Ducati Lenovo Factory Team rider Pecco Bagnaia has clinched an important victory in Malaysia taking his title battle to the final race.
With a title fight that lasted all throughout the 2024 MotoGP season, Jorge Martin came into the 19th round with a hefty lead over championship rival Pecco Bagnaia. After a disastrous sprint crash at Sepang for the Ducati factory team rider, Martin held a 29 point lead coming into Sunday’s race. There has never been an independent riders champion before making this race extremely important for the Pramac Ducati rider.
Pecco Bagnaia got an exhilarating start where he passed his championship rival in the first two corners. However, it all went haywire after multiple riders including Brad Binder and 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo crashed out on turn 2 bringing out the red flag early into the race. The #63 rider nailed the restart and led the race but was passed by Jorge Martin in a thrilling battle that kept going on for multiple laps keeping the crowd on theirs toes.
Pecco Bagnaia takes the championship battle into the final MotoGP race weekend
Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Via @Motogp on IG)
Pecco Bagnaia led of the Malaysian GP and was comfortably at the front with 15 laps remaining. Chaos ensued with 12 laps remaining as Franky Morbidelli and Marc Marquez crashed out of the race. It was an easy stroll towards his 10th race victory this season for Bagnaia. However, with Jorge Martin finishing right behind him, the championship looks like it just might be over.
Jorge Martin still leads the championship by 24 points over Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia as they go onto the final race weekend in Barcelona. Martin’s consistency over the last few races has proven to be of great help in order to make his championship dreams come alive. Pecco Bagnaia has still kept the championship hopes alive to an extent by winning the Malaysian GP. However, he will have to bring his level best to Barcelona. A single mistake from either of the riders could seal the championship right away. Jorge Martin will be crowned world champion if he wins the Tissot sprint in the final race weekend.
Who do you think will clinch the MotoGP championship in Barcelona?
0%Pecco Bagnaia
0%Jorge Martin
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