GREATER NOIDA, Sep 24: Marco Bezzecchi displayed remarkable temperament and riding skills to emerge winner in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix here on Sunday.
Bezzecchi, riding for Mooney VR46 Racing Team, had to ward off stiff competition from Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, the championship leader, before standing on the victor’s podium at the Buddh International Circuit.
The race started with Martin of Prima Pramac racing into the lead at Turn 1, followed by Bagnaia and Bezzecchi was in third place this time.
Bezzecchi, however, regained his top spot soon. First, he overtook Bagnaia to claim second place and then raced into the lead when an error at Turn 4 sent Martin wide.
Thereafter, Bezzecchi left the pack way behind to fight for the remaining two places on the podium. He went past the chequered flag eight seconds before the following riders.
Bezzecchi was understandably elated after the victory.
“It’s a track that I liked the first time I rode on it. There was some hard braking, but also some fast parts and chicanes.
“Physically, I felt better with the head, so change of direction was not a problem. Sector three was really fantastic to ride,” he said.
Martin finished the race in second place, however, Bagnaia crashed out at Turn 4, his third of the season.
Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo ended up as third-placed rider. (PTI)
