In an electrifying spectacle at the Buddh International Circuit, Jorge Martin delivered a commanding performance to seize victory in the MotoGP Indian Grand Prix sprint race. This riveting contest also marked the return of the legendary Marc Marquez to the podium, while sparks flew between the VR46 duo at the race’s start.
After a prolonged delay to ensure that the starting grid was race-ready, the 11-lap sprint roared to life just after 5 pm local time. Marco Bezzecchi of VR46 started from pole position, flanked by Pramac’s Jorge Martin and Martin’s teammate, Luca Marini.
As the lights went out, it was Martin who rocketed off the line, seizing the lead. Bezzecchi, looking to solidify his second position, encountered trouble as his teammate Marini misjudged his braking point at the challenging Turn 1, colliding with Bezzecchi’s Ducati and forcing him off the track.
This incident handed Martin a substantial advantage as he navigated the opening right-hander, while reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia surged into second place on his factory Ducati, closely followed by the factory Honda duo of Joan Mir and Marc Marquez.
By the end of lap 2, Martin had already carved out a lead of nearly three seconds, showcasing his Pramac-run Ducati’s remarkable pace compared to the works-entered GP22 of Bagnaia.
Martin continued to extend his lead, eventually crossing the finish line with a comfortable 1.4-second advantage over his nearest rival. This victory marked Martin’s second consecutive sprint race win, following his triumph at Misano earlier this month, and allowed him to gain ground in the championship battle against Bagnaia.
Although Marquez applied pressure on Bagnaia early in the race, he couldn’t maintain the pace in the latter stages, ultimately conceding the second position to the determined Ducati rider. Marquez, however, clinched his second sprint podium of the year, demonstrating his resilience and prowess.
Unfortunately, Marquez’s teammate Joan Mir’s race took a bitter turn as he crashed out at Turn 3 on lap 4, opening the door for KTM’s Brad Binder to secure a commendable fourth place.
Despite being hit by his teammate Marini at the start and falling to the rear of the pack, Bezzecchi embarked on an impressive comeback journey. He rejoined the points-scoring positions on lap 6 and pulled off an astonishing overtake on the leading Yamaha of Fabio Quartararo to claim a remarkable fifth place.
Jack Miller, recovering from a challenging qualifying session, replicated Binder’s feat by finishing seventh. Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales and RNF rider Raul Fernandez wrapped up the top nine in an action-packed race.
Aleix Espargaro’s race turned nightmarish as he plummeted from 13th to 18th in the opening lap before a late crash ended his day prematurely at the final corner.
Johann Zarco of Pramac and Stefan Bradl (LCR) were among the race’s retirees, with Bradl’s collision into the back of Pol Espargaro (Tech3) echoing the unfortunate VR46 duo incident from the race’s start.
The MotoGP Indian Grand Prix sprint race unfolded with breath-taking drama and showcased the sport’s unpredictable excitement. Jorge Martin’s dominance, Marc Marquez’s triumphant return, and the VR46 drama at the outset combined to deliver a race that will be etched in the annals of MotoGP history.
As the sun set over the Buddh International Circuit, MotoGP fans eagerly anticipate the main event, which promises even more thrills and unforgettable moments.