BARCELONA, Spain — Jorge Martín made history by claiming the MotoGP World Championship, while Francesco Bagnaia topped the season-ending Solidarity Grand Prix on Sunday.
Martin, who finished second behind Bagnaia overall last season, went into the last race weekend of the season on his Ducati with a 24-point lead over reigning two-time champion Bagnaia.
The Italian cut that lead down to 19 points with victory in Saturday’s Sprint race to take the title race to the final Sunday, however Martín was not going to let that stop him from realizing his MotoGP title dream.
The Madrid native started fourth on the grid behind Bagnaia, Aleix Espargaró – in his final career factory race – and six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Márquez and made sure not to get too close to other riders.
The 26-year-old kept his cool on his Prima Pramac Racing bike to eventually move up to third with Bagnaia banking his 11th race win of the year and Márquez ending in second to cap a great comeback season.
Martín becomes the first independent team world champion in the modern era with Pramac after winning seven sprints and three races.
Martin won the title by 10 points over Bagnaia.
“It sounds amazing (to be called world champion). I am completely shocked,” Martin said. “This is for my people and my family. The last laps I started crying a bit. It was an emotional race. It has been a long journey, lots of crashes and big injuries. Thanks to all the fans. Live in the present and enjoy the moment.”
Bagnaia, 27, finished second. “I think Jorge is deserving of what he achieved and this day is for him,” Bagnaia said. “My team did an incredible job. Congratulations to Jorge.”
Marc Marquez finished third, with his brother Alex Marquez fourth as Ducati riders swept the top four spots.
Aleix Espargaró came home fifth for Aprilia.