Malaysian MotoGP: Bagnaia crashes, Martin wins sprint to inch closer to world championship title

Jorge Martin put himself within touching distance of the championship with a sprint victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Saturday, increasing his lead over Francesco Bagnaia in the standings to 29 points after the Ducati rider crashed out.

Gresini Racing’s Marc Marquez finished second, while Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini rounded out the podium.

Martin (Pramac Racing) is on 465 points in the drivers’ standings heading into the season’s penultimate race in Malaysia on Sunday, while Bagnaia is second on 436.

The race began under ominous dark clouds at the Sepang International Circuit, and race directors waved the white flag before the start amid light showers, allowing riders to swap their bikes.

Martin’s bid for the title this season has been powered by his penchant for perfect starts. The Spaniard once again had a dream launch, holding the inside line to surge past polesitter Bagnaia into the lead on the first turn.

Bagnaia, who set a lap record to take pole earlier on Saturday, did his best to force his way back into the lead but lost his front end in the third lap as he headed into turn nine and crashed.

The two-time champion found himself lying in the gravel. Realising the gravity of his error, he held his head in his hands as his shot at winning the championship all but slipped away.

Martin can secure the championship on Sunday with a weekend to go if he is able to outscore Bagnaia by nine points or more in the race.