There will be no new French victory at the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans this year. A year after Johan Zarco’s victory, a Spaniard took the lead from the French rider on Sunday, May 10. Jorge Martin (Aprilia), starting in 7th place, made a great comeback to win ahead of his teammate Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia), who secured Japan’s first podium since 2012. Following the sprint race the day before, the Spanish rider completed a double with the Grand Prix.

On their part, the French riders could not make an impact on the race like last year. Despite a good start where he temporarily reached 2nd place after starting 5th, Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) finished the race in 6th place. Last year’s winner, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda), stuck at the 13th position for a long time, eventually finished 11th.

Under cloudy skies but no rain on Sunday in Sarthe, Marco Bezzecchi, starting in 2nd position on the grid, had immediately taken the lead, which he held until the 24th of the 27 laps. After the poleman Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) crashed on the 16th lap, Jorge Martin surged past all his competitors to overtake his teammate and win the race. “It was a very tough, very long race. I knew I wasn’t the strongest so I gave my best, I don’t even know how I managed to lead for so long because I never felt perfectly comfortable on the bike. I’m still very happy with the result, congratulations to Jorge who had a great race”, acknowledged Marco Bezzecchi to Canal+.

For Aprilia, it’s an unprecedented triple podium finish and a first victory for the team at the French circuit. Jorge Martin finds victory almost two years after his last success in Indonesia, in 2024. “It’s so awesome, with all the French fans, my entire team was with me during these really difficult moments. It was a great race, I had so much fun”, reacted the winner at the finish line.