After topping FP2 Aleix Espargaro headed into qualifying on a mission to hold the top spot. He did just that fighting off a charging Francesco Bagnaia behind by only 0.013s. The normal front runner and championship leader Jorge Martin was no where to be found in today’s sprint race. Martin finishes a mere P7 in an uncharacteristic start to the race weekend for the Prima Pramac Racing rider.
Prior to the Sprint Martin commented on his feelings after practice on day 1, “It has been a great day today. I felt good and I am confident for tomorrow. The grip is quite low so, because of that, we tried different kinds of setups on the bikes trying to find the best one and to be able to analyze which one might be the best for the rest of the weekend. I am glad about the rhythm I had during the two sessions of the day so I am confident to have a good Saturday.”
Unfortunately that hope turned into demise. Martin never really was able to fire up his tires and by the time he seemingly had the confidence to make a charge everyone else on the grid started to pick up pace as well. Espargaro set the tone early and from then on our everyone else was playing catch up.
Bagnaia Crashes from the Lead
After leading in the closing stages of the sprint Bagnaia crashed from the lead which gifted Espargaro and Marquez a position. Pedro Acosta benefited and snuck in to the podium positions due to the crash. View the crash below.
Full Sprint Race Results Below