Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing made history by finishing third in the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, becoming the first independent rider world champion of the MotoGP era. Heading into the final race with a 19-point lead, Martin needed a top-nine finish if his title rival Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati won. Despite an emotional race where he shed tears, Martin achieved his dream of becoming world champion.
Bagnaia gave it his all, winning the race and his 11th of the season, but Martin’s consistent performance with 32 podiums across sprints and races secured him the title by 10 points. In a thrilling race, Bagnaia and Martin started strongly, with Marc Marquez also challenging for the lead. An intense battle ensued, with Martin pressured by Enea Bastianini and fending off Aleix Espargaro to maintain his position.
Ultimately, Bagnaia took the victory, with Marquez finishing second, while Martin’s third-place finish sealed the championship, leading to jubilant celebrations. Martin’s victory marks a significant milestone in MotoGP history, showcasing the talent and determination of independent riders in the sport. With this triumph, Martin has cemented his place as a world-class competitor, inspiring future generations of independent riders to chase their dreams on the track.
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