Pedro Acosta has narrowly missed his second sprint podium of the current MotoGP season. The KTM factory rider from Spain finished fourth in Le Mans, France, and, as fifth in qualifying, has good prospects for a front position in the French Grand Prix on Sunday (14:00/Sky).
His teammate Brad Binder (South Africa) had to settle for twelfth place on Saturday and left without championship points. For Jonas Folger, it was a return he had long waited for—but after just two laps, it was all over. The 32-year-old crashed and had to retire from the race. Folger is replacing Spaniard Maverick Viñales at the Tech3-KTM team, a last-minute nomination that was only announced on the Monday before the race weekend. The returning rider had completed qualifying in last place.
While Folger had to retire early, Jorge Martín dominated proceedings on track at will. The 2024 world champion started from eighth on the grid, took the lead, and won with a clear margin.
For Spaniard Martín, it was already his third sprint victory in Le Mans—and his 18th overall, a record. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) finished second, championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia, both Italy) third. Defending champion Marc Márquez (Spain/Ducati) suffered a heavy crash shortly before the finish line.
