MotoGP leader Fabio Quartararo enjoyed a “good day” at the Styrian Grand Prix, as his podium and Jorge Martin’s victory extended his lead at the top of the table.
Quartararo finished third in a race that was suspended for half an hour due to an early crash in which two motorcycles went up in flames.
Both drivers – Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo Savadori – got away relatively unscathed, although the latter was unable to restart the race.
The restart benefited Martin, who had taken pole position in qualifying on Saturday with a record time at the Red Bull Ring.
Francesco Bagnaia had passed the Pramac Racing rider but despite an early attack from Jack Miller after the restart, Martin recovered to go to his first MotoGP triumph.
Behind Martin, Joan Mir (Suzuki Ecstar) finished second, while Quartararo finished third – Miller’s hopes faded when he slipped off the track at Turn 7 with 10 laps left.
Quartararo (172) is now 40 points ahead of Johann Zarco, who finished sixth in the championship standings, Mir is further behind with 121 points.
“It feels so good because it’s always tough when there’s a red flag,” said Quartararo.
“I was extremely good at braking at Turn 3. I knew there was an opportunity to overtake and I did it.
“I don’t really know the position of the other guys apart from Joan and Jorge who are up front. I’m so happy. The best goal was to be on the podium and we did it. So happy for Jorge, he did got some points. ” away from Joan, so have a good day. “
Martin, meanwhile, was thrilled after doing what he described as the first step on his way to the world title.
“I can’t believe it, I don’t believe it, so I’m not that excited! I think the ride was amazing. I kept a really steady pace. I was super focused,” said the 23-year-old.
“Even though I made a few mistakes, my goal was to win the race. Joan was impressive today, he was almost the whole race behind me, but then in the final laps I tried a little more and took the lead from me.
“In the last few laps I’ve been thinking about things – everyone that helped me to be here – that’s why I’ve done worse in the last few laps, but I had to fill that gap. Thanks to all my family, this is a big step to become my great world champion. “
The reigning world champion Mir said: “Today was close. I’m happy because we were there all weekend.
“I needed a few faster laps to fight with Jorge, he did a great job. We have to push a little more, find a little more for next weekend, if we want to be at the top of the podium.
“I’m proud of the team, they did a great job and finally the performance is higher, so happy and proud of them.”