Valencia GP: Bagnaia crowned 2023 MotoGP champion as Martin crashes out

In a race that saw one-third of the field crash out, Francesco Bagnaia stood on the top step of the podium and retained his World Champion status as title rival Jorge Martin crashed out. Qatar GP winner Fabio Di Giannantonio finished second on track, but a three second post-race penalty for a tyre pressure infringement demoted him to fourth place. This promoted Johann Zarco to second and Brad Binder to third.

1. Bagnaia first Ducati rider to win back-to-back world titles
2. Martin 39 points behind

Martin crashes out of Valencia GP and title battle

After a three-place grid penalty pushed poleman Maverick Vinales down to the second row, Bagnaia was promoted to the front of the grid. Starting the race from pole position, he managed to get a good start and keep Martin behind him. In an incident similiar to what we saw just last week at the Qatar GP, Martin got sucked in at the end of the start/finish straight and ran wide, which dropped him outside of the top five.

Martin was quick to bounce back and recovered a couple of positions, but he made contact with Marc Marquez, thereby ending the race prematurely for both the Spaniards.

Rollercoaster for KTM riders

Just moments later, Miller crashed out of the lead, with Bagnaia once again moving to the front of the pack. Binder, meanwhile, quickly made his way through the pack, and in fact, nearly crashed out after a very aggressive overtaking manoeuvre on Alex Marquez. Ultimately, he crossed the finish line in fourth, but a penalty for Di Giannantonio meant his final result was third place.

2023 MotoGP world championship standings

Bagnaia and Ducati are the 2023 World Champions, and this is the first time the Italian manufacturer has won back-to-back world titles. Martin finished second and Bagnaia’s VR46 academy stablemate Marco Bezzecchi finished third.

MotoGP action will resume on March 10, 2024 at the season opener in Qatar.

2023 Valencia MotoGP results