In the last round: Bastianini takes a spectacular home win

Enea Bastianini celebrated a special victory in MotoGP on Sunday. The Italian won a spectacular finale at his home race in Misano.

September 22, 2024

From: apa/sn

Bastianini took Ducati's 100th manufacturer victory in the premier class of motorcycle racing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - with a thrilling but also controversial overtaking maneuver on the last lap when he overtook world championship leader Jorge Martin. The Spaniard extended his overall lead as defending champion Francesco Bagnaia crashed a day after his sprint victory.

Pole position man Bagnaia, in his 100th MotoGP start, was already quite close to the leading duo in third place with seven laps to go before he slipped off the bike before a bend. With 317 points, his World Championship deficit to Martin (341) grew from four to 24 points. Third-placed Bastianini (282) crept up a bit. For him it was the seventh MotoGP Grand Prix victory, the second this season and the first in front of a home crowd in Misano.

Jorge Martin (front) and Enea Bastianini fought a thrilling duel. © APA/afp / ANDREAS SOLARO

"Jorge was driving perfectly, it was difficult to get past him. On the last lap I saw a bit of space to overtake. It's incredible to win here in Misano ahead of my friends," said Bastianini. Martin was annoyed. "I think the maneuver was a bit too much because he pushed me off the track and I couldn't fight back. I think I was stronger and deserved the win, but it's OK. I'll try again at the next race," said the Spaniard. In any case, the stewards decided not to impose a penalty.

The Italian fans were delighted. © APA/afp / ANDREAS SOLARO

Six-time world champion Marc Marquez completed a Ducati podium in third place, and the Italian manufacturer also secured the constructors' world championship title early. KTM young star Pedro Acosta was eliminated, and the best rider on an Austrian make was factory rider Jack Miller in 16th place.