MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia wins third straight Spanish Grand Prix

Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia won his third successive Spanish Grand Prix as championship leader Jorge Martin crashed out.

Home favourite Martin lost control of his bike on the 11th lap, allowing Italy’s Bagnaia to secure victory following a back-and-forth tussle with six-time champion Marc Marquez, who finished second.

Italy’s Marco Bezzecchi came third at the Circuito de Jerez.

Pramac Racing’s Martin, 26, remains the leader in the overall standings, 17 points in front of Ducati’s Bagnaia.

“The most important thing was the first lap. After that I just tried to push, and Jorge committed a mistake by going too strong on the brakes,” said Bagnaia.

The race winner said he enjoyed the contest with Gresini’s Marquez, who finished 0.372 seconds behind him.

“Every time I fight with Marc, I know I have to be aggressive,” Bagnaia said. “It was very good.”

Spain’s Marquez sported a tyre mark on his shoulder after the race following a close encounter with Bagnaia after the pair overtook each other multiple times.

“It was a tight fight, like old times. I tried to follow him afterwards, but he had a bit more than me,” said Marquez.