Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), title holder and leader of the MotoGP world championship, gave up after two falls halfway through the Dutch Grand Prix, 11th round of the year (out of 20) on Sunday.
Starting second on the starting grid, Quartararo fell on the 5th and then on the 13th lap in Assen. Even if he quickly got back on his feet, he had to give up after this second accident.
This is the first time this year that the championship leader has given up, having entered the top 10 at each of the GPs. The Frenchman got off to a bad start and was quickly overtaken by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia). It was while trying to recover his second place, in an attempt on the inside of a bend, that he lost control of his bike.
Victory for Francesco Bagnaia
Quartararo ended up in the gravel but got back on his bike, in last place however. Touched by the French, Aleix Espargaro did not fall but he tumbled in the standings. A few laps later, El Diablo fell alone this time. An impressive fall but without apparent injury.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), who started from pole position, easily won the race, ahead of Italian Marco Bezzechi (Ducati-VR46) and Spaniard Maverick Vinales (Aprilia). Quartararo remains top of the championship.