Easy win for Bezzecchi at Grand Prix of India
New Delhi, 24 Sept. 2023: Marco Bezzecchi of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team won the Indian Oil Grand Prix of India, ahead of Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin with Yamaha Racing’s Fabio Quartararo coming in third.
At the start of the race, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Baganaia took off at the front of the pack, with Marco Bezzecchi second but in a trice, Bezzecchi hit the front with Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin being in the third place. Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez was fourth with Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo in the fifth place.
In the sixth lap, Marquez had a crash at the tricky Turn 1 but managed to rejoin the race.
Soon, Martin got ahead of Bagnaia and moved up to the second place. But all the while Bezzecchi had built a lead of about four seconds for himself, ahead of Martin.
Disaster struck later with Bagnaia crashing out of the race. This pushed Quartararo up to the third place. In the last few corners, Quartararo and Martin had a scrap and exchanged places but in the end, it was Martin who retained his second place with Bezzecchi winning.
Later, Martin was hit by the heat and was unable to attend the post-race press conference.
“I am very happy and it was a tough race and my bike was fantastic. My friend passed away a few days ago, so Filipo, this is for you,” said Bezzecchi.
“It was not easy for me. The heat had its effect.
“I started well and tried to stay calm and push, while trying to manage the tyres as well. I liked all parts of the track,” he added.
In reply to another question, he said: “I am not thinking about the championship I just want to enjoy the day. I like India and my heart goes out to the fans.”
Bagnaia has 292 points and leads the riders’ championship, while Martin has 279 and Bezzecchi has 248.
The start of the Moto2 race was a disaster with about five riders piling up and being involved in a crash at the treacherous first corner. Initially, the race was yellow flagged but then it was red flagged. The race restarted after about 15 minutes. There were a few crash incidents but in the end, Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Ajo won the race from Tony Abrolino of the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, while Joe Roberts of the Italtrans Racing Team clinched the third spot.
“It was a hard race. The bike was good and this is one more for the pocket. Thanks to everybody,” said Acosta.
The Moto3 race was a pretty straightforward one with Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) leading the proceedings from almost the beginning. Colin Veijer, who was running second, crashed out just two corners before the chequered flag, with Masia taking the honours. Kaita Toba of SIC58 Squadra Corse finished second, while Ayumu Sasaki of the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP team finished third in the race. Masia is second in the championship, with Daniel Holgado leading the championship with 174 points. Masia is on 174 points but is second.
Bollywood actors John Abraham and Ranveer Singh, Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh visited the circuit and praised the facilities and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid a visit to the Buddh International Circuit and watched the proceedings.
If rumours are to be believed, the organisers have already confirmed the race for 2024.
The total attendance at the Grand Prix on Sunday was 1,11,762.
