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Reigning double world champion Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda has won the San Marino MotoGP in Misano in near flawless fashion. It is the 22-year-old’s first MotoGP win at the venue, although he has previously won in the 125cc category. This is Marquez’s 49th career win in motor racing, and his 23rd in the premier class – MotoGP.
Marquez started the race in 2nd, after finishing qualifying behind his countryman, Jorge Lorenzo of Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, who qualified in pole. Lorenzo pushed his bike with 5 laps to go, gunning for the podium, when he crashed out of the race spectacularly.
Watch as @lorenzo99 falls from the #SanMarinoGP while pushing for the podium. More at http://t.co/LRNVoZMuI9 http://t.co/yLoVabcmTh
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) September 13, 2015
The race saw two British riders on the podium – Bradley Smith of Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha finished in 2nd, in only the second podium of his career; his last was a 3rd place finish at the 2014 Australian MotoGP. “I couldn't believe it, that they were going to do two pit-stops, I thought a top 6 was possible but never a podium,” he said, incredulous about his own win.
Scott Redding of Marc VDS won his career-first MotoGP podium at today’s race after crashing early on in the race. He got back on his bike to continue racing, however, and like Smith was surprised at his own win. He pitted for a tyre change as well, saying “I tried as fast I could to get back on the track.. I figured, rain tyres aren’t working, came in for dries, I’m there!”
Following the race, MotoGP shared that Lorenzo is undergoing x-rays on his hand to determine if he has sustained any severe injuries in the crash.
The Spaniard is the closest competitor to his teammate Valentino Rossi in the drivers’ championships, and prior to today was only 12 points behind the Italian; Rossi had 236 points, while Lorenzo had 224.
Although Lorenzo crashed today, Rossi finished in 5th – the first time this year that he has not finished on the podium. He will gain 11 points, taking him to 247. Although Lorenzo is still closest to him, the Doctor’s lead has now been strengthened. Race winner Marquez has gained 25 points, but still remains in third, with a 40 point deficit to Lorenzo.
Riders next head to Asia for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.
