MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro wins an unforgettable British GP

Aleix Espargaro wins his second MotoGP race at Silverstone in mixed conditions.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) would start on pole position for the 20-lap Grand Prix. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) lined up in second, hoping to take the win in the sunshine. Yesterday’s MotoGP Sprint winner, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) rounded out the front row with tension building.

Jack Miller led the field through turn one from Marco Bezzecchi with both riders getting away cleanly. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) struggled at the start, getting pushed wide and dropping down to 20^th position.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a great start to his race jumping into the podium positions. Bagnaia then made a move for the race lead, going around the outside of Bezzecchi as Miller dropped to third.

Jack Miller was shoved wide by Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) at Copse, dropping the Australian to 15^th. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) crashed out of last position, bringing a premature end to a disappointing weekend.

It was a two-rider battle at the front with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi battling for the race lead on the Ducatis. The chase would soon be over with Bezzecchi tucking the front and crashing out of the race.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) began to bridge the gap to Bagnaia in the race lead, aiming to give Aprilia another win. Vinales soon made a pass of his own, overtaking Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) for third.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) rounded out the top 10 in the early stages and was in front of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Quartararo would battle with the returning Italian who is building his rhythm since his return.

Rain around Silverstone

Rain flags were shown with conditions getting worse as the race progressed, as the front started to bunch. Four riders were now in the front group with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team) beginning to catch.

A handful of riders swapped bikes, including both LCR machines, Franco Morbidelli, and Fabio Di Giannantonio. This did not turn out to be the correct strategy with the track drying up.

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Bastianini had a crash at Maggots, causing both riders to retire. Quartararo had a huge moment, clipping the back of Marini and destroying the entire front fairing of his Yamaha.

On the final lap of the race, Aleix Espargaro pounced and made his move for the race lead in tricky conditions. Bagnaia had no response and couldn’t make up the ground on the Aprilia rider through the final sector.

At the line, Aleix Espargaro crossed the line to win his second MotoGP race of his career after starting for 12^th. Bagnaia came in second to extend his Championship lead to 41 points from Jorge Martin. Brad Binder held into the final podium place in conditions that suits the South African.

Miguel Olivera had a great final five laps, crossing the line as the first independent rider on the Aprilia. Vinales was a further second behind, losing out on the final stages of the race and rounding out the top five.

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Image credit: motogp.com