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The race of Malaysia he experienced very strong emotions, all concentrated in the initial phase. After the first boot finished with the red flag exposed with the multiple accident that sent Miller, Binder and Quartararo to the ground, the nineteen laps following the second start were marked by intense and courageous duel between Bagnaia and Martinwho for three laps beat each other to pieces. Overtaking and counter-overtaking that gave rise to an epochal moment in this sport. Pecco emerged victorious, as he did under the checkered flag. The Spaniard is satisfied and takes second place, maintaining the championship leadership. For lovers of statistics, tenth success of the season for the Italian who still has a faint hope of confirming himself as number one. In the last act of the season which will probably take place in Barcelona will have to recover 24 points. Not easy, especially against such a fast and consistent Martin.
The red flag
Different tire choice between Bagnaia e Martinwith the Italian opting for the soft front, while the Spaniard opts for a medium. More conservative solution for number 89. At the start, Bagnaia makes a strong start, holding Jorge Martin hard behind him, but disaster strikes behind the two leaders when they pass through turn 2: a carambola involves Miller, Binder and Quartararo. All the pilots fall to the ground with the risk of serious consequences, especially for the Australian who ends up under the Frenchman’s wheel. Exposure is inevitable red flag and a second departure. After taking the former Ducati rider to the medical center (everything ok for him), the MotoGP protagonists recover their position on the starting grid and then go on to complete 19 laps (one less than the initial forecast).
Bagnaia and Martin: what a duel
At the second traffic lights go out Bagnaia he sprints better, places himself in the center of the track and closes the curve of turn 1 to his opponent. However, this did not stop Martin from fighting from the following corners. It triggers a hand-to-hand fight that lasts for three straight turns. Knife between teeth and positions exchanged about ten times. The two drivers competing for the world title put on an intense show. Above all, the courage of Martinthe one who has the most to lose as he is firmly leading the championship and who could be comfortable behind Pecco. After the skirmishes, Bagnaia emerges victorious and in command of the race. The Italian tries to get ahead of Martinator, putting a long way between himself and his rival. Third is Marc Marquez watching from afar. Morbidelli and Bastianini are even further away. With twelve laps to go, both Morbidelli and Marc Marquez exit the scene: two classic crashes. Bastianini takes advantage of this and enters the podium area.
Quiet ending
The last third of the race experiences few jolts, with frozen positions. Bagnaia takes off in front of everyone and puts the winner’s signature under the checkered flag. Martin gives up and manages second place with Olympic calm. Right and reasoned choice, leaving the match point to the last act of this season which has not yet been defined after the cancellation of Valencia (it will probably take place in Barcelona).
On the podium it also goes up Enea Bastianini who nibbles away a few points to grab the same position in the general classification, taking advantage of Marc Marquez’s fall. Alex Marquez fourth, while Acosta closes the top 5. Also noteworthy is the growth of Yamaha which together with Quartararo finishes sixth ahead of Vinales’ Aprilia.
