Aldeguer wins first MotoGP race in Mandalika after opening lap crash

Fermin Aldeguer claimed his first MotoGP victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix on Sunday at the Mandalika International Street Circuit, taking advantage of a first-lap collision that removed two pre-race favourites. The 20-year-old Gresini rider moved into the lead on lap seven and pulled clear, crossing the line 6.987 seconds ahead of Pedro Acosta, with Alex Marquez completing the podium in third.

The race’s decisive moment came on the opening lap when polesitter Marco Bezzecchi, who had started poorly, made contact with Marc Marquez while trying to regain positions in the fast section of the circuit. Both riders went off into the gravel and were forced out of contention. Ducati said Marquez suffered an injury to his right collarbone and would travel to Madrid for further medical tests to determine treatment. Bezzecchi also retired from the race.

Aldeguer, who had finished second to Bezzecchi in Saturday’s Sprint after leading most of that race, was positioned third when the incident occurred. He passed Luca Marini early in the race and overtook Acosta at Turn 10 on lap seven to take the lead. Once clear, Aldeguer steadily increased his advantage, at one point topping nine...