The last race weekend at MotoGP Catalan was filled with the usual ebbs and flow. From the unprecedented crashes to epic comebacks, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was witness to a roller coaster ride that comprised some of the best motorsport action in recent times. At the same time, there were some disappointing performances at the Catalan Grand Prix.
Here’s a list of top 5 hits and misses from the recently held MotoGP Catalan.
2024 MotoGP Catalan: Rule breaker Bastianini (Miss)
After finishing fifth in the hotly contested Sprint race, Enea Bastianini was hot in pursuit of a podium finish, however, he couldn’t replicate his strong performance at the final race. After a sharp attack from Alex Marquez at Turn 2, the Ducati Lenovo racer was forced to run wide of the track to avoid a crash. Unfortunately, Bastianini was penalised with a Long Lap which he didn’t agree to.
He decided to carry on which then transformed into a double Long Lap. Bastianini served one but didn’t serve the second. Ultimately, it led to a 32 second penalty equivalent to a trip through pitlane. Bastianini will be looking to make a point the coming weekend at Mugello.
2024 MotoGP Catalan: Bagnaia makes strong statement (Hit)
After an impressive qualifier, Bagnaia met with an unfortunate crash at Turn 5 at the final lap of the Sprint. However, the Italian was more determined at the final race to show why he’s the reigning champion. After an exciting duel with Jorge Martin for the first spot, With six laps to go, Bagnaia made his move at Turn 5 overtaking the Ducati Pramac racer in a neat fashion.
2024 MotoGP Catalan: Espargaro unfulfilled homerun (Miss)
Aleix Esparagaro had a perfect start to his final run in front of his home crowd. The Aprilia racer recently announced his retirement at the end of this season and a podium finish at the Catalan Grand Prix would have been a perfect gift to his local fans. Unfortunately, after securing the pole with the fastest lap in the qualifiers and winning the Sprint, Espargaro couldn’t translate his hot streak with a podium finish at the final race, finishing fourth.
Watch video: MotoGP Exclusive: In conversation with Aleix Espargaro
2024 MotoGP Catalan: Marquez man of comebacks (Hit)
However, the highlight of the race was the comeback from Marc Marquez, starting the race from the fourteenth place and earning a podium spot. After a below par qualifying round, Marquez showed his true class, taking it easy in the first half while reserving his best for the latter half of the race.
The comeback sounds even more special and significant since the Gresini racer was one of the few riders running on a soft rear tyre. For others running a soft rear, it didn’t yield positive results. For the uninitiated, Gresini Racing, Pramac Racing, KTM Factory, and Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 opted for a softer tyre setup instead of medium ones.
2024 MotoGP Catalan: Acosta’s crash out (Miss)
Pedro Acosta has shown true spirit of a fighter ever since he graduated to the highest level and made his debut at MotoGP Doha earlier this season. The young GASGAS racer has managed to grab eyeballs of every MotoGP fan with his fearless and aggressive approach. Celebrating his 20th birthday last weekend, Acosta was all but confirmed for a podium finish until the Spaniard came crashing down at Turn 10 in lap 11, with the soft rear acting up.
