WATCH: MotoGP Championship leader Martin crashes in practice, finds the gravel trying to catch Bagnaia

The 2024 MotoGP championship leader Jorge Martin crashed during the late period of the Practice session in Malaysian GP. The Prima Pramac Racing team rider was trying hard and pushing his machine to the maximum limit to catch the reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia but ends in the gravel at the Sepang international circuit. In the end, the Italian-born rider Bagnaia won his challenge by setting the fastest lap time in a Malaysian Practice session. He is followed by Jorge Martin who will be looking to improve to his maximum potential in tomorrow’s Qualifying and sprint race.

The Young Spanish rider was impressive with a lap time of 1.57.729 only 100th of a second higher than Leader Francesco Bagnaia who is leading the session with an impressive 1.57.679s. The two are fighting for this year's MotoGP world championship title and still, the game is in balance with two races remaining this year.

Also Read: MotoGP FP1 Results: Francesco Bagnaia makes strong comeback, eyes Championship Title lead at Malaysian GP

The Championship leader crashes

Championship leader in the gravel! 😱@88jorgemartin drops it just as he was starting his flying lap! 💥#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/eNsvH44xYS

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 1, 2024

Francesco Bagnaia is looking unstoppable this weekend despite the early setback in his practice session. But the Italian was very quick in making a comeback as he set the fastest lap time in the Sepang circuit. Jorge Martin had only one shot to have a go at the reigning world champion, so he started with a spectacular speed and line but all his efforts ended badly as he was turning at a corner had a low side and went wide of the corner which ended his practice session. 

But there is no big damage to the bike as the Malaysian circuit is very wide and big which has many safety gravels around the track to stop the outgoing bikes. Unless there is a high side, riders and bikes are always safe here at the Sepang International Circuit. Martin left the track after the crash and he will be looking ahead to tomorrow's qualifying and sprint race which is very important for his championship battle with Bagnaia. Tomorrow’s sprint race will be a key in deciding this year's championship battle.