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Marquez ambushed Di Giannantonio to win Brazil sprint / Photo: © AFP
Marquez ambushed Di Giannantonio to win Brazil sprint
World Champion Marc Marquez pounced on a late error by Fabio Di Giannantonio and then held off a desperate last-lap counter-attack to win the delayed sprint race as MotoGP continued its chaotic return to Brazil on Saturday.
Friday's practices for the first MotoGP in Brazil in 22 years were delayed by mud deposited on the track by the week-long downpour and then disrupted by more rain.
On Saturday, after Di Giannantonio topped the morning's qualifying session in dry conditions, a hole opened up in the main straight, another consequence of the recent torrential rain in central Brazil. Following rapid road repairs, the flag dropped 80 minutes late for the sprint.
Di Giannantonio, on a Ducati satellite VR46, bolted from pole with only Marquez on his factory Ducati able to give chase.
With two laps to go, Di Giannantonio, who has never won a sprint race, wobbled and Marquez shot past. The Italian was on the Spaniard's rear wheel throughout the last lap but Marquez filled every potential hole.
"Super important victory because in Thailand I was suffering," said Marquez. "I'm still not riding as I want, but just keep pushing."
He said that he expected to have to battle the "super-fast" Di Giannantonio again on Sunday.
Di Giannantonio rued his mistake but was happy with his podium place.
"The conditions were different from this morning," he said. "On two corners there was less grip. In the same corner I did two mistakes and I ruined my race."
"We have to be super happy," he added. "Second place, super close to Marc. Let's give it another go tomorrow."
The joy seemed to be greater with each step down the podium.
Jorge Martin, who followed his 2024 world title with a catastrophic campaign marked by injuries following serious crashes and disputes with his Aprilia team, was euphoric as he tried to lead the Brazilian crowd in cheers.
"I'm really happy," the Spaniard said. "Been a tough journey."
Martin competed in only seven races last season and did not finish higher than fourth.
"Two months ago my girlfriend was feeding me," he added making a spoon-feeding gesture, "and now I'm here."
Spain's Pedro Acosta stayed atop the standings after finishing ninth. He is two points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi who was fourth in the sprint.
Martin rose to third in the standings at eight points and Marquez to sixth, 12 adrift.
A.Smith--SFF
