MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro Wins Catalan GP After Bagnaia Crash
Retiring rider gifted victory in sprint race
Espargaro takes the lead after Bagnaia's crash
Aleix Espargaro has been gifted victory in the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix sprint race after Francesco Bagnaia crashed out of the lead on the final lap. Espargaro, who is retiring at the end of the season, was running second to Bagnaia when the Italian crashed at Turn 10. Espargaro inherited the lead and held on to take the victory ahead of Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller.
The victory is Espargaro's first of the season and his first since the 2021 British Grand Prix. It is also Aprilia's first victory since the 2012 Australian Grand Prix.
Bagnaia's crash was a major blow to his championship hopes. The Italian had been leading the championship by 44 points before the race, but his crash has now cut that lead to 21 points.
Quartararo's second place finish was a welcome boost to his championship hopes. The Frenchman had been struggling for form in recent races, but his performance at Catalunya suggests that he is back to his best.
Komentar