Martin, who has extended his lead in the world championship, looked poised to secure another critical victory until Bastianini closed the gap in the final stages. With just one-tenth of a second between the two at the start of the last lap, Bastianini seized his chance at Turn 4, lunging down the inside and forcing Martin wide.

Here is the video:

A bit of controversy around @Bestia23's winning overtake 😬



Which is your point of view? Too agressive or just a bold last lap move? 👀#EmiliaRomagnaGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/g0twor7jFk

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) September 22, 2024

The move, which gave Bastianini a lead of over five seconds by the time they crossed the finish line, was not without controversy. Martin, visibly frustrated, made gestures toward Bastianini during the slow-down lap, later expressing his disappointment with the aggressive pass. "The manoeuvre maybe was a bit too much because he pushed me out of the track so I couldn’t fight back," Martin said, adding, “I think I deserved the victory.”

“It was on the limit”, Bastianini defends his move

Bastianini, while admitting the pass was on the limit, defended his decision. “Jorge was perfect all race, and it was too difficult to try to overtake him. On the last lap, I saw a bit of space inside Turn 4 and entered, but it was on the limit,” Bastianini explained.

The incident wasn’t just about the win, though. Bastianini’s move inadvertently benefitted his teammate Bagnaia, reducing Martin’s potential points haul by five, an outcome that could influence the championship race with just six rounds remaining. Meanwhile, Ducati celebrated not only Bastianini’s win but also the fifth straight constructors’ championship, with Marc Marquez securing third place.

While Bastianini claimed victory and Ducati enjoyed a podium lockout, Jorge Martin's second-place finish leaves him 24 points ahead of Bagnaia in the championship standings. With the Indonesian Grand Prix next, tensions are sure to remain high as the season heads into its final stages.