Flying Bagnaia blitzes lap record for Malaysian MotoGP pole

English Woman's Journal - Flying Bagnaia blitzes lap record for Malaysian MotoGP pole

SPORTS 11.11.2023

Flying Bagnaia blitzes lap record for Malaysian MotoGP pole / Photo: MOHD RASFAN - AFP

MotoGP championship leader Francesco Bagnaia set a new lap record to grab pole for the Malaysian grand prix ahead of title rival Jorge Martin in a dramatic qualifying session Saturday.

Change text size:

Spain's Martin will start alongside the Italian on the front row for the sprint later Saturday and in Sunday's race at Sepang despite crashing in the closing stages. He was unhurt.

Factory Ducati rider Bagnaia, who leads Martin by 13 points in the championship with three races left, secured his first pole since the Catalan GP in September.

Title-holder Bagnaia has seen Pramac's Martin close in in recent weeks in the championship battle.

"Considering the last period for sure it's one of the most important (poles)," said Bagnaia.

"Most of the lap times were incredible.

"Being back in pole position is fantastic and we have to be very positive for this afternoon."

Bagnaia delivered a masterclass in the closing stages of qualifying as the Italian blitzed through the Sepang circuit to set a new lap record of one minute and 57:491 seconds.

Martin, also on a Ducati, had minutes earlier shattered his own lap record after clocking 1:57.549, before he was trumped by his rival.

Martin flew off the tarmac in Turn 4 as he attempted to go even faster.

Enea Bastianini, on another Ducati, completes the front three, with Spaniard Alex Marquez in fourth and Luca Marini in fifth.

Marco Bezzecchi, who is still just about in the title fight, was sixth.

L.McKay--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Flying Bagnaia blitzes lap record for Malaysian MotoGP pole