Bagnaia completes Portimao double after Marquez crashes out

·2-min read
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Francesco Bagnaia made it a perfect start to the MotoGP season by winning the Portuguese Grand Prix after Marc Marquez crashed out.

Bagnaia was victorious in the inaugural MotoGP sprint race on Saturday and the reigning champion crossed the line first again in Portimao a day later.

The Ducati rider started in second place behind Marquez, but the Spaniard's race came to an early end when he lost control and collided with Miguel Oliveira.

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Oliveira had taken an early lead after starting in fourth place on home soil, but Marquez's mistake left him heading for the medical tent for a check-up after he was sent flying off his bike at Turn 3.

It was subsequently confirmed six-time world champion Marquez had suffered a fractured first metacarpal bone in his right hand.

Italian Bagnaia took over at the front on lap two following moves on Oliveira and Jorge Martin, then went on to complete a double ahead of Maverick Vinales.

Marco Bezzecchi joined his compatriot Bagnaia on the podium by taking third place, with Johann Zarco nipping in to take fourth in the closing stages ahead of Alex Marquez.

Martin crashed out with five laps to go at Turn 2 as Bagnaia took command and made it a dream start to the defence of his title.

TOP 10

1. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
2. Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) +0.687s
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46) +2.726s
4. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) +8.060s
5. Alex Marquez (Gresini) +8.125s
6. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) +8.247s
7. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM) +8.381s
8. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) +8.543s
9. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) +9.294s
10. Alex Rins (LCR Honda) +11.591s

Championship Standings

Riders

1. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) 37
2. Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) 25
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46) 16
4. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) 15
5. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM) 15

Teams

1. Ducati 37
2. Aprilia 36
3. Red Bull KTM 25
4. Pramac Racing 24
5. Mooney VR46 16