ASSEN: Two-time defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia won the Dutch MotoGP sprint at Assen on Saturday ahead of current championship leader Jorge Martin and fellow Spaniard Maverick Vinales.

“Pecco” Bagnaia led from the start after qualifying in pole position earlier on Saturday and gave a faultless performance in near perfect conditions on the legendary Dutch track.

Spanish daredevil rider Vinales continued a good weekend in third on an Aprilia, while Bagnaia’s factory Ducati team-mate Enea Bastianini maintained fourth.

Fabio Di Giannantonio on a Ducati VR-46 machine came fifth after having to ride a double qualifier on Saturday morning.

Behind him was South Africa’s Brad Binder in sixth on a KTM, followed by Alex Marquez on a Gresini Ducati and Fabio Quartararo on Yamaha.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024