In the 2023 MotoGP India race, Marco Bezzecchi secured victory as Francesco Bagnaia suffered a crash while navigating a turn. The event took place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, with Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo rounding out the podium.
Starting from pole position, Marco Bezzecchi delivered a nearly flawless performance to claim victory in India’s inaugural MotoGP race. Meanwhile, the reigning world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, faced disappointment as he lost control of his Ducati, resulting in a crash that took him out of the race.
Jorge Martin, the winner of Saturday’s sprint race, managed to secure second place, but he faced stiff competition from Fabio Quartararo, who finished closely behind in third place at the Buddh International Circuit.
Riding a Ducati-VR46, Italy’s Bezzecchi celebrated his third win of the season. Despite his victory, Bagnaia’s mishap allowed his championship lead to diminish.
The race began with Martin making a strong start, taking the lead from his second grid position, with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi in second and third places, respectively. Bezzecchi executed a clean overtake on Bagnaia at a corner, moving into second place and steadily building a lead of over three seconds within the first five laps.
As the race progressed, Martin and Bagnaia battled for the second and third positions, while Marc Marquez, in fourth place, slipped on turn one of the sixth lap, causing him to drop down the order.
Bagnaia, also known as “Pecco,” managed to pass Martin on lap 13 before his unfortunate crash ended his race prematurely and painfully.
Following Bagnaia’s exit, Bezzecchi maintained control of the race, and his strong performance during qualifying had made him one of the favorites for victory.
Due to complaints from riders about the heat and humidity during Friday’s practice sessions, the race was shortened by three laps to a total of 21 laps.
