In a thrilling 2023 Indian MotoGP Sprint race held at the Buddh International Circuit, Jorge Martin of Pramac Ducati secured victory, narrowing the gap in the title race with Francesco Bagnaia.
Martin Dominates the Sprint Race
Jorge Martin delivered a commanding performance, seizing the lead at Turn 1 and maintaining it throughout the 11-lap race, leaving his rivals trailing behind.
“I didn’t need to put my 100% today. Just trying to concentrate on the turn. My main target was to increase the gap and understand the conditions. We have some margin to fight back with Marco tomorrow,” Martin said after winning the Tissot Sprint.
Bagnaia and Marquez Secure Podium Spots
Francesco Bagnaia, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, claimed the second position, maintaining his position behind Martin throughout the race. Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda secured the final podium spot, marking his first top-three finish since the Portimao Sprint.
Bezzecchi’s Rollercoaster Ride
Pole qualifier Marco Bezzecchi faced early adversity as his VR46 team-mate Luca Marini collided with him at turn 1. Bezzecchi displayed remarkable resilience, recovering from last place to finish in the fifth position, even setting the fastest lap on his way through the field.
Drama and Challenges for Other Riders
Joan Mir briefly challenged Marquez for third place but ran wide and ultimately crashed on lap 4. Brad Binder, while closing in on Marquez, allowed the 8-time world champion to retain his position. Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo couldn’t hold off Bezzecchi’s charge, finishing in sixth place.
Revised Schedule Due to Weather
The afternoon schedule underwent revisions due to an earlier rain shower, leading to an additional ‘wet’ practice session just before the Sprint. Despite the track improving, concerns lingered among riders about damp patches on critical run-off areas and parts of the starting grid.
Start-Line Drama and Incidents
As the race finally commenced after short delays to allow further track drying, Jorge Martin, starting from second on the grid, grabbed the holeshot. However, drama unfolded behind him as pole-sitter Bezzecchi was hit from behind by Marini, leading to an incident that also involved two other riders.
Stefan Bradl repeated Bezzecchi’s error, colliding with Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro. Among them, only Fernandez remained upright.
Additional Incidents and Challenges
Johann Zarco, Martin’s team-mate, had a solo fall during the middle stages of the race, and Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia later suffered a tumble outside the points.
Tyre Choices and Adjusted Race Distances
All riders opted for medium front and soft rear slick tyres. In response to feedback from riders and tyre suppliers in hot and humid conditions, race distances were adjusted: MotoGP Sprint reduced to 11 laps, Moto3 to 16 laps, Moto2 to 18 laps, and MotoGP Grand Prix on Sunday shortened by three laps to 21 laps.
Bagnaia’s Title Lead
Francesco Bagnaia, who entered the Sprint with a 36-point title lead over Jorge Martin, faced challenging conditions at the 13-turn former F1 circuit, featuring long straights and banked corners, including the tricky Turn 1.