AFTER the dramatic Emilia-Romagna GP series, this weekend’s MotoGP event took place at the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The Indonesian GP series is predicted to be an arena for a tight battle for the title between Jorge Martin (Pramac) and defending champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati).
Jorge Martin is currently 24 points ahead at the top of the standings over Bagnaia. In Mandalika, the two riders have their own records for the 2023 season.
Last year, Martin led the standings in Saturday’s session but fell in Sunday’s race. Bagnaia, who was under pressure, was able to rise to victory.
Martin and Bagnaia also need to be wary of Enea Bastianini (Ducati). Bastianini is in third place in the standings, currently 35 points adrift of Bagnaia.
The action of overtaking Martin on the last lap of the Emilia-Romagna GP made the racer nicknamed La Bestia a topic of conversation.
Also read: Enea Bastianini has ambitions to disturb Martin and Bagnaia
ANTARA/WAHYU PUTRO A
Prima Pramac Racing racer Jorge Martin celebrates after winning the 15th Sprint Race MotoGP series at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Central Lombok, NTB, Saturday (14/10/2023).
Last season in Mandalika, Bastianini arrived physically not completely fit even though he ultimately secured a top ten finish. This time, he was in momentum.
If he is able to achieve positive results in qualifying, Bastianini has great potential to heat up the competition.
Marc Marquez (Gresini) in fourth place in the standings is also narrowly separated from Bastianini because he is only one point behind. Marquez regained confidence after climbing the podium in Emilia-Romagna.
It’s just that, Mandalika has been a scourge for the Baby Alien. In the 2022 season, a highside accident will require Marquez to miss racing.
The following season, Marquez also fell at Mandalika. It will be a challenge for the former Honda racer to finish the race smoothly in Mandalika this time. (Z-6)
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