(MENAFN) Marco Bezzecchi claimed victory in the San Marino MotoGP sprint on Saturday after Marc Marquez crashed out while appearing set to extend his significant championship lead.

Riding for Aprilia, Bezzecchi dominated the race at his home Marco Simoncelli circuit in Misano Adriatico, starting from pole position and delighting the Italian fans. He celebrated on the podium alongside motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi and Formula One driver Lando Norris. In a playful nod to Italian cinema, he took to the podium with a wooden leg gifted by a fan, referencing the cult comedy film Three Men and a Leg, which was also featured on his helmet.

The 26-year-old collected the maximum 12 points after Marquez slid off the track on lap six, shortly after taking the race lead. The six-time MotoGP champion had earlier overtaken Fabio Quartararo and his brother Alex Marquez from fourth on the grid, and it appeared only a matter of time before he would secure his 15th win from 16 sprint races this season.

"It was a fantastic Saturday, very happy to grab the sprint win, I don't really remember my last one, so very happy, very happy," Bezzecchi said, recalling his previous sprint win at Assen in 2023. "The race was not perfect because we had some issues during the race, but even having these problems I was able to have a good pace and I knew that Marco was on the limit, so very happy, very happy, I gave my all."

Regardless of Sunday’s GP outcome, Marquez still has an opportunity to clinch the championship at the Japan MotoGP in two weeks, potentially equaling his long-time rival Rossi with seven career titles.

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