Updated On: 25 September, 2023 07:57 AM IST | Greater Noida | AFP
Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi insists winning inaugural Indian Grand Prix despite the heat felt ‘fantastic’; world champ Francesco Bagnaia crashes out

Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi is ecstatic after winning the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit yesterday. Pics/AFP
Pole-starter Marco Bezzecchi won India’s inaugural MotoGP in a near-flawless race on Sunday, but world champion Francesco Bagnaia crashed out after slipping on a turn. Jorge Martin, who won Saturday’s sprint race, just held on for second spot with Fabio Quartararo a close third at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).
Italy’s Bezzecchi, on a Ducati-VR46, won his third race of the season in 36 minutes, 59.157 seconds and punched the air in celebration in front of a raucous grandstand. But it was heartbreak for Bagnaia, who lost control of his Ducati and the bike went for a somersault. The Italian still leads the world championship with 292 points but saw his lead cut in the 13th race of the 20-race season. Martin is on 279 points followed by Bezzecchi on 248.