As it happened; Bastianini wins his third MotoGP race as Bagnaia crashes
Round seven of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship heads to Le Mans, France
Francesco Bagnaia will start today’s French Grand Prix from pole after breaking the Le Mans lap record for a second time this weekend - fifth overall.
Bagnaia, who was blisteringly quick in sectors two and three, managed to also gain time in S4 which allowed him to hold off late charges from Enea Bastianini and Aleix Espargaro.
Second on the grid will be Jack Miller after the Australian used his team-mate as a perfect tow.
Based on race pace in FP4, Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo (starts fourth) and Alex Rins (starts eighth) appeared to be the favourites, however, Espargaro, Miller, Bastianini and Joan Mir can’t be ruled out either.
Qualifying was another disappointing session for Repsol Honda as Marc Marquez was tenth - seven tenths down on pole, while Pol Espargaro, who topped FP1 was a further four tenths back in 11th.
Despite a dry weekend to this stage, the threat of rain is very possible for the start of the 27 lap race, meaning the second flag-to-flag race in two years at Le Mans could take place.
On the eve of the event Suzuki released news of their intention to pull out of MotoGP at the end of 2022.
It means Mir and Alex Rins are officially looking for a seat in 2023, and thus will want to perform as speculation of where they could be riding intensifies.
Fabio Quartararo heads into his Sunday’s race as the outright championship leader after finishing second in Jerez.
The Monster Energy Yamaha rider is yet to win at Le Mans in any class, as is the case for fellow Frenchman Johann Zarco.
The Pramac Ducati rider has stood on the podium three times at Le Mans (twice in MotoGP), with the last of those coming in 2021.
Miller, who is coming under intense pressure as it relates to his factory Ducati seat, won last season’s French MotoGP.
The Australian took advantage of wet conditions and Marc Marquez crashing from the lead to win his third race in the premier class.
Should Ducati win this weekend it will mark the third consecutive year they’ve won at Le Mans, after MotoAmerica rider Danilo Petrucci won in 2020.
Ducati’s will likely come in the form of Bagnaia as the Italian appeared back to his best in Jerez. Winner of the Spanish GP, Bagnaia has climbed up to fifth in the championship standings.
Second in the championship is Aprilia rider Espargaro, who outside of Quartararo has been as consistent as one through the opening six races.
Of the current crop of premier class riders, Marc Marquez has taken the most victories at Le Mans (3), while Miller and Maverick Vinales are the other two that have won at the Bugatti circuit in MotoGP.
