MotoGP Mugello: Bagnaia victorious as Martin tops speed record

Ducati was dominant at Mugello on Sunday as Lenovo rider Pecco Bagnaia secured the Italian Grand Prix victory for home honours.

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo put up a stunning fight despite the M1’s limited power to claim second with Aleix Espargaro continuing his incredible 2022 run of form for a fourth consecutive third position. Further delight for the Bologna factory saw Prima Pramac’s Jorge Martin set a new MotoGP top speed record having hit the traps at 226.2 mph.

A cool, cloudy but dry Mugello saw ten riders lined up on hard front Michelin tyres with five opting for the soft rear compared to the majority’s medium choices. A full Italian front row headed by a duo of rookies as Gresini’s Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi shone at home alongside Mooney VR46 teammate Luca Marini and at the head of a five-strong Ducati train.

Marc Marquez launched for his last MotoGP race for the foreseeable future - due to impending surgery on his right humerus - from 11th on the grid. Repsol Honda teammate Pol Espargaro two places ahead with Gresini’s triple-winner Enea Bastianini slotting in between. Suzuki Ecstar seeming to struggle in Italy with Joan Mir and Alex Rins starting 17th and 21st respectively.

23 laps began with di Giannantonio maintaining his lead off the line before Marini powered through the opening corner, Bezzecchi third with Aleix Espargaro up to fourth over Quartararo as the lap unfolded. KTM’s Brad Binder’s lightning starts saw another outing as the South African ran seventh from 16th.

Bezzecchi took charge over his teammate on lap two with the reigning MotoGP Champion bettering his Aprilia rival with Pramac’s Johann Zarco battling the factory Ducati of Bagnaia for sixth.

Quartararo took a