MotoGP Indian Grand Prix: Martin reigns in Sprint Race edging Bagnaia; Marquez finishes third 

Jorge Martin wins Indian GP Sprint Race, Marc Marquez takes 3rd. Bezzecchi recovers from 18th to 5th, Marini crashes out. Heavy rain delays qualifying, Martin cuts Bagnaia's lead by 3 points.

Jorge Martin clinched the first Indian Grand Prix Sprint Race with a fine drive from second on the grid ahead of title-rival and championship leader Francesco Bagnaia at the Buddh International Circuit on Saturday.

The Pramac Racing rider nailed the start, taking the lead from pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Racing) and sailed into the distance in the 11-lap race.

Six-time champion Marc Marquez took the third place in his Honda, only his second podium of the season after his Sprint podium in the first race of the season in Portugal.

Martin, who won the sprint and main race in the previous round in Misano at the San Marino Grand Prix, continued his good run as he cruised to victory and cut his deficit to Bagnaia by another three points.

He is now 33 behind the reigning champion and will look to further cut into the factory Ducati rider’s lead in Sunday’s race.

Ahead of the race, riders felt turn one as a corner where chaos could unfold at the start of the race. Just as they predicted, it happened when pole-sitter Bezzecchi was hit by his teammate Luca Marini from behind while braking for the first corner, forcing the former to slump from first to 18th.

Marini, who started fourth, crashed out, breaking his collarbone and will miss Sunday’s race.