Reigning champion Bagnaia is four points behind Pramac rider Martin ahead of Sunday’s main event Grand Prix, after winning his fourth sprint of the season.

Francesco Bagnaia won an exciting sprint race at the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP on Saturday to cut championship rival Jorge Martin's lead at the top of the riders' standings. He was 23 points behind Martin after crashing out of the Aragon MotoGP but if he wins Sunday's GP he will take the championship lead.

Francesco Bagnaia emerged on top in a thrilling duel with Jorge Martin to take victory in the sprint for MotoGP’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Ducati’s Bagnaia made a slow launch after qualifying on pole,

Francesco Bagnaia converted pole to victory in the MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix sprint after fending off Jorge Martin to bring the championship lead down to four points. Having been beaten by Martin in the sprint at Misano two weeks ago, Bagnaia capitalised on a late mistake by the Pramac rider to take the lead on lap eight of 13.

Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia took a remarkable win over championship rival Jorge Martin to take MotoGP sprint victory in Misano. Bagnaia

Francesco Bagnaia claimed pole position at the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP on Saturday, giving himself a chance to further chop Jorge Martin’s slim lead in the riders’ championship.

Michelin will not introduce its new MotoGP front tyre until 2026, a year behind its original intention, the French company confirmed on Friday. There is a widespread acknowledgement that the current front profile needs to be revised in order to deal with the greater forces being placed on it in MotoGP’s new aerodynamic age.

MISANO ADRIATICO, Italy (Reuters) -Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati recovered from a poor start to win the sprint at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday after the pole sitter capitalised on a mistake by championship rival Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing.

Italy's double MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia won the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Misano track on Saturday. The Ducati factory team rider took the chequered flag ahead of championship leader Jorge Martin of the Ducati Pramac team.