Jorge Martin wins Thai MotoGP, Bagnaia comes 2nd due to Binder penalty.
Jorge Martin won a thrilling MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix on Sunday, closing the gap on Francesco Bagnaia to 13 points in the world championship with three legs of the season to go.
Martin started on pole position but was briefly overtaken by Luca Marini at the start. However, he was able to retake the lead on the first lap and hold on until the end.
Brad Binder finished second on the road, but was penalized one position for exceeding track limits on the final lap, promoting Bagnaia to second place.
The race was a strategic affair, with riders having to manage their tires carefully in the hot and humid conditions. Martin was able to do this better than anyone else, and he eventually crossed the finish line with a margin of victory of 0.278 seconds over Bagnaia.
Marco Bezzecchi finished fourth on his VR46 Ducati, ahead of Aleix Espargaro on the factory Aprilia.
The result of the race means that Martin is now the closest challenger to Bagnaia in the championship standings. However, Bagnaia still has a healthy advantage, and he will be the favorite to win the title when the season concludes in Valencia in three weeks’ time.
Post-race quotes:
Jorge Martin: “I’m really happy with this win. It was a tough race, but I was able to manage my tires well and stay calm under pressure. I’m now closer to Bagnaia in the championship, but I know that he will be strong in the final races. I will do my best to win the title, but I’m also realistic about the fact that it will be difficult.”
Francesco Bagnaia: “I’m happy with second place, but I’m disappointed that I didn’t win. I was feeling really good on the bike and I thought I had a chance to catch Martin, but he was just too strong today. I’m still leading the championship, but I know that Martin will be a threat in the final races. I will need to be at my best to win the title.”
Brad Binder: “I’m really disappointed with the penalty. I didn’t think I had gone over track limits, but I have to respect the decision of the stewards. I’m still happy with third place, but I was hoping for more today.”
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