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".
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