The French Grand Prix Ends with Multiple Crashes, Bezzecchi Wins

May 14, 2023Ray Milton
Featured ArticleMotoGP

This morning the French Grand Prix at Le Mans took place to cap off the race weekend. The race was full of on track incidents that led to 8 factory riders retiring from the race. Unfortunately for Ducati one of those riders was Francesco Bagnaia. Bagnaia and Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) came together on lap 5 of the race after Vinales attempted in inside pass that proved to be more than he could muster. Both riders were forced into retirement. Bagnaia and Vinales had some words over the incident that involved a period of shoving track side. The two riders appear to have escaped without major injury.

Marco Bezzecchi claimed victory at Le Mans bringing him one point behind the championship leader Bagnaia. Saturday’s Sprint race winner, Jorge Martin capitalized on the DNF incidents and was able to secure a P2 finish in the Grand Prix. His second podium of the weekend. Teammate Johann Zarco rounded out the podium in third which was a great result for the Prima Pramac Team.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing) also had an on track clash. The incident resulted in both of them retiring from the race. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) who was seemingly cruising to a podium finish also crashed out of the race with 2 laps to go. Marquez would have secured a second place finish before the crash and will leave this race empty handed. Marc Marquez had 3 crashes on the weekend.

Jack Miller who was competing for a podium this weekend also DNF the Grand Prix. Alex Rins (LCR Honda CASTROL) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda) completed the DNF list. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Lenovo) fill in for Enea Bastianini finished 11th in his MotoGP return.

Full Race Results are available Below

MotoGP Championship Standings