Marquez wins Hungarian GP for seventh straight sprint-race double

BALATONFOKAJAR, Hungary :Ducati's Marc Marquez delivered a masterclass at the Balaton Park Circuit on Sunday, winning the first Hungarian Grand Prix in 33 years to secure his seventh straight sprint-race double and stretch his championship lead to a commanding 175 points.

KTM's Pedro Acosta and Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi joined Marquez on the podium as reigning champion Jorge Martin came fourth - his best finish on the Aprilia since his return from injuries.

Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez, second in the championship behind his brother, could only manage 14th place after an early fall.

Against the picturesque backdrop of the largest lake in central Europe, polesitter Marquez lost the lead on lap one to drop out of the podium positions but his tyre strategy proved decisive.

Having clinched his 13th sprint victory of the season on Saturday, Marquez had another good launch to lead into turn one.

But Bezzecchi took the lead on the next turn, as Marquez made contact with the Aprilia and lost speed to drop to fourth.

"Luckily, for both of us, I was able to save the crash and he just continued his way. But from that point the race changed a bit," Marquez said.

Bezzecchi and second-placed Franco Morbidelli were on soft rear tyres while Marquez was on the medium compound, with the Spaniard easily climbing to second once his tyres were fully warmed up.

Acosta also made a smooth overtake on Morbidelli to move up to third but he had a gap of nearly two seconds to Marquez, who had virtually erased Bezzecchi's lead as they constantly exchanged overtakes.

MARQUEZ POUNCES

Marquez patiently bided his time, staying on Bezzecchi's rear wheel. The inevitable moment came on lap 11 when he pounced, using the Aprilia's slipstream to reclaim the lead before