Quartararo wins Catalonia MotoGP, as Espargaro pays dearly for error

France's world champion Fabio Quartararo extended his lead in this season's title race after winning the Catalonia MotoGP on Sunday, helped by an astonishing error by his closest pursuer Aleix Espargaro.

The Frenchman's joy contrasted starkly to Aprilia rider Esparagaro, who had a nightmare of a race from start to finish.

Having started on pole, he was passed by Quartararo on the first bend -- a lead the 23-year-old Frenchman would never relinquish -- and then, as the race reached its climax, he raised his arms, thinking he had finished second only to realise there was a still a lap to go.

His misfortune allowed compatriot Jorge Martin to take second, with his Ducati Primac team-mate Frenchman Johann Zarco taking third.

Quartararo increased his lead from eight points to 22 after nine rounds of the championship.

Little wonder he bore a broad grin on his face as he climbed off his Yamaha -- who he committed to for an extra two years on Thursday.

"I am so pleased, this was an incredible race," said Quartararo.

"I pushed hard from the start and kept it up to the finish.

"With this win and my second place in Mugello last Sunday, these are two great results as I feared the worst beforehand.

"Life is good, we have worked hard."

Martin was delighted with his second spot after a largely disappointing season.

"It has been a tough season, so I am delighted with this podium finish," said Martin.

"I thought I would find it hard to finish with one of my tyres giving me trouble, so I just conserved my energy.

"Then I saw Aleix slowing, and I thought he had a mechanical problem but then realised he had made a mistake.

"That was an unexpected bonus."

Zarco, too reflected on his good fortune, though, timely as it is expected he is set to extend his