Francesco Bagnaia reflects on statement win as he reclaims MotoGP top spot at Indonesian Grand Prix - 'We deserved this'

Francesco Bagnaia produced one of the best rides of his career to win the Indonesian Grand Prix from 13th place on the grid.

The Italian stormed to victory and reclaimed first place in the overall standings after he dropped to second a day prior at the hands of Jorge Martin, who crashed out of Sunday’s race.

Maverick Vinales briefly held first place after Martin’s exit on Lap 13, but seven laps later Bagnaia powered through the pack to the summit and take the lead.

“I think we deserved a race like this,” Bagnaia told TNT Sports after the race. “Starting in 13th place, doing the first laps and the maximum I could, and then I won it.

“With Martin going I just said to myself ‘Take care about the tyres and then let’s see’.

“That was the correct thing because in the last ten laps with another pace, I was controlling a lot and I’m very, very happy.”

Bagnaia had to withstand pressure from Fabio Quartararo who was quickest on the track in the closing laps.

Despite securing a podium finish and coming third behind Bagnaia and Vinales, Quartararo said the result left him “frustrated”, with the feeling he could have done more.

“I know my speed, I was 3.5 seconds and I catch up, but we know what we miss and it’s really frustrating when you know your capacity but you know, to be back on the podium, really happy,” he said.

Bagnaia is now 18 points clear of Martin at the top of the championship standings as the MotoGP season approaches a nail-biting conclusion.

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