MotoGP Portugal: Francesco Bagnaia Wins, Marc Marquez Falls

Farncesco Bagnaia, started MotoGP 2023 brilliantly after winning the Portuguese GP at Portimao, Sunday 26 March. (Between/Andika Wahyu)

JAKARTA - World champion Fransesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo team proved himself still unbeaten after capturing the first podium in the opening series of the 2023 MotoGP at the Algarve Portimao International Circuit, Portugal, Sunday.

Bagnaia continued the positive trend after previously becoming the fastest in SprintRace. Meanwhile, one of the most promising rivals of the season, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), had to pull out early in the race and decide not to go back (out) after the thrash with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF) at Turn 3.

Bagnaia was monitored from the MotoGP page starting the second digrid race, right behind Marc, and traveling consistently at speeds that his competitors find it difficult to exceed. Of the 25 laps, the Italian rider recorded a total time of 41 minutes 25.401 seconds and was entitled to 25 points.

"Earlier it was a long race. But I enjoyed the race and was very happy to be able to start the start of this season well. I want to maintain this performance, and I also want to thank all my team members, which made me reach this position," said the driver who is familiarly called Pecco as quoted by Antara.

Behind Pecco, there is Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) who is competitive and only 0.687 seconds adrift of the champion. The Spaniard tried hard to finish first from Pecco to the last lap, however, he had to settle for standing in the runner up position.

"I feel happy and feel like my team and I are doing our job well. Our hard work has paid off. I congratulate my team who worked very hard, and I will try to achieve our next targets this season," said Vinales.

Furthermore, Marco Bezzeckchi (Mooney VR46) grabbed the third podium, which was 2.726 seconds adrift of Pecco.

The competition for the third position was quite challenging for the young racer, because he faced other rivals such as Alex Marquez (Gressini Racing), Jack Miller (KTM Red Bull), and Brad Binder (KTM Red Bull).

"I'm happy to be able to reach the third position. I made some mistakes in yesterday's race on Saturday, so today I tried hard to go as fast as possible and didn't lose this third position. This is an amazing team job. I can't wait for the next MotoGP in Argentina!" Bezzecki said.

The fourth position was finally won by Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac), followed by Alex Marquez and Binder for fifth and sixth place.

Next there is Miller in seventh place, and behind him is Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) who struggled to achieve the eighth finish, right in front of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).