winner of the Valencia Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia wins a second world champion title

The Italian, winner on the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on Sunday, resisted the return of Jorge Martin at the end of the season to offer himself a second world crown.

“Pecco” did not shake. Under the threat of his rival Jorge Martin, Sunday November 26 at the Valencia Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) had strong nerves to win, and thus ensure a second world title after the one acquired last year. In 2022, the Italian ended the season with a cannonball to overtake Fabio Quartararo and deprive the Frenchman of a new coronation. This time, Francesco Bagnaia was the hunted, but the hunter Jorge Martin (Ducati Pramac) never managed to catch him.

A place in the top 5 on the Ricardo Tormo circuit ensured that the Italian could not be caught. Starting in pole position after the penalty received during the warm up by the best qualifying driver Maverick Vinales (Aprilia), “Pecco” first saw Jorge Martin (6th on the grid) come back on his heels, but the suspense was of short time. “Martinator” tried everything, but ended up failing. Tense during qualifying then brilliant in the sprint race (victory) on Saturday, to prolong the suspense and reduce the gap to 14 points, the Spaniard first came close to falling by hitting Francesco Bagnaia.

Starting eighth, the Ducati Pramac rider made another mistake, fatal to Marc Marquez (Honda), propelled into the air after being hit by his compatriot 21 laps from the finish. Jorge Martin also had to retire, ending a breathtaking title race. Francesco Bagnaia was able to read his team’s sign, “Martin out”, as he passed the line. And finish the Grand Prix without pressure, except that put on by Johann Zarco and Fabio Di Giannantonio at the end of the race.

The Frenchman finished third, behind the two Transalpines, but finally ranked second after a penalty imposed on Di Giannantonio, penalized for having driven part of the race with too low tire pressure.