2024 MotoGP Catalunya Grand Prix: Espargaro wins Sprint as three leads crash out

In what turned out to be one of the most dramatic Sprint races this season, Aleix Espargaro continued his winning streak, securing victory in the Catalunya MotoGP sprint. With this victory, the local hero was able to add 12 points to his world championship campaign this season. 

Although the Aprilia racer kept his stint faultless, the Sprint had its fair share of drama and anxiety as not one but three racers crashed out, all of whom took the lead in the race at different points in time. Earlier in the qualifiers, Espargaro had smashed the lap record to take pole but the Spaniard had a poor start, slipping back to fifth by the end of the first lap.

Marc Marquez returned to form, securing the second spot after a disappointing turn of events in the qualifiers earlier today. This despite the Gresini racer starting 14th on the grid and losing a part of his aero package in a collision. Pedro Acosta, celebrating his 20th birthday today, was the other podium finisher completing his sprint after a deadly lockout with Marquez for the second spot.

Bagnaia, Binder, Fernandez crash out

The first major crash of the Sprint took place when Raul Fernandez had just started pulling away, crashing out at the front at turn 10. A visibly frustrated Fernandez could be seen pounding the gravel with his fists after the crash. The next in line was Brad Binder when the KTM Factory racer took a tumble at Turn 5 just after his hard fought duel with Acosta. 

Finally, reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia’s first Sprint win of the season came to a heartbreaking end as he slid out at Turn 10 in the final lap, allowing Espargaro to take the lead. All eyes are now set for the final race tomorrow at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.