San Marino GP 2024: Marc Marquez records historic win
Just a week after his top-step podium finish, Gresini Racing's Marc Marquez claimed another historic win at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Marquez demonstrated his skill in challenging conditions, opting to push toward the front in a flag-to-flag race, rather than switching bikes. This decision led to his first back-to-back wins since 2021.
Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) also chose to stay out on track, battling with Marquez for much of the race before settling for second place. Bagnaia gained a significant advantage in the championship standings after Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) gambled on a bike swap. Martin's decision did not pay off, as he ended up a lap down and finished in 15th, earning only one point.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) secured the final podium spot, maintaining his perfect MotoGPâ„¢ rostrum record at Misano and closing the gap on Martin in the standings.
The race started under tense conditions with light rain and riders prepared to swap bikes if necessary. Bagnaia took the lead at the start, closely followed by Martin and Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing). Martin attempted an aggressive move at Turn 2 but had to pull back, narrowly avoiding contact with Bagnaia. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) collided with Morbidelli, losing a wing in the process, and later crashed out.
As the rain intensified, riders faced a tough decision on whether to pit. Martin chose to switch bikes, while Marquez and Bagnaia remained on track. By the end of Lap 8, Marquez had overtaken Bagnaia to lead the race, and Martin rejoined in 15th place after pitting.
With the rain easing, Marquez and Bagnaia extended their lead. Marquez began pulling away, while Bastianini moved into third place, overtaking Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) followed suit, moving up to fourth as the conditions improved. Neither Bagnaia nor Bastianini could close the gap on Marquez, who remained in control to take the victory.
Behind the top four, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) recovered from a difficult start to finish fifth, overtaking Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGPâ„¢) late in the race. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPâ„¢ Team) delivered a strong performance, finishing seventh after a late pass on Miller. Fabio di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and wildcard Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completed the top 10, with Martin settling for 15th.
With the championship battle tightening, the focus now shifts to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in two weeks, following a one-day test on Monday at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
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