The fight for the second place was filled with drama, action, tragedy, suspense and then ended with a nail-biting climax. It started first between Bagnaia and Martin. The battle between the two lasted for about 13 laps before Bagnaia, leading over Martin in the second spot, crashed out at Turn 4. Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo suddenly moved to third place giving him hope for a better podium finish.

The two riders were engaged in a nail-biting duel in the final lap when Martin once again rode wide at turn 4, putting Quartararo into the second spot for a moment before Martin snatched his position back two corners later. Martin, looking tired and distressed ended the race on the second step of the podium.

KTM’s Brad Binder finished fourth and Repsol Hondo’s Joan Mir fifth. Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez who was gunning behind Bagnaia and Martin in fourth, before he ran wide, finished ninth.

Moto2 race

A multi-rider pile-up on Turn 1 led to the restart of the 12-lap Moto2 race after it was red-flagged. That, however, did not stop Pedro Acosta from claiming the title and extending his championship lead. Acosta sprinted to an early lead, maintaining a roughly 3.5-second advantage throughout the race, securing his top spot on the podium. Riding for Marc VDS, his closest competitor, Tony Arbolino, claimed the second position.

A fierce battle for third place unfolded between American Joe Roberts of Italtrans Racing and Sergio Garcia of Pons Wegow. However, Garcia ran wide in the chicane on the penultimate corner during the final lap, allowing Roberts to seize the third spot.

In the Moto3 category, Jaume Masia of Leopard Honda dominated the race, securing the title without any serious challenge from the pursuing pack. Ayumu Sasaki of Intact GP Husqvarna held onto his second position for most of the race but was overtaken by Kaito Toba of SIC58 Honda in the closing stages, forcing Sasaki to settle for third place.

Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and biker John Abraham graced the event, adding to the excitement. Cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan also attended, enhancing the event’s appeal. John Abraham had the honour of waving the chequered flag for the Moto2 Race, marking the climax of the intense competition and showcasing his passion for motorsports. Ranveer Singh, Ducati India’s brand ambassador, engaged with the audience, contributing to the event’s spectacle.

Expressing his gratitude for bringing world-class MotoGP to Indian tracks, John Abraham thanked the Indian Oil Grand Prix of India and praised the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, for his support. Abraham shared his vision of starting an academy, encouraging parents to allow their children to pursue track riding. He expressed his ambition to see an Indian star in MotoGP, emphasising the potential for Indian talent in the sport.

The Indian Oil Grand Prix of India has made a significant impact on Indian motorsports, thanks to the unwavering support of enthusiasts, celebrities, and partners. Amit Sandill, Director Racing at Fairstreet Sports, highlighted the event’s groundbreaking developments, emphasising the speed and excitement brought to the Buddh International Circuit by MotoGP Bharat.

Featuring renowned riders like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, and Jack Miller, MotoGP Bharat showcased exceptional riding skills, captivating Indian motorsports enthusiasts and motorcycle riders at the Buddh Circuit.

With the successful conclusion of MotoGP Bharat, organisers pledged to make the event a regular affair. Additionally, this event’s success opens doors for the potential return of Formula 1 races to India.