KUALA LUMPUR – The winner of 2022 MotoGP World Championship will only be determined at the upcoming last race in Valencia, Spain next month as Francesco Bagnaia could not secure his maiden title here at the Malaysian GP today.
Even though Ducati’s Bagnaia claimed his seventh race win of the season at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today, reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo is not letting his title slip away easily.
Starting in ninth, Bagnaia quickly climbed up the grid and was in second place by the end of the first lap, behind pole starter Jorge Martin.
Quartararo, who rides for Monster Energy Yamaha, started in 12th, and a swift start from the line also saw the Frenchman move up several spots.
Things got heated up when Martin crashed out in the seventh lap, allowing Bagnaia to cruise into the lead ahead of Gresini’s Enea Bastianini, who started in second.
While in the lead, Bagnaia could have been crowned this year’s world champion if Quartararo finished fourth or lower, but Bastianini was not forgoing a potential race victory.
Less than a second behind Bagnaia throughout most of the race, the Italian lunged in turn 4 of lap 10, and took the lead from his compatriot.
The two were in a constant duel among themselves, while Quartararo was having to defend from Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 in third place so as to not let his hopes of securing a second world title blow away.
Riding with a broken finger after crashing out yesterday, Quartararo remained focused and slowly increased the gap between him and Bezzecchi.
In the end, Bagnaia held his lead ahead of Bastianini and crossed the line, and secured the crucial 25 points he needed. He now has 258 points while Quartararo has 235 going into the final race in Valencia.
“I just want to say I think I did the best race start of my life. It was perfect.
“But following Martin was too much for the rear tyre, so I had to back off a little. It was unfortunate that he crashed but I think the team and I did a very good job today,” said Bagnaia after the win.
Quartararo said even though the chances of winning the championship in Valencia are slim, he threw everything he had during today’s race.
“I gave my maximum today and really could not have done any better. It was probably one of my best races of the season, especially on the first lap.
“I am proud of myself because they (Ducati and Bagnaia) had a good day, but we also had a great day,” Quartararo said.
Meanwhile, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro had a less than favourable race as the Spaniard ended up in 10th, same as when he started the race.
Six-time world champion and fan-favourite Marc Marquez, who started the race in third, lacked the pace to keep up with the front runners. The Repsol Honda rider placed his bike in seventh position when the chequered flag waved.
The final race of the 2022 MotoGP season will take place in Valencia, Spain on November 6 at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. – The Vibes, October 23, 2022
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