WATCH: Francesco Bagnaia's Painful Crash in Malaysian GP sprint race – Did he throw away the MotoGP championship?

The reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia had a heartbreaking crash at the Malaysian GP sprint race after a huge mistake by the world champion who had a low side while turning in the corner. The crash has made him vulnerable as the championship hopes for this year look bleak now for the Ducati rider.

You simply could not write it.#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/DrNxOEDjFk

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 2, 2024

Is the championship hope over for Pecco?

Having won the MotoGP world championship in 2022 and 2023 Pecco Bagnaia is battling hard for his third world title with Jorge Martin. The Spanish rider was already the championship leader and he needed to clear Bagnaia with 5 points in the sprint race to seal the MotoGP world championship this year.

THAT COULD BE IT! 🚨

THAT COULD BE THE MOMENT WHERE @PECCOBAGNAIA LOSES THE 2024 #MotoGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! 💥#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/LC8AmtSm2t

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 2, 2024

Now, the Italian is out of the sprint race Jorge Martin just needs to win the sprint race and tomorrow's main race to ensure his world title. Bagnaia has the fastest bike on the grid and he started in the pole position after breaking the time lap record at the Malaysian Grand Prix during qualifying.

Both Martin and Bagnaia are riding the GP24 bikes which are this year's fastest bikes. The Spanish rider is now well ahead of the sprint race with no challengers and he is likely to win this sprint race and move an inch closer to winning his first-ever MotoGP world title. The Ducati Factory Team garage is in complete devastation after the Champion crashed at the sprint race. The garage was closed after the match point was decided with Martin winning the Sprint race from bagnaia. 

Prima Pramac Racing team was very conscious after Bagnaia's crash and they sent a message to Martin to remain focused and complete the race. This is the ultimate twist which could have been the biggest and thrilling race finish if Bagnaia hadn't crashed mid-way during the race. Tomorrow's race is crucial for Bagnaia as he needs to finish at least second to keep his championship hopes alive.

ALSO READ: MotoGP Finale Under Big Threat: Martin vs Bagnaia May Not Happen in Valencia