The 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix unfolded with plenty of drama, as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team, 23) clinched victory following a bold move against Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing, 89).
Bastianini showed impressive pace throughout the weekend, making a strong start and swiftly overtaking pole-sitter and teammate Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team, 1). The latter who prioritised tyre preservation could not recover the benefit of that strategy.
Martin also got off to a quick start, passing Bagnaia, who appeared to be conserving his tyres and fell to third, coming under pressure from Pedro Acosta (GasGas Tech3, 37). Despite this, Bagnaia managed to hold on to his position.
Midway through the race, Bagnaia began to lap faster than the leaders, closing the gap. However, disaster struck when he crashed, losing control as the front end folded under braking.
As the race progressed, Bastianini continued to challenge Martin. He executed a daring inside move on the final lap, forcing Martin to run wide. Bastianini seized the lead and held it to the finish line.
Martin, visibly frustrated, settled for second, which was still a better outcome than a potential crash.
For Ducati, this was their 100th win and 5th constructor’s championship. While the rider’s champion is still to be decided, one award has now been given away.
Bagnaia’s season has been tough; he has faced multiple crashes and lost crucial points to Martin, who now leads the championship. For Bagnaia to defend his title, he needs to regain his form and secure wins in the upcoming races.
