MotoGP: Martin holds off Marquez and Bastianini in Aussie Sprint

Jorge Martin extended his title advantage at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after an incredible lights-to-flag Tissot Sprint victory at Phillip Island.

The #89 started from pole position and set a relentless pace before crossing the line ahead of Marc Marquez, who charged to second after a tough start on his year-old Ducati.

Factory Ducati rider Enea Bastianini claimed the final spot on the Sprint podium after a fantastic ride from 10th on the grid. ‘The Beast’ crossed the line ahead of teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who took fourth and now has a 16 point defect to Martin in the Championship.

Marquez may have had the pace to challenge Martin, but he ran wide in the first corner after starting second. That saw him drop as low as eighth before he immediately launched a recovery ride.

He was up into second by lap eight, but by then it was too late to do anything about Martin in the 13-lap sprint.

At the start of lap 11, Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales were involved in a high-speed collision after Vinales had completed a move on the way into Doohan corner.

2024 Australian MotoGP, Phillip Island – Sprint Race Results