Achi news desk-
Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales has claimed the first MotoGP victory of his career at the Portuguese Grand Prix, taking the checkered flag ahead of Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin at the Algarve International Circuit.
Championship leader and reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia looked set for a comfortable victory on Saturday when he led but the Italian went wide with four laps remaining, allowing the three Spaniards to behind him moving forward.
Marquez had started eighth on the grid but rode his Gresini Racing bike with the aim of claiming his first podium on a Ducati machine, overtaking Martin on the final lap with a well-timed lunge to take second place on the all-Spanish podium.
“Honestly, I’m happy to be back at the top. We need to focus for tomorrow, but we will enjoy today. My first win for Aprilia,” said Vinales, who has now won in MotoGP on three bikes different — Aprilia , Suzuki and Yamaha.
Australian Red Bull KTM prospect Jack Miller had qualified fifth fastest but shot off the line when the lights went out to take the lead on the opening lap.
But the Townsville rider was soon sought out by the chasing pack, with Bagnaia moving into the lead with 10 laps to go and Miller eventually trailing home in fifth.
Marquez was also fired after starting eighth on the grid following a crash in qualifying and the six-time champion set the fastest lap, quickly cutting his way through the pack before slotting in behind Bagnaia.
But Vinales, who had overcome a bout of illness on Friday, qualified second fastest and the Aprilia rider moved up to sandwich himself between the two Ducati machines, pushing Marquez down to third.
Marquez lost one more position when sprint king Martin slipped through with seven laps remaining as the Pramac Racing rider set his sights on Vinales.
But all their eyes lit up when Bagnaia went wide allowing Vinales, Martin and Marquez to move into the top three.
Vinales had free air in front of him and raced to the front with no one to challenge him while Marquez waited for the perfect opportunity to pounce on the last lap as he overtook Martin and finished second.
Bagnaia finished fourth, which allowed him to hold on to the championship lead, two points ahead of challenger and last year’s runner-up, Martin.
