The win means Bagnaia is closing down on the leader in the points table, the Spaniard Jorge Martin, who could only manage second place at the Motul TT Assen.  Former World Champion Enea Bastianini finished third, chasing from P10 to finish on the podium.

Bagnaia and Martin both had brilliant starts, the latter charging through on Maverick Vinales after turn 1.  They were soon joined by Spain’s Marc Marquez and the front three remained in the lead during the opening stages of the race, with the fastest lap changing hands multiple times.

Further back, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Pedro Acosta was locked into battle for fifth and sixth, with Di Giannantonio eventually breaking away from Acosta and overtaking Vinales for fourth place.  Marquez was next in his sights and he too was overtaken to move Di Giannantonio for third.

Acosta was also caught by Bastianini, who eventually found his way through on Lap 18. Thanks to a sensational pace, he managed to pass Vinales at the end of Lap 22 to move into third.

South Africa’s Brad Binder finished in seventh place, 16 seconds behind the winner.  He is also in seventh place overall in the World Championship.

The next Moto GP will take place in Germany at Sachsenring from 5 to 7 July.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger