MotoGP News: Marc Marquez storms to 2nd straight victory

Just one week after returning to the top step of the podium, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing Ducati), the 8-time MotoGP champion, won again at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.

The #93 won by over three seconds in a Grand Prix which would be crucial for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), with the Italian claiming second position and most importantly 20 Championship points.

Finally, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) took the final spot on the podium rostrum, earning a dream third place in Misano. The Beast claimed another podium, delivering the goods on Sunday.

There were many storylines on Sunday, with Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Ducati) title lead being reduced to just seven points. Everything is still up for grabs after the #89 pitted for wet tires as the rain began to fall, only for the track to dry. Martin was forced to pit again, dropping to 15^th place and taking just one point.

Martin looked for an opportunity on Lap 2, running out of room and avoiding contact with the #1 at Turn 2. Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) made contact with Morbidelli, just corners later – with the #31 losing his left wing. Acosta continued to battle with Morbidelli until any hopes of a podium came crashing down at Turn 14 – losing the front on Lap 5.

It was a dramatic start for Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), dropping to the latter places of the top 10. The Italian began to put on a show for the Misano crowd, beginning to duel with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

The rain began to fall heavier, with Morbidelli crashing at Turn 1 on Lap 7. It would prove to be a crucial lap as Martin pitted at the end of Lap 7, becoming the first rider to change bikes. Martin re-entered the track in 15^th position as Bagnaia began to battle in an eight-rider lead group on slick tires. Positions were changing at every opportunity, with Marc Marquez charging to the lead of the Grand Prix after starting from ninth on the grid.

Estaba en seco bastante lejos del lider, empieza a llover y en 2-3 vueltas recorta todo y se pone líder.

MARC MARQUEZ, EL MEJOR DE LA HISTORIA. 🐐pic.twitter.com/iZhwZVP6UF

— NanoGrifo (@NanoGrifo) September 8, 2024

The key moment of the Grand Prix came at the start of Lap 10 as Martin’s call would backfire, with the #89 pitting for the second time, this time for dry tires after the rain stopped. Martin was lapped by title rival Bagnaia and was not the only rider who changed machines twice, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing), Acosta and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) and Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales all pitting again.

Marc Marquez was the fastest rider on the circuit, stretching the lead to half a second with 10 laps remaining. The #93 continued to smash the fastest lap, setting the pace and soon creating a two-second advantage. It was looking to be a great day for the Gresini Racing MotoGP™ squad, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) running inside the top five spots, beginning to battle with Bezzecchi.

At the front, it was Marc Marquez who made it back-to-back victories in 2024, crossing the line to win the San Marino Grand Prix. It was an emotional day for the #93 and a huge day in the Championship, with Bagnaia claiming second and Bastianini in third.

San Marino GP Results

* Rookie