Pecco vs Martin: Title fight on it’s peak at Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix | MotoGP Malaysia 2023

Vadims Mikeļevičs

Vadims Mikeļevičs

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Enea Bastianini clinched his inaugural MotoGP victory of the season during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit, delivering a poised performance that heated up the situation at the MotoGP bookies. Second place went to Alex Marquez, while Francesco Bagnaia further solidified his championship lead that he got over Jorge Martin at Thai MotoGP 2023 by grabbing the final podium spot, with Martin taking fourth position in the race. Bastianini's previous win dated back to his triumph at Aragon 2022. 

Let’s go step by step of this thrilling action in our MightyTips review.

Saturday’s heroes

After the triple-header in October started at MotoGP Pertamina 2023, the tensions for the last stage of the championship were really high. The electrifying atmosphere crackled with tension as the Sepang International Circuit witnessed a stunning showdown in MotoGP qualifying. Francesco Bagnaia, revving with determination, seized the spotlight by etching a blazing lap record of 1:57.491 onto the history books, snatching pole position, and delivering a bold statement to his championship rival.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) seemed destined for pole glory, only to be thwarted by a late crash at Turn 4, relegating him to the second spot on the grid. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) surged triumphantly through Q1, securing his maiden front-row start this season, solidifying Ducati's dominance at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia.

Unusual winners

Unusual winners

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) showcased his prowess with a commanding and stylish victory during Saturday's Tissot Sprint, leaving Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to fiercely contest the following positions. Martin claimed second, while the pole sitter, Pecco, had to settle for third spot. As the race day loomed, the gap narrowed to a mere 11 points and all the best online sports betting companies came into overheat, because there was no understanding of what the main event would bring.

The scintillating contest at Sepang ignited an early skirmish between Bagnaia and Martin, vying tooth and nail for a podium finish. Despite their captivating battle for third place, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) surged ahead, exhibiting a magnificent return to form. Bastianini's stellar performance saw him leading the pack, setting a blistering pace that left his opponents trailing. The only one to somewhat keep pace with Bastianini was Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who secured another podium finish after his Sprint triumph.

As the race commenced and the lights dimmed, a thrilling three-way tussle ensued into Turn 1, with the front-row contenders neck and neck. Bastianini maintained caution, Bagnaia maneuvered on the outside, and Martin seized the opportunity, momentarily snatching the holeshot by diving inside. However, unlike in the Australian MotoGP drama, his deep maneuver allowed Bagnaia to counterattack, although both missed the apex. Bagnaia swiftly reclaimed his position from Martin, but Bastianini had already surged ahead, closely trailed by Alex Marquez.

With the curtains drawn on the action-packed weekend at Sepang, the championship intensifies. Every point since the Motul MotoGP 2023 event holds immense significance as the gap now extends to just 14 points, with 74 points left in contention. It's the ultimate showdown: Pecco versus Martin. 

The coveted title of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion hangs in the balance, and the first decisive moment unfolds in Qatar for Bagnaia. Stay tuned, for the battle continues next weekend… GAME ON!

2 ratings, average 3 out of 5

Review Author

Vadims Mikeļevičs

Vadims Mikeļevičs

Vadims Mikeļevičs is an e-sports and biathlon enthusiast with years of writing experience about games, sports, and bookmakers.

Reviewed By Editor in Chief

Eugene Ravdin

Eugene Ravdin

Hey! I've been working for the official UEFA website for 18 years as a translator, reporter, editor, and language version editor in chief.