- 2023-03-27
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SPORTS
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MotoGP Portuguese: Francesco Bagnaia Wins, Pole-Sitter Marc Marquez Crashes Out
The Round 1 of MotoGP 2023, Grande Prémio TISSOT de Portugal took place at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão on March 26, 2023.
From this year, MotoGP introduced the inaugural sprint contest, which runs to half of the total distance of the main Grand Prix race.
Points will be awarded for the sprint races, but they will not determine the grid for the Grand Prix race.
In Qualifying, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) took the pole position. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) stated at 2nd position. Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati) was 3rd.
On the Race, pole sitter Marc Marquez contacted with Jorge Martin and crashed into Miguel Oliveira (RNF Aprilia) at Turn 3 on lap three, and Marc Marquez and Miguel Oliveira were retired. Jorge Martin was dumped to 16th after being involved in the crash, but finally crashed out on lap 20.
After the crash, Francesco Bagnaia was pressured by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), but claimed the first victory of 2023 and also won the first inaugural sprint contest.
Maverick Vinales finished 2nd behind Francesco Bagnaia by 0.687s. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Ducati) was 3rd.
Johann Zarco (Pramac Ducati) snatched fourth. Alex Marquez finished fifth on the first race as his new team Gresini Ducati rider.
Joan Mir (Repsol Honda) was 11th after serving his long lap penalty for his clash with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Yamaha) in the sprint.
Francesco Bagnaia said, “It was very long race, I'm very happy. We started as I wanted, how the team wanted. We have to keep going like this.”
Maverick Viñales said, “The job we did this weekend has paid off. I was trying very hard because I knew Aprilia had a little more. I feel good, I missed the chance to overtake because 'Pecco' (Bagnaia), I knew, had a little more (pace). I'm actually really happy - we are going to fight in the front.”
Marc Marquez said, “I was able to avoid Martin but couldn't avoid Miguel. I was very worried for him because the contact was big. I already said it personally - but I want to say sorry to him, to his team, to the Portuguese fans. I have been penalised for that mistake with a double long lap penalty, that I completely, completely agree. But apart from that, I have a few injuries - my hand, my knee. We need to check. Let's see. At the moment it's not the most important, my situation.”
Grande Prémio TISSOT de Portugal Race Results- Francesco Bagnaia / Ducati Lenovo / 41m 25.401s
- Maverick Viñales / Aprilia Racing / +0.687s
- Marco Bezzecchi / Mooney VR46 Ducati / +2.726s
- Johann Zarco / Pramac Ducati / +8.060s
- Alex Marquez / Gresini Ducati / +8.125s
- Brad Binder / Red Bull KTM / +8.247s
- Jack Miller / Red Bull KTM / +8.381s
- Fabio Quartararo / Monster Yamaha / +8.543s
- Aleix Espargaro / Aprilia Racing / +9.294s
- Alex Rins / LCR Honda / +11.591s
- Joan Mir / Repsol Honda / +16.992s
- Takaaki Nakagami / LCR Honda / +17.448s
- Augusto Fernandez / Tech3 GASGAS / +21.723s
- Franco Morbidelli / Monster Yamaha / +27.050s
Photo by MotoGP- source : MotoGP
