Jorge Martin faces his first match point in Malaysia, but what does the #89 need to do to lift the crown?
Just 74 points remain up for grabs in 2024, with the first 37 available this weekend at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) currently holds a 17 point lead over Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), presenting the Spaniard with his first opportunity to wrap up the MotoGP™ World Championship this weekend.
What does Martin need to do?
The simplest explanation for Martin to be crowned World Champion in Malaysia is that the #89 must extend his title advantage to at least 38 points by the end of this weekend. It is the start of a crucial Round 19 of the season, and as tension builds, here are some of the scenarios for Martin to accomplish this.
Martin cannot mathematically clinch the Championship in the Sprint, but earning an extra 12 points would put the #89 in a prime position for match point on Sunday. If Martin were to win both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, he would secure the maximum 37 points available this weekend, bringing his total tally to 490 points. This means Martin would be crowned Champion in Malaysia if Bagnaia finished fifth or below in both the Sprint and Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, should Martin only manage P2 in the Sprint and the Grand Prix, he will need Bagnaia to finish ninth or below on Saturday and Sunday. Alternatively, if Martin clinched P3 in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, he will require title rival Bagnaia to finish outside the points in the Sprint and cross the line in P14 or lower on Sunday.
However, if Bagnaia were to beat Martin and win gold in the Sprint, then the #89 must win the Grand Prix on Sunday and need Bagnaia to finish P15 or lower. This combination would provide Martin with the essential 38 point cushion that he needs.
It is set to be an unmissable weekend at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, so make sure you tune in as track action gets underway from 09:00 local time (UTC +8) on Friday!
