WATCH: Pecco Bagnaia wins chaotic Thai MotoGP ahead of title rival Jorge Martin
Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo has emerged victorious at the wet and wild Thai MotoGP, successfully reducing Jorge Martin’s championship lead to just 17 points
Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo has emerged victorious at the wet and wild Thai MotoGP, successfully reducing Jorge Martin’s championship lead to just 17 points with only two races remaining in the season. The race, held at Buriram, was marked by dramatic weather changes and unexpected twists, making it one of the most thrilling events of the season.
The start of the race saw Martin, riding for Pramac Ducati, take the holeshot into Turn 1, initially fending off an aggressive move from Bagnaia. However, a mistake at the hairpin corner on lap four allowed both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to slip past the Spaniard. Once in the lead, Bagnaia exhibited remarkable control, maintaining his position until the chequered flag waved.
As the race progressed, it became clear that the wet conditions were causing havoc on the track. Marquez, who was having a strong outing, suffered a crash at Turn 8 on lap 13, forcing him to rejoin at the back of the pack. His misfortune was compounded by a one-place penalty for making contact with Joan Mir during the incident. Despite the chaos, Martin managed to hold on to second place, a position that was fiercely contested throughout the race.
Jack Miller completes the podium!
Jack Miller of KTM momentarily occupied the third spot before being overtaken by rookie Pedro Acosta, who made an impressive move in the closing laps, marking his first wet MotoGP experience with a podium finish. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio from VR46, competing in his last race before shoulder surgery, showcased his determination by finishing fourth and relegating Miller to fifth place.
Overall, the chaotic nature of the Thai MotoGP not only thrilled fans but also added significant pressure on Martin, who now faces a tighter battle for the championship title. With only two rounds remaining, the upcoming Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang promises to be a decisive event in the championship fight.