Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) wins, Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) has a crash

Fabio Quartararo had decidedly not completely digested his coronation. Set back throughout the race, the French (Yamaha Factory), the first three-color world champion two weeks ago, gave up five laps from the end of a race dominated from start to finish by his rival Francesco Bagnaia. The Italian from Ducati claimed his third success this season and in his career at the Autodrome international de Algarve on Sunday ahead of Joan Mir (Suzuki), second, and Jack Miller (Ducati), third in favor of a flag red brandished two rounds from the term. For his part, Johann Zarco (Pramac) secured 5th place to afford a great consolation: the title of best independent driver of the season.

An eventful end of the race

It was not his day, nor his weekend. Yet dominating during the first act played on the spectacular setting of the Algarve, Quartararo was not at the party this Sunday. Starting 7th on the grid, “El Diablo” had to scrap to find its place after an average start. Often close to his compatriot riding the Ducati Pramac, the Niçois quickly put an end to the victory, promised to Bagnaia, and the podium, reduced to a three-way fight, then two, between Mir, Miller and Alex Marquez ( LCR Honda).

Long frustrated in the wheel of Martin (Pramac) and his overpowered steed, the brand new king of MotoGP has made many mistakes, until committing the irreparable, five laps from the finish. A fall and a first this season: Quartararo had never left the points zone since the start of the 2021 financial year. Anecdotal, especially given the immense achievement concluded in Misano.

Far ahead, the other great man of the season has not slackened for a penny. However, Bagnaia’s victory takes on a bittersweet scent, because it was conquered with two laps to go. Blame it on Iker Lecuona (KTM Tech3), guilty of a daring maneuver on Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM), the local idol. The red flag waved in the wake, the GP of Agarve stopped short, in a funny atmosphere.

The raid for Ducati and Zarco

Condemned to finish runner-up in the world, Bagnaia offered himself a hell of a consolation prize, helped by his teammate Miller. Exit the pilot title but welcome to the constructors and teams titles in the Ducati box. The shining firm of Borgo Panigale is not left out with the title of best independent driver of Zarco (5th). The Cannois has certainly lost a place in the championship in favor of Miller (4th overall), only two small points separate them. And now the last round of the season looms in Cheste, in the Valencian community. Zarco has often fallen there (2019, 2020) but above all gleaned his third podium in the premier class (2nd in 2017), only beaten on the edge by Pedrosa. Why not dream of a royal conclusion when we predict capricious weather in a week near Valencia …