Jakarta: Mooney VR46 Team rider Marco Bezzecchi managed to become the fastest in the Indian MotoGP event held at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday (September 24). This victory means something special as India only hosted MotoGP this season and Bezzechi was recorded as the first champion.

Then, the race result also became Bezzechi’s third victory throughout the 2023 season after at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit (MotoGP Argentina) and the Le Mans circuit (MotoGP France). In response, Bezzechi said it was still not easy to win in India.

“I’m happy because it was a difficult and very long race. After being hit yesterday (in the sprint race) by Luca Marini, I managed to take revenge and I was able to lead the race very early,” Bezzecchi said after the race. reported by the official MotoGP website.

“I just tried to concentrate, set the pace and feel that this bike was fantastic. I really enjoy this country, this track is incredible, so thank you very much,” he added.

Bezzecchi, who started from pole position, appeared without a gap and was not overtaken in the 21 races in which he participated. He continued to lead even though he was almost overtaken by Francesco Bagnaia on the fourth lap.

Indeed, fierce competition was evident in the fight for second place between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin at the start of the 13th lap. Bagnaia managed to overtake Martin, but crashed on the next lap and had to give up his position to be caught by Martin.

Then Martin’s fight didn’t stop there as he also had to fight with Fabio Quartararo who was closely following him. In fact, Martin only confirmed his second podium after overtaking Quartararo before crossing the finish line.

Bezzecchi, who appeared continuously in first place, finished the race with a time of 36 minutes 59.157 seconds, followed by Martin with a difference of 8.649 seconds in second and Quartararo with a difference of 8.855 seconds in third.

“I want to dedicate this victory to a friend who unfortunately passed away a few days ago. So, Filippo (a big fan), this is for you,” Bezzecchi said.

The race results place Bezzechi in third place in the drivers’ standings with a haul of 248 points, while Martin is in second place with 279 points, just 29 points behind Bagnaia who is in the lead. (ANT)

Here are the full results of the 2023 Indian MotoGP: