Bagnaia cuts Martin’s lead with thrilling Emilia-Romagna sprint win

Francesco Bagnaia triumphed in a thrilling sprint race at the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP on Saturday, narrowing Jorge Martin’s championship lead to just four points. Ducati’s Bagnaia executed a decisive overtake on Martin with five laps to go, securing his fourth sprint win of the season ahead of Sunday’s main race.

Starting from pole at Misano Adriatico, Bagnaia was overtaken by Pramac rider Martin at the first corner. However, the reigning champion fought back, overtaking Martin in spectacular fashion, to the delight of the home crowd.

“I tried everything to be at my 100 percent riding and luckily I’m able to ride at my 100 percent,” Bagnaia said. “I missed the start again and to overtake Jorge was very, very tough. I used his mistake to be leading, and after that moment everything was much easier.”

Bagnaia, who broke his own track record twice in practice, could take the championship lead if he wins Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Martin admitted that a track limits warning disrupted his focus. “Pecco was unstoppable today. I think maybe for tomorrow I will be a bit stronger,” he said.

Enea Bastianini finished third, while Marc Marquez, currently 56 points behind, settled for fourth after a difficult day.

(Source: AFP)