Alex Marquez claims Catalunya MotoGP sprint victory by 0.041sec, while Marco Bezzecchi extends his overall lead despite finishing ninth.
BARCELONA: Alex Marquez claimed Catalunya MotoGP sprint victory on Saturday, while Marco Bezzecchi was able to protect his overall lead.
Spanish Ducati-Gresini rider Marquez, who triumphed at the Spanish Grand Prix in April, finished just 0.041sec ahead of Pedro Acosta, who started on pole, and third-placed Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Bezzecchi struggled and ended up ninth but extended his overall lead to two points on his closest competitor, Jorge Martin, who crashed out in the third lap of the 12-lap sprint.
Marquez, who won the Catalan Grand Prix last year, passed KTM rider Acosta on the fourth lap. The younger Spanish rider stayed close but was unable to find a way back in front.
Acosta pushed his compatriot all the way to the finish, for the closest ever victory in a MotoGP sprint.
