We had to wait until the very last race of the season to know the identity of the 2024 Moto GP world champion. And in Barcelona, the Madrilenian Jorge Martin (Pramac) provided the essential by finishing in 3rd place, synonymous with a first career world title. By ten small points, he won the general classification ahead of the reigning double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati).
The day before, Bagnaia had delayed the Spaniard’s coronation by winning the sprint race ahead of Bastianini and Martin. Enough to slightly reduce the gap that separated him from the Spaniard. But with a 19-point lead in the general classification before the main race in Catalonia this Sunday, Jorge Martin took the start without much fear of seeing Bagnaia steal the title from him like last year.
Starting at the head of the race, Francesco Bagnaia retained his first place in the first laps, Jorge Martin climbing at the same time from fourth to third position. Threatened behind him by Aleix Espargaró, Martin saw Marc Marquez take a lead in front of him and get closer to Bagnaia, in any case forced into first or second place if he wanted to hope to be crowned world champion for the third time consecutive.
Stuck in third place, Jorge Martin took advantage of the fight behind to gain a lead over Espargaró, without however managing to catch up with Marquez. Relegated to more than two seconds behind the multiple Spanish world champion, Jorge Martin continued at his own pace, providing the essentials. Thanks to this new podium, the 16th in 22 races this season, he wins the world champion title which had eluded him last season in favor of Bagnaia, who regains the sensation of finishing second in the general classification after that of 2021 behind Fabio Quartararo.
