Moto GP news: Francesco Bagnaia wins in Spain to claim first victory of the season
After claiming pole position on Saturday, Francesco Bagnaia delivered on Sunday with his first race win of the season in Jerez, Spain.
Francesco Bagnaia won his first race of the season in the sixth round of the 2022 Championship, with the Italian finishing ahead of Fabio Quartararo in Sunday's event.
Both Bagnaia and Quartararo held position into turn one, and broke away from the pack early on as they continued to battle for the lead.
It's far from being the first time the pair have battled it out at the front, but Bagnaia did a good job of keeping reigning champion Quartararo behind him.
Our #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 podium boys 🤩
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 1, 2022
🥇 @PeccoBagnaia
🥈 @FabioQ20
🥉 @AleixEspargaro #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/reCXUO7ZZJ
Behind the leaders, Australia's Jack Miller made a superb start, and found his way up to third in the first lap.
But as Bagnaia and Quartararo pulled away, the Spanish duo of Aleix Espargaro and Marc Marquez closed the gap to Miller and threatened his position on the podium.
The 5th different winner of the season! 🏆
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 1, 2022
And Aprilia lose their concessions! 👏#SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/69C5UvA6e6
An important finish for the Spaniard saw him move up to second in the championship standings, while Quartararo extended his lead at the top.