Jorge Martin WINS the Sunday MotoGP race in Indonesia! Acosta finishes 2nd, and Marquez’s Ducati catches fire
The “Martinator” is back! Jorge Martin wins the Grand Prix of Mandalika, strengthening his lead in the championship! After crashing out in yesterday’s Sprint Race, the Spaniard redeems himself by dominating in Indonesia, reclaiming a MotoGP victory that had eluded him since Le Mans.
Behind him, Pedro Acosta also had an extraordinary race: the 2004-born Spaniard was the only one able to keep up with Martinator, finishing just 2 seconds behind the winner. Pecco Bagnaia completed the podium, climbing back after a tough first half of the race. However, Acosta is under investigation for tire pressure, risking a 16-second penalty that could drop him down the order.
Only 12 riders finished the race, with 9 retirees (due in part to a multi-bike crash at the start): after the podium, the order was Morbidelli (4th), Bezzecchi, Vinales, Quartararo, Binder, Zarco, Raul Fernandez, Nakagami, and Rins.
Race Summary
THE START – Jorge Martin had a great start, maintaining the lead into turn 1, followed by Bastianini, Acosta, and Bagnaia. However, Pecco began losing positions, dropping to seventh as Morbidelli moved up to third place.
There was a fierce battle for seventh between Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was representing Indonesia’s flag colors. The two put on an exciting show for several laps, but Di Giannantonio crashed on lap 9. At the front, Martin continued to dominate, chased by Acosta and Morbidelli.
Disaster struck for Marc Marquez as his engine caught fire while running in seventh place, forcing him to retire. Joan Mir also retired after falling back. The battle for third intensified, with Bastianini, Morbidelli, Bezzecchi, and Bagnaia in the mix. Bagnaia seemed to find his rhythm again in the closing laps. Martin remained in front, with Acosta in 2nd.
The most in-form rider, however, had to drop out: Bastianini came in too hot at turn 1, sliding into the gravel and ending his race. Bagnaia, meanwhile, passed both Bezzecchi and Morbidelli to claim the final podium spot.
Photo: X.com/88JorgeMartin, Ducati Corse, Tech3Racing
