AFPJorge Martín supports those affected by the severe weather in Valencia after his sprint victory
NOS Sport•vandaag, 10:13
Motorcycle racer Jorge Martín is close to winning the MotoGP world title. The Spaniard, already leader in the World Cup standings, not only won the sprint race of the Malaysian Grand Prix, but also saw his rival Francesco Bagnaia crash.
Martín has a 29 point lead with two races to go. He can secure the title tomorrow when the main race is held in Malaysia.
Title holder Bagnaia had been the fastest in qualifying and therefore started from pole position. However, Martín, who stood next to the Italian in the front row, was the best. He immediately made a hole.
EPAJorge Martín in Francesco Bagnaia
On the third lap Bagnaia crashed and his race was over. Martín then rode undisturbed to victory, ahead of his compatriot Marc Márquez and the third-finishing Italian Enea Bastianini.
Two more races
Martín, who expressed his support for those affected by the storms and floods in Valencia at the ceremony, now has 465 points, well ahead of Bagnaia who follows on 29 points. Márquez is third with 365 points, 13 more than Bastianini.
After Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix, which gives the winner 25 points and number two 20 points, there will be one more race.
It was supposed to be held in Valencia in mid-November, but the grand prix was canceled due to the destruction around the Spanish city. A replacement location for the final race of the road racing season is still being sought.
