Written by Owen Bradley
Credit: Ducati on Social Media
Enea Bastianini has finally won a MotoGP race in 2023, after being injured this year for so long and his Factory Ducati seat being at risk too, this was a heavily emotional win for the Italian, who absolutely dominated the field and led every lap.
Alex Marquez, despite having excellent pace all weekend, taking victory in the Sprint race on Saturday, was only able to manage a P2 finish and did struggle to get anywhere close to Bastianini.
Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin would battle in the opening few laps, however after Bagnaia came out on top, it just seemed that the gaps between each leading rider would open up, and just stay right there. Each rider was around 1-2 seconds away from one another in the Top 4, making for unfortunately a very dull race in hot and tricky conditions.
Credit: Mirco Lazzari
Further behind, the Aprilia's of Miguel Oliveira and Aleix Espargaro would crash out, as would Joan Mir and Takaaki Nakagami too. Marc Marquez had a thoroughly disappointing race, finishing 13th and barely appearing on the main TV feed at all whatsoever.
Marco Bezzecchi is still recovering from injury, and wasn't anywhere close to the leaders, despite being on the same machinery. Luca Marini, in amongst a lot of rumours that he will be joining Repsol Honda, struggled for pace too and ended up finishing in P10, the second worst of the main Ducati riders.
Brad Binder's KTM would unfortunately crash out as well during the race, meaning we were stuck with the Top 5 consisting of 4 Ducati's who were so far ahead of Fabio Quartararo in P5.
It was a managed race from Bastianini (The Beast!) with the other Ducati's struggling to even catch up, whilst also being separated by over one second to each other. Sadly, the Malaysian GP did not deliver on what could have been. It was always bound to be a Ducati Domination, but this was one which simply would put fans to sleep.
Credit: SOPA Images
TNT Sports Presenter and Presenting Legend, Suzi Perry, would even say that this is the most boring race of the year.
Alvaro Bautista was actually in the race, although you would be forgiven if you thought he wasn't. The 2x World Superbike Champion had a frankly, embarrassing weekend as he finished last place of the finishers, and a long way away from everyone else in P17. Bautista has unfortunately just proven, World Superbikes does not hold a candle, to the Top-Flight of Motorcycle racing - MotoGP.
14-Points now separate Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin as we head into the final two weekends of the 2023 season. Do not let today make you forget, just how much of a thrilling season we have had. with 2 Sprints and 2 Grands Prix remaining, the title fight is about to be turned up to it's maximum heat setting!
What did you think of the Malaysian GP? let us know in the comments down below!
See you in Qatar.
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