The 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship season truly is the gift that just keeps on giving. Whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) could've gotten the job done at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix had he had a better performance in the Tissot Sprint, the title is now set to go down to the wire at the final round in Valencia. Let's take a look at the state of play one last time as attentions turn to the title decider!
It was advantage Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) after Saturday's Tissot Sprint action. The Spaniard racked up full points after an impressive victory saw him bring the gap down to just seven points with Bagnaia only managing 5th. The tables have been turned once again following the Grand Prix after the defending Champion led the majority of the race to finish in 2nd place to Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) with Martin struggling for pace and only managing to score six points in 10th place. The gap in standings now sits at 21 points with 37 up for grabs at the final round in Valencia.
Behind the title fight, Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) has now consolidated 3rd place in the Championship. The number 72 only managed three points in Qatar after finishing in 13th place in both the Grand Prix and the Tissot Sprint and is 111 points adrift of the Championship leader, but is 58 points clear Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who has bagged enough points to bring home 4th place.
The South African walked away with 14 points following a 7th place in the Sprint and a 5th in the Grand Prix. With just 37 points up for grabs at the final round, his 64-point lead over Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) is enough to confirm 4th place in the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.
The battle for 5th place is still very much up for grabs, however. Johann Zarco currently sits on 204 points which is just six points more than Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) only another four points back in 7th and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) another two points behind him. With just twelve points covering the lot of them, that battle could go any way after the final showdown in Valencia.
The decider is fast approaching and a Champion is yet to be crowned. The moment of truth will come in just one weeks' time as the MotoGP™ circus sets sail for the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Will we see Pecco take his 2nd title, or will Martin bring the magic at his home Grand Prix? Make sure you don't miss a second of the action on motogp.com!