Marco Bezzecchi claimed his third sprint race victory in four outings on Saturday, overcoming a bizarre and dramatic start to triumph at the Australian Grand Prix. The Aprilia rider delivered a composed and clinical performance to overtake Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez with three laps remaining in the 13-lap dash at Phillip Island.
The 26-year-old Italian, who narrowly missed out on pole to Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, startled fans and officials alike when he struck a seagull during the warm-up lap. Despite the scare, Bezzecchi maintained focus and showcased his racecraft to secure back-to-back sprint wins, following his comeback victory in Indonesia earlier this month.
“It was pretty hard at the beginning. I hit a big bird — unfortunately for him, and also for me, because it gave me a scare,” Bezzecchi said. “Luckily, nothing was broken on the bike. Raul was super quick early on, and I made a mistake after catching him, but I pushed through. This win is for my team and all my fans.”
Bezzecchi’s victory comes ahead of Sunday’s main race, where he will serve a double long-lap penalty for his collision with Marc Marquez in Indonesia.
Fernandez Shines Again, Acosta Denies Miller Podium
Raul Fernandez, who started fourth, led much of the race with a strong early pace but was eventually reeled in by Bezzecchi. The Spaniard settled for second, marking his second consecutive sprint podium.
“I tried my maximum, but when I saw Marco’s pace, I just focused on surviving and managing the rear tyre,” Fernandez said. “Still, I’m really happy — we’re building something strong.”
Australia’s Jack Miller, starting from the front row at his home Grand Prix — the first Australian to do so since Casey Stoner in 2012 — was denied a podium finish. KTM’s Pedro Acosta overtook him late in the race to claim third.
Mixed Fortunes for Championship Contenders
VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio finished fifth, while Alex Marquez, currently second in the riders’ standings, came in sixth. Quartararo, despite setting a record-breaking qualifying lap, faded to seventh in the sprint.
Meanwhile, reigning double world champion Francesco Bagnaia’s struggles continued with a disappointing 19th-place finish, further denting his title hopes.
The main race on Sunday promises more drama as Bezzecchi looks to overcome his penalty and extend his impressive form.
