Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia became the first Italian in 13 years to win the MotoGP title at the season finale in Valencia on Sunday.
Bagnaia, who only had to finish 14th to secure his maiden premier class title, finished in ninth place to finish on 265 points, 17 points ahead of Fabio Quartararo. Quartararo, the 2021 champion, who had to win the race and hope Bagnaia finishes lower than 14th to retain his title, put up a brave fight but could finish in fourth place.
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Red Bull KTM rider Brad Binder, who started the race from seventh on the grid, stormed through the field to finish second behind race winner Alex Rins. The 20 points Binder earned for his second place moves him up to 188 points in the world title race, finishing in sixth place and only one point behind Jack Miller, who crashed out in Valencia.
Brad Binder’s younger brother Darryn Binder crashed out in his final MotoGP race before moving to Moto2 in 2023.
The last Italian to win the MotoGP title was Valentino Rossi in 2009.
Visit the MotoGP website to see the final 2022 title race standings.
*Story will be updated with more details.
