Ducati Lenovo Team's Pecco Bagnaia dominated the third edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions, clinching victory ahead of former MotoGP™ and now WorldSBK star Andrea Iannone and Gresini Racing's Marc Marquez in an incident-filled event. The highly anticipated race, held during World Ducati Week, saw 15 Ducati riders from across MotoGP™ and WorldSBK compete at the iconic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli aboard the brand-new Panigale V4S.
Starting from second on the grid, the two-time MotoGP™ World Champion immediately took the lead and, despite pressure from behind, was able to control the 10-lap race to clinch victory. The Italian has now gone back-to-back after taking victory in the previous edition back in 2022.
And the @motogp reigning World Champ @PeccoBagnaia is your @lenovoitalia Race of Champions winner! 🔥#WDW2024 pic.twitter.com/5IgNci5SZ2
— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) July 27, 2024
WorldSBK's Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven), claimed pole position with a time of 1:35.051 on Saturday, but had to settle for second place on Sunday. There was plenty of drama for the final podium place too, with WorldSBK's factory Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega being wiped out by Marc Marquez on the last lap at the last corner in the fight for third, proving there's no such thing as an exhibition race for the eight-time World Champion. The Italian was thankfully unhurt in the incident.
Pertamina Enduro VR46 riders Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the top five in front the packed grandstands at Misano. A perfect warm-up for the Bologna factory's premier class stars ahead of the second half of the 2024 season kicking off this weekend at the British Grand Prix.