Bagnaia wins finale but tearful Martin takes first MotoGP title

Jorge Martin claimed his first MotoGP title with a third-placed finish at the season-ending race in Barcelona, which was won by his nearest challenger Francesco Bagnaia.

Italian Bagnaia started the day 19 points behind Martin, but victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was not enough to overhaul the Spaniard.

“I am completely shocked,” said Pramac rider Martin, who took the title by 10 points. “This is for my family, for the people who are supporting me, this is for them.

“I started crying at the end. It was a really emotional race. It’s been a long journey with a lot of crashes and big injuries but finally we are here. I hope we can keep improving and enjoy the moment.”

The 26-year-old needed to finish no lower than ninth to become the champion if Ducati’s Bagnaia won the race from pole position.

Two-time defending champion Bagnaia had won the Malaysian Grand Prix earlier this month to take the title battle to the final weekend, before a sprint win on Saturday cut his rival’s lead further.

Martin, who will join Aprilia for next season, had challenged the 27-year-old Italian for the title in 2023, but crashed out early in the season-ending Valencia GP.

“This day is for him,” added Bagnaia, who won 11 of the season’s 20 races compared to Martin’s three. “I think he is deserving of what he achieved.”

Six-time world champion Marc Marquez finished second in Sunday’s race as Martin dedicated his maiden championship to the city of Valencia.

The season finale was scheduled to be held in Valencia on 15 November but was moved because of the deadly floods in the area.

Classement général

1. Jorge Martin (Spa/Pramac Racing) 508 points

2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ita/Ducati) 498

3. Marc Marquez (Spa/Gresini Racing) 392

4. Enea Bastianini (Ita/Ducati) 386

5. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 217