Fabio Quartararo Wins His Second Race of the Season as Pecco Bagnaia Crashes Out

It was the hottest conditions of the weekend with over 50 degrees track temperature, causing greasy and slippery conditions for the riders. Everyone was using the medium front tyre, but the rear was more dynamic; with some choosing the hard, some the medium and just Maverick Vinales on the soft. This would be crucial as the race would be deemed a tyre war

The lights went out and it was Fabio Quartararo who took the holeshot ahead of Aleix Espargaro and Pecco Bagnaia was taken out by Takaaki Nakagami who also took out Alex Rins, a disaster for all three and possibly the end to Bagnaia’s championship hopes.

Quartararo was pulling a gap of Alexi with Jorge Martin on the back of the Aprilia with Johann Zarco by himself, one second behind the front three. Martin overtook Aleix into turn one on lap three to move into second place. Pecco rejoined the race, but retired to the pits.

There was a ten rider train from fifth to 14th with Luca Marini leading the train. Marco Bezzecchi was behind Fabio Di Giannantonio in 13th fighting it out for top rookie, but lost the front at turn ten on lap five. The Red Bull KTM riders were working together to make their way up the order, passing Pol Espargaro in the first sector on lap six.

On lap eight Enea Bastianini lost the front at turn five, a third DNF for the three time race winner. On the same lap his team-mate Di Giannantonio lost the front at turn 13, a double DNF for Gresini. Darryn Binder was promoted to tenth and was top rookie.

On lap 16 Martin retook second place from Aleix who was starting to lose time to Quartararo and Zarco was approaching the pair. Aleix was struggling with front tyre wear, running wide into turn ten on lap 18.

On lap 21 Aleix out-braked Martin into turn one to move back into second place, Zarco still on the back of the two in-front, unable to find a way through.

Onto the last lap Quartararo looked set on victory, Aleix started to slow into turn one and he thought he’d finished the race, luckily he was able to realise and rejoined behind Luca Marini and made his move into fifth at turn five.

Quartararo crossed the line to take his second victory of the season and extends his championship lead to 22 points over Aleix Espargaro. Martin and Zarco rounded out the podium for a Prima Pramac Ducati two-three. Joan Mir bounced back after two DNF’s to finish fourth and Aleix rounded out the top five.

Featured Image: MotoGP.com