MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia wins TT Assen as Fabio Quartararo crashes out twice

Sean FisherSean Fisher26 June 2022
Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, TT Assen

Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, TT Assen

Fabio Quartararo's MotoGP championship lead took a blow on Sunday as the Yamaha rider crashed out to allow Francesco Bagnaia and Aleix Espargaro to close the gap.

Francesco Bagnaia was able to put his German woes behind him on Sunday, as he won from pole position in Sunday's TT Assen.

The Ducati rider started from pole in Germany last week but crashed out in the second lap. However, he avoided any mistakes during Sunday's race, and ended up finishing 0.4s clear of rookie Marco Bezzecchi. Maverick Vinales finished third to claim his first ever MotoGP podium for Aprilia.

Fabio Quartararo looked to keep pace with Bagnaia early on, but faced competition from Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro. The Frenchman attempted a move on the inside of the Spaniard into turn five but made contact with his championship rival, sending them both into the gravel.

Espargaro was able to return to the track in 15th, while Quartararo ended up 24th by the time he rejoined the race.
After a brief pit stop, Quartararo was sent back out to make up ground, but was left furious after a nasty highside saw him crash for a second time.
With the championship leader out of action, Espargaro looked to claw his way back up the standings, and the 32-year-old enjoyed a masterful drive as he fought back to fourth - including a double overtake in the last corner of the race.
As a result, he's chipped away at Quartararo's lead in the championship, taking his lead at the top from 34 points to just 21.
Following his impressive podium in Germany, Jack Miller again recovered from a long lap penalty to finish sixth, one behind future KTM teammate Brad Binder.
More to follow...

READ MORE: Track record beaten three times in TT Assen qualifying with Francesco Bagnaia 'impossible' to beat

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