RACE REPORT | MotoGP Austria 2024

Francesco Bagnaia clinched a thrilling victory at the 2024 Austrian MotoGP, securing his third consecutive win at the Red Bull Ring and edging ahead of title rival Jorge Martin in a fiercely contested race. With only a slender five-point lead, the championship battle is set to reach new heights as the season heads to Aragon.

The drama began right from the start of the race. Marc Márquez, unable to engage his front ride-height device on the grid, tangled with Franco Morbidelli, sending both riders wide. Fortunately, the FIM stewards announced that no further action was necessary, and both riders were unharmed. Márquez rejoined the track in 13th position and managed an impressive comeback to finish in fourth.

Jorge Martín took the holeshot and led into Turn 1, but his lead was short-lived. Bagnaia reclaimed the lead on lap 2 and held it firmly from the halfway point to the end, with Martín settling for second as Bagnaia tightened his grip on the title. Enea Bastianini made a remarkable start, quickly advancing from seventh to third. The leading trio gradually pulled away from the rest of the field as the race progressed. Behind Bastianini, Brad Binder had an impressive start as well, finishing fifth and becoming the top KTM rider in their home race. However, it wasn’t a good race for everyone: Jack Miller faced a disappointing end when he crashed out. Marco Bezzecchi managed to finish sixth overall, while Saturday’s podium finisher, Aleix Espargaró, struggled to maintain his position, finishing ninth after being overtaken by both Viñales and Morbidelli. Alex Márquez closed out the top ten.

Despite dark clouds gathering over the track, the rain never arrived, allowing all riders to complete the race on medium compound tires. The only rider who didn’t take part in the race was Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was ruled unfit after dislocating his shoulder on Friday. As the dust settled at the Red Bull Ring and the riders turned their attention to the upcoming race in Aragon, one thing was unmistakably clear: the battle for the 2024 Championship is far from over—in fact, it has only just begun. With Bagnaia now holding a five-point lead over Martín, the tension and excitement will only grow from here as we gear up for an exhilarating end to the season. The world is watching, and the drama is far from over.

2024 Austrian Grand Prix results: