Under chaotic conditions, KTM rider Brad Binder narrowly missed the podium in the MotoGP sprint at Jerez. The South African finished fourth in the Spanish Grand Prix after crashing in the rain. Teammate Pedro Acosta (Spain) also fell, settling for 12th place and failing to score additional championship points. Ducati celebrated a 1-2-3 finish.
The race at the Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto was dramatic. World champion Marc Márquez initially led from pole position but was overtaken by his younger brother Álex with six laps remaining. When torrential rain hit, the Spaniard crashed – then rode across a grassy area straight into the pits. The Ducati factory rider switched to his second bike with wet tires and went on to win the sprint ahead of Italians Francesco Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli. “I crashed in the best corner. Today, I had extra luck”, Márquez said. Race officials deemed the unusual maneuver legal.
The day was far worse for championship leader Marco Bezzecchi: The Aprilia rider got off to a poor start, crashed, and was forced to retire. The Italian had previously won five consecutive Grand Prix races across the season.
In Sunday’s main race (2:00 PM CET/DF1 and Sky), Márquez could secure his 100th Grand Prix victory across all classes. It would also mark the 100th win for the Ducati factory team.
