Fabio Quartaro is the 2021 MotoGP World Champion. In a dramatic racing weekend, the 22-year old Frenchman sealed the championship after his title rival, Francesco Bagnaia, crashed out of the lead in the closing stages. Having led the entirety of the race, the factory Ducati rider lost the front at turn 15, ending any hopes of a shot at the title.

Quartararo, who finished fourth, also became the first Frenchman ever to win the premier class title.

Back to Back Wins for Marquez

Marc Marquez took home his third win of the 2021 season at the Emilia Romagna GP, just a few weeks after his win at COTA at the start of the month. These mark his first back-to-back victories since returning from the right-arm injury that had him off his Honda RC213V for nearly a year. Yesterday’s win was also his first at a clockwise circuit in almost two years.

Starting from P7, the Spaniard charged up the order in the opening lap and was in third place before crossing the start-finish line for lap 2. In front of him were the two factory Ducatis of Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia. However, both riders fell prey to turn 15 at different points in the race, giving Marquez the lead.

Marquez crossed the finish line 4.859s ahead of teammate Pol Espargaro —  a long-awaited 1-2 finish for the Repsol Honda team. 

Rossi’s Last ItalianGP

The race saw consecutive wins for Marquez and a new World Champion; however, all eyes were on Rossi as he bid adieu to his fans in his last home race. ‘The Doctor’ finished in a respectable 10th place, as the grandstands were covered in shades of neon yellow to celebrate one of the most legendary racers of the modern era. 

Down The Order

Quartararo started way back in 15th place but clawed his way towards the front of the pack. The opportunity to celebrate his title from the podium was taken away on the very last lap by Bastianini, who lunged for 3rd place, just a couple of corners before the chequered flag.

LCR Honda had a day they’ll be looking to forget with its riders, Takaki Nakagami and Alex Marquez, retiring on the same lap. Both Tech3 KTM riders didn’t cross the finish line either, with Lecuona and Petrucci crashing out at different points in the race. 

Fabio Quartaro’s 4th place saw him finish ahead of fellow countryman Johann Zarco. Alex Rins, Aleix Espargaro, Maverick Viñales, Luca Marini, and Valentino Rossi made up the remaining spots in the top 10.

Bagniaia sits just 27 points ahead of Joan Mir (who also crashed out of the race) in the championship. With 2 more races to go, the second spot in the world championship is still up for grabs. The MotoGP paddock heads to Portimao for the Algarve Grand Prix in two weeks.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com