Martin breaks Indonesian GP curse to claim victory
Monday, 30 September 2024
The Prima Pramac Racing rider showcased his skills
Jorge Martin claimed a dominant victory at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, extending his championship lead in a thrilling MotoGP™ race. The Prima Pramac Racing rider showcased his skills at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, securing his first Sunday win since the French GP.
The Spaniard's triumph was particularly sweet, given his past misfortunes at this track. Martin had crashed out of the GP in both 2022 and 2023, as well as in this year's Sprint race. His flawless performance on Sunday not only broke that streak but also extended his championship lead from 12 to 21 points over his closest rival, Francesco Bagnaia.
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The race was not without its drama, as several top riders faced challenges right from the start. A dramatic first-lap incident at Turn 3 saw Jack Miller, Alex Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, and Luca Marini crash out. The FIM MotoGP™ Stewards investigated but took no further action.
Martin set a blistering pace from the start, quickly building a lead over his pursuers. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta impressed with a strong second-place finish, while Bagnaia managed to salvage a crucial third place after a difficult start to the race.
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The championship battle took another twist when Marc Marquez was forced to retire on Lap 12 due to technical issues, his bike dramatically catching fire. This setback dealt a significant blow to the multiple world champion's title aspirations.
Martin's victory was a masterclass in control and pace management. He led from start to finish, crossing the line 1.404 seconds ahead of Acosta. Bagnaia's third-place finish, while not ideal, allowed him to salvage valuable points in the championship fight.
The race results have set the stage for an intense battle as the MotoGP™ circus moves to Japan for the next round. With the championship gap now at 21 points, the question remains: is this now a two-horse race, or are there more surprises in store?
Final Results
- Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)
- Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3)
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
- Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
- Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing)
- Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™)
- Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR)
- Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing)
