Francesco Bagnaia took a six-point bite out of Jorge Martin’s MotoGP points advantage as he led a 1-2 for the factory Ducati team in the Japanese GP sprint race on Saturday.
Polesitter Pedro Acosta was thwarted in his quest for a maiden MotoGP victory after the Tech3 rider crashed out of the lead with three laps to go.
Martin limited the points damage Bagnaia could do after an excellent getaway from his lowly starting slot of 11th. The Pramac Ducati man rode a steady race to finish fourth, ensuring a decent points haul of his own.
Martin will go into Sunday's grand prix 15 points clear of Bagnaia.
More to follow
Pedro Acosta, Red Bull GASGAS Tech3
Photo by: GasGas Factory Racing