Di Giannantonio wins Qatar GP, Bagnaia extends championship lead

LUSAIL, Qatar: Gresini Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio took his first MotoGP victory at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, edging out championship leader Francesco Bagnaia in the closing stages, while title contender Jorge Martin finished a modest 10th place.

Di Giannantonio, who does not have a MotoGP seat next season, threw caution to the wind at the floodlit Lusail International Circuit and battled Bagnaia to take his first victory while pole sitter Luca Marini of VR46 Racing finished third.

But Ducati’s Bagnaia still got his hands on the riders’ championship after extending his lead over Martin to 21 points.

The Italian can win back-to-back sprint world titles at the season-closing Valencia Grand Prix next weekend.