Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia extended the MotoGP title race into the final day of the season when the reigning champion won the sprint at the Solidarity Grand Prix on Saturday while championship leader Jorge Martin finished third.

Francesco Bagnaia extended the MotoGP title race to the season's final day by winning the sprint at the Solidarity Grand Prix. Championship leader Jorge Martin, who now leads by only 19 points, finished third.

Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has the odds stacked against him in the championship going into the final race of the season in Barcelona, but said on Thursday he would not hold it against title rival Jorge Martin if the Spaniard wins.

Francesco Bagnaia produced a commanding performance to win Saturday's sprint at the Barcelona MotoGP, ensuring that the battle for the world championship title would go to the last race of the season.

Bagnaia takes victory in the Barcelona sprint but still faces a 19-point deficit to Martin in Sunday’s decider

Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia claimed a crucial pole position for the Barcelona Grand Prix, while championship leader Jorge Martin could only qualify fourth. Bagnaia set a time of 1m38.