Australian GP: Zarco scores first MotoGP win; Bagnaia extends title lead

Phillip Island never disappoints and this year’s Australian GP victory seemed to be a foregone conclusion right until some last lap drama surrounding Jorge Martin. With his pace dropping significantly due to fading grip from a worn soft rear tyre, teammate Johann Zarco seized the opportunity and took his first-ever MotoGP victory. 

Current championship leader Francesco Bagnaia finished second and Fabio Di Giannantonio took his first-ever MotoGP podium by rounding out the podium. 

1. Bagnaia leads by 27 points 
2. Martin finishes fifth
3. Zarco takes first win since Valencia 2016

Martin’s tyre troubles fortuitous for other Ducatis

For much of this race, Martin led with an over 3 secs advantage to the rider behind. But ultimately his fading soft rear tyre just wasn’t able to hold up and his teammate Zarco took the win. 

Current world champion Bagnaia was also quick to inflict as much damage as he could to Martin’s title aspirations and followed Zarco through to take second place. Fabio Di Giannantonio took his first MotoGP podium, despite not having a confirmed seat on the grid next year, on the year-old Desmosedici GP22.

2023 MotoGP world championship standings

As it stands today, Bagnaia still leads the standings with a 27 point advantage over Martin with Bezzecchi still in third place overall. 

Next weekend, the MotoGP championship heads to Thailand so keep watching this space for the latest updates.

2023 Australian MotoGP results