Bagnaia trails Martin by 29 after Malaysia sprint crash

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 2 - Francesco Bagnaia's hopes of winning a third consecutive MotoGP world title are hanging by a threat after he crashed out of the Malaysian Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday and his rival Jorge Martin took advantage, winning the contest to extend his lead from 17 to 29 points.
    Spaniard Martin of the Pramac Ducati team will clinch the title in the penultimate Grand Prix of the season on Sunday if he scores nine more points than Bagnaia.
    "It's almost impossible (to win the title), but, as long as the mathematics don't prove it as such, I'll keep trying," said Italian Bagnaia, who rides for the Ducati factory team.
    "Only he (Martin) can lose the world championship now.
    "We'll do our best, tomorrow I'll give 100% but I know it won't be enough," added the 27-year-old, who started the sprint race in pole but crashed early on.
    "Someone will have to get in the way for there to be a chance.
    "There it's still tomorrow.
    "I hit a hole and it was over.
    "Unfortunately it can happen. It shouldn't have happened but it did". (ANSA).