An injured shoulder hasn’t stopped Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati) from taking his first victory of the season at the MotoGP Spanish GP 2022 this Sunday on the Jerez-Ángel Nieto circuit. Fabio Quartararo crossed the finish line two-tenths of a second behind the Italian, who dominated the race from his starting pole position.

Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia) claimed his third podium of the year completing the top three. Incidentally, the three winners had started the race in those very same positions. Marc Márquez also put out a sensational performance after ending a battle with Jack Miller with a spectacular pass during the final metres. 

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This result takes a lot of pressure off Ducati and Bagnaia, fifth winner of the season after Enea Bastianini (Qatar GP & United States), Miguel Oliveira (Indonesian) Aleix Espargaró  (Argentine) Fabio Quartararo (Portugal). The Desmosedici GP22 has struck its first blow, leaving behind the disastrous start of the season. 

Quartararo should also be very pleased with himself.  The blatant Inferiority of his M1 might have prevented him from competing with Bagnaia in Spain but the current champion has consolidated his position at the top of the standings with 87 points, seven over Aleix Espargaro.

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Bagnaia and Quartararo escape from the start.  

Bagnaia and Quartararo were able to hold on to their first and second starting positions with ease at the start. Behind them, and taking advantage of a light touch between Aleix Espargaró and Marc Márquez during the initial metres, Miller climbed from sixth to fourth place. 

Following that incident, the pilot from Aprilia fell from third to sixth place after being passed by both the #93 and by Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda).  Completed the two first laps, Pecco and Quartararo broke away from Miler and Marc by four-tenths of a second.

Aware that Miller had the key to the podium, Márquez gave it all to keep him within reach. Steadily the leading duo increased its advantage over its pursuers. It was now clear that the Spanish MotoGP 2022 was going to be a two-horse race to victory. 

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Miller, behind in third, was busy keeping an eye on Marc and Aleix who were getting dangerously close, as the pair in front of him stretched their distance to over a second. Four laps later and these were already 2.5 seconds ahead, with the promise of a thrilling final duel. With 16 laps to go, Márquez and Aleix finally caught up with the Australian making up a passionate trio. It was then that Zarco hit the floor. 

Bagnaia was setting a hellish rhythm, which prevented Quartararo from getting too close. The Italian was in full command of the situation, able to rely on his now efficient GP22. Almost 5 seconds behind the Frenchman, Miller continued to be harassed by Marc. One place below, in fifth, Aleix kept hot on his heels waiting for his moment to strike. 

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Márquez’s merciless chase of Miller  

Márquez’s relentless chase of Miller, third, during the final laps of the Spanish GP, was both asphyxiating and exciting. The physical limitations of the Spaniard and the Ducati’s top speed, however, prevented him from dealing the final blow. Despite these, and with five laps to go, Marc finally swallowed Miller up using one of his trademark inside passes. 

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Next time around on the start/finish straight and with just four tours for the chequered flag, Aleix took advantage of a mishap by Marc and performed a double overtake. The eldest of the Espargaró brothers left Miller and the eight-time champion behind, climbing up to third. 

Mark would then pass Miller for fourth on the final lap. By then Bagnaia had already claimed his first victory of the season followed by Quartararo and Espargaró. 

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