Rider Miguel Oliveira (Aprilia) finished this Saturday in 18th place in the sprint race of the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix, the 18th round of the season, won by Spaniard Alex Marquez (Ducati).
Oliveira, starting from 19th position, finished 10 laps 15.058 seconds behind winner Alex Marquez, who left his compatriot Jorge Martin (Ducati) in second position, 1.589 seconds back, with Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) in third place. 3.034 seconds.
Thus, Jorge Martin gained two points from championship leader Pecco Bagnai, 11 points behind first place.
But the Madrid rider had a scare on the practice lap when he saw a part come off his bike, and the problem was resolved by his mechanics.
Bagnaia started from pole position but soon showed he lacked the pace to keep up with Jorge Martin and Alex Marquez, who dominated the weekend in Malaysia.
Miguel Oliveira had a bad start and finished the first lap in 21st place, two positions down from where he started.
The Portuguese driver recovered for 10 laps, finishing the sprint race in 18th place.
Meanwhile, up front, Alex Marquez launched an attack for victory from the start, but on the third lap he was unable to brake and dropped to third place. He would take the lead on lap six, winning the sprint race for the second time this season after winning in Great Britain, ending Jorge Martin’s run of five straight wins.
The Spaniard also got rid of Banaia in the sixth lap, strengthening his position in the fight for the world title.
Note also the 27th accident involving Spaniard Marc Marquez (Honda), matching his negative record dating back to 2017.
The Catalan rider, who had left Honda, resumed the race, finishing 21st.
Thanks to these results, Bagnaia scored 396 points, 11 more than Jorge Martin.
“I did everything I could, but today it wasn’t enough for me to win,” stressed the Italian after a grueling race in high temperatures.
Miguel Oliveira maintains 15th place in the championship with 76 points.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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