Martin wins Austrian MotoGP sprint after Acosta crash

Jorge Martin claimed victory in the Austrian MotoGP sprint race, reclaiming the championship lead from Marc Marquez after Pedro Acosta's crash. Martin, who started from pole after outqualifying Marquez, saw Acosta take the lead on the opening lap of the sprint before the KTM rider crashed with less than four laps remaining. This allowed Martin to capitalize on Acosta's misfortune, moving three points clear of Marquez in the overall standings.

Marquez finished second, followed by fellow factory rider Marco Bezzecchi. Martin attributed his win to the fortunate crash, stating that without it, he would have fallen to second place. The 2024 world champion expressed his satisfaction at coming from behind to secure the win. Ai Ogura of Japan secured fourth place, with Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia completing the top five.

Martin secured his third pole position of the season, edging Marquez by just 0.015 seconds in qualifying. Acosta's all-Spanish front row was set by his fastest qualifying lap on Friday. Marquez has rekindled his title challenge by winning five of the last seven races, and Acosta, racing at KTM's home circuit, aims to secure his first MotoGP victory on Sunday as he prepares to join Marquez at Ducati next season.