Martin claims topsy-turvy Indonesian GP

Jorge Martin emerged on top from a tough Indonesian Motorcycle Grand Prix weekend where many had contrasting fortunes.

Martin fell on Saturday, but won on Sunday to restore a 21-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia, who crossed the line third in the GP behind Pedro Acosta.

It was a race of attrition with only 12 of the 21 riders reaching the finish line on Sunday, whilst there was also drama on Saturday.

After smashing the field and taking pole by half a second, Martin eyed more success in the Sprint.

The PRAMAC rider led on the opening lap, but only got to the penultimate Turn 16 before a costly crash.

Martin was perplexed as he “didn’t feel on the limit” and recovered to 10th, one place ahead of Australia’s Jack Miller, but critically out of the points.

Bagnaia made him pay once again, taking victory in a Ducati formation finish with teammate Enea Bastianini on his back wheel.

It was far from a smooth ride however, with a resurgent Marco Bezzecchi being an early challenger before a big moment at Turn 10 on Lap 7.

Bezzecchi got out of shape and almost careered into the #1, but avoided disaster, running wide and dropping to fourth.

This helped Marc Marquez complete yet another charge, having started from 12th, he found himself in second.

Whilst the #93 threatened Bagnaia, the Gresini rider’s attention soon turned to the sister factory Ducati as Bastianini pressed hard.

Their battle went all the way to the penultimate lap where Bastianini flew by, while it was an all Ducati top five thanks to Franco Morbidelli.

Determined to make up for his Saturday sadness, Martin dominated the main event.

The PRAMAC rider shot clear off the line and was never challenged in a convincing lights-to-flag performance.

He emerged 1s clear in the 27-lap affair of the impressive Acosta, who was the lone KTM in a sea of Ducatis.

The young Tech3 rookie was the only non Ducati in the top fiver and more than held his own by pulling 4s on Bagnaia and restricting the reigning champion to third as Morbidelli fended off Bezzecchi for fourth.

However, they did well to make it as many failed to see the finish.

Aussie Miller found himself at the centre of attention after sparking a four-ride pileup by skirling Aleix Espargaro, Luca Marini and Alex Marquez at Turn 3.

Marc Marquez was unable to produce another charge through the field as his #93 went up in flames.

The highest profile drama occurred to Bastianini as his grip on the podium and dream of possibly contending for the championship disappeared when he fell at Turn 1 with six laps left.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, Joan Mir and Augusto Fernandez also retired.

After Martin hit back, he enjoys a 21-point lead over Bagnaia with Japan this weekend and Phillip Island calling on October 18-20.

MotoGP championship points

1: Jorge Martin 366 points

2: Francesco Bagnaia 345

3: Enea Bastianini 291

4: Marc Marquez 288

5: Pedro Acosta 181

2024 Indonesian Motorcycle Grand Prix results

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