Bastianini clinches the victory after a late challenge at the Aragon GP
Monday, 19 September 2022
The Gresini rider claimed his fourth victory of the season.
Francesco Bagnaia moved to within 10 points of MotoGP™ championship leader Fabio Quartararo on Sunday, despite finishing second to Enea Bastianini in a thrilling Aragon Grand Prix.
Ducati's Bagnaia was aiming to become the first rider since Marc Marquez in 2019 to win five races in a row and looked good value to achieve that heading into the final lap.
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But in the latest tense battle between the pair, Gresini rider Bastianini took the lead from Bagnaia on turn seven to claim his fourth victory of the season.
Bagnaia had to settle for 20 points, which further increases the pressure on the faltering Quartararo, who crashed out early on and has just one podium finish in his past five races.
Aleix Espargaro held off Jack Miller and Brad Binder, who had earlier climbed from 10th to third, to complete the podium with an impressive performance on home soil
The first big twist arrived on the first lap when Quartararo hit the rear of Marc Marquez, competing for the first time since May, and was unable to continue.
Takaaki Nakagami was fortunate to avoid serious injury soon after when unintentionally struck by Marquez, who was forced to retire in a disappointing return to action.
Further up the grid, Bagnaia and Bastianini engaged in another battle and, unlike in San Marino two weeks ago, it was the latter who came out on top on this occasion.
Having temporarily taken the lead a little earlier before gifting it straight back, Bastianini made a sensational move on Bagnaia late on to win the race.
The battle for third was just as entertaining, with Espargaro making his move on Binder with two laps to go to move within 17 points of leader and reigning champion Quartararo.
TOP 10
1. Enea Bastianini (Gresini) 41:35.462
2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) +0.042
3. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) +6.139
4. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) +6.379
5. Jack Miller (Ducati) +6.964
6. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) +12.030
7. Luca Marini (VR46 Racing Team) +12.474
8. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) +12.655
9. Alex Rins (Suzuki Ecstar) +12.702
10. Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Racing Team) +16.150
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Riders
1. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) 211
2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) 201
3. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) 194
4. Enea Bastianini (Gresini) 163
5. Jack Miller (Ducati) 134
Teams
1. Ducati 335
2. Aprilia Racing 298
3. Monster Energy Yamaha 237
4. Pramac Racing 237
5. Red Bull KTM 223
The lead is slashed to 10! 👊#AragonGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/3fN0Ke3Ep5
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) September 18, 2022
