MotoGP Portugal 2024: Viñales comes out on top at sprint

Fondly referred to as the Top Gun, Viñales managed a lead of 1.039 seconds over Marquez to grab the top spot.

MotoGP Portugal sprint
MotoGP Portugal sprint (Image: MotoGP)

In a surprising turn of events, Maverick Viñales from Aprilia Racing took the top honours at the sprint race of Portuguese Grand Prix. This marks the first sprint win for the Spaniard. The sprint was etched with twists all along the exhilarating 12 laps. 

After a rather underwhelming performance in the practice and qualifiers, Marc Marquez was back in form bagging the second spot after a brave last-lap overtake at turn five on Jorge Martin, who was unable to showcase his full potential in the sprint.

MotoGP Portugal 2024: Bastianini loses out on pole

The sprint marked a brilliant start as Jack Miller took the lead on the exit of turn one. The Red Bull KTM Factory racer stormed away on the first lap whereas Polesitter Enea Bastianini got swallowed by the front group as the Italian was demoted to P5 following an issue with his rear ride height device.

Reigning champion— Francesco Bagnaia— came in fourth, holding off Miller after a magnificent display of defending. Winner from the qualifiers and practise session— Franceso Bagnia recorded the final point in the sprint. Meanwhile, Acosta finished in seventh in his second MotoGP weekend this year—  ahead of Espargaro and Fabio Quartararo from Aprilia and Yamaha.

Red Bull KTM Factory racer— Brand Binder— crashed out again, but thankfully no damage occurred. All focus now shifts to the final race of the Portuguese GP today.

RankRacerTeamLap timing
1Maverick ViñalesAprilia Racing19:49.636
2Marc MarquezGresini Racing MotoGP™+1.039
3Jorge MartinPrima Pramac Racing+1.122
4Francesco BagnaiaDucati Lenovo Team+4.155
5Jack MillerRed Bull KTM Factory Racing+4.329
6Enea Bastianini(Ducati Lenovo Team)+4.384
7Pedro AcostaRed Bull GASGAS Tech3+5.088
8Aleix EspargaroAprilia Racing+6.161
9Fabio QuartararoMonster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™+7.501
10Raul FernandezTrackhouse Racing+8.484
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This article was first uploaded on March twenty-four, twenty twenty-four, at fifty-seven minutes past nine in the morning.
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