Jorge Martín claimed a stunning victory in the MotoGP race at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans. The 2024 champion completed a perfect triple for Aprilia, overtaking Marco Bezzecchi in the closing stages to move within just one point of the championship leader. The race was declared dry, though all eyes were on the sky due to potential rain. Folger replaced Viñales, while Marc Márquez was absent after undergoing surgery in Madrid for a small toe on his right foot and his right shoulder. Most riders started with hard front and soft rear tires, except Quartararo and Zarco who opted for two softs.
With this win, Jorge Martín returns to victory lane for the first time in nearly two years. Ai Ogura also secured his first MotoGP podium. The championship standings now see Martín just one point behind Bezzecchi.
The race was intense from start to finish. On the final lap, Martín managed to overtake Bezzecchi, who had led for much of the race. The crowd erupted as Martín crossed the line. With five laps to go, Martín was closing in but couldn’t pass the Italian until the decisive move. Meanwhile, Ogura passed Pedro Acosta to claim a podium position. A crash for Joan Mir ended his race, and later, Bagnaia also crashed out, leaving the Ducati camp disappointed. Acosta battled hard but ultimately settled for fourth, while Martín’s teammate gave him a crucial advantage in the championship fight.
The race’s midpoint saw a tight battle among the top three, with no clear winner until the final laps. Bagnaia’s inability to pass Bezzecchi allowed Acosta to close in, but the pressure ultimately led to his crash. Martín’s consistency and late-race pace proved decisive as he slashed Bezzecchi’s championship lead to just one point. The next round in Barcelona will see Marc Márquez absent once again.