Pedro Acosta’s MotoGP Sprint race in the Czech Republic ended in disappointment. The KTM factory rider crashed out late in Brno, leaving empty-handed after running in the points for much of the race. His teammate, Brad Binder (South Africa), finished ninth.
Francesco Bagnaia finally secured his first victory of the season. The Italian former world champion guided his Ducati to the top step, beating Japanese polesitter Ai Ogura (Aprilia) by 0.241 seconds.
Marc Márquez took third—Bagnaia’s Spanish Ducati teammate and reigning world champion—finishing 0.794 seconds back. Bagnaia’s win also marked the 300th MotoGP victory for an Italian rider.
While Bagnaia celebrated, championship leader Marco Bezzecchi had a day to forget. The Aprilia rider crashed out and now leads the standings with 180 points, with Jorge Martín (Aprilia/Spain) closing in on 165. Fabio Di Giannantonio (144 points) and Pedro Acosta (KTM, 132 points) follow. Márquez sits fifth in the championship with 115 points.
The grueling conditions—heat and slippery asphalt—took their toll, as only 15 riders crossed the finish line.
The Grand Prix gets underway on Sunday at 14:00.
