RACE REPORT | MotoGP Catalunya 2024

Two-time defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia rode to victory in Catalunya, cutting the lead of championship leader Jorge Martin.

Bagnaia, on a factory Ducati, passed the leader Martin at turn five of the circuit - the spot where he crashed on the final lap of Saturday's sprint - to secure his third win of the season. Martin was unable to respond, leaving Bagnaia to win by almost two seconds and reduce his championship deficit to 39 points.

Marc Marquez finished third ahead of Aleix Espargaro, who announced his retirement at the end of the season shortly before the start. Marquez, who started from 14th on the grid, is now third in the standings, 41 points behind Martin, whose lead at the front has increased by one point.

Martin, who was seventh on his Pramac Ducati when the lights went out, passed second-placed Pedro Acosta and then Bagnai at Turn 10 to take the lead with 20 laps to go. Youngster Acosta, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, chased him down but got caught in a skid on lap 11 and finished 20th.

Bagnaia reduced Martin's lead, eventually overtaking him with five laps to go and keeping the leader in turn to secure the win.

After a slower start, Marquez was aiming for his first MotoGP win since 2021 and roared forward from 14th on the grid on his Ducati-Gresini. He eventually overtook Aprilia rider Espargar to take third place on the podium.