Espargaro wins Catalunya MotoGP after Bagnaia crashes, SA's Binder hampered by tyre issues

Aleix Espargaro said, "this one's for Pecco," after winning a Catalunya MotoGP at Montmelo on Sunday marred by world champion Francesco Bagnaia's horrific crash.

Espargaro's Aprilia teammate Maverick Vinales took second, with Jorge Martin completing the podium at the Montmelo circuit.

As Espargaro celebrated a dream double at his home race after also winning Saturday's sprint, Bagnaia was receiving medical attention in a local hospital.

The Italian Ducati star had set off from pole. He avoided a multi-bike pile-up at turn one but at the next corner lost control. Bagnaia was thrown violently into the air in front of the chasing pack.

Brad Binder's KTM then ran over Bagnaia's leg.

The series leader was conscious and taken away to the track's medical centre in an ambulance, with the crowd clapping him.

He was later transferred to the local hospital.

MotoGP's medical director Angel Charte later issued a bulletin on the world champion's condition.

"Pecco has had severe polytrauma, a motorbike ran over him in the femoral and tibial area," he told Spanish broadcaster DAZN.

"We have taken x-rays of this area and have detected a small injury but we don't know if it is current or old. We need to do an urgent CAT scan and that is why we have sent him to the general hospital," he added.

"At cranial, thoracic and abdominal levels, he has been normal at all times. He was conscious and oriented."

Espargaro's thoughts were with the stricken world champion.

"This win is for Pecco, luckily we've just heard it's nothing serious," he said.

Turning to his finest weekend in MotoGP he added: "I'm speechless.

"Thankfully, nothing happened to us on the first lap.

"It was difficult in the wind. I thought I would not catch him (Vinales), but I waited, and I did