SEPANG: MotoGP leader Francesco Bagnaia crashed out while in hot pursuit of his championship rival Fabio Quartararo in a dramatic third practice today for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
It left Ducati’s Bagnaia, who was not hurt and can win the world title on Sunday, only 11th fastest at a gloomy Sepang and forced into the first qualifying session.
France’s Quartararo was seventh on his Yamaha, 0.484s behind pace-setter Jorge Martin of Spain, who clocked a leading time of 1:58.583s on his Prima Pramac machine.
South Africa’s Brad Binder went fastest on Friday with 1:59.479s.
Bagnaia’s misfortune came late in the session as he tailgated Quartararo.
The Italian can win his maiden world title on Sunday if he takes the chequered flag and Quartararo finishes outside the podium.
Otherwise, the title fight goes to the last race of the season, at Spain’s Valencia in a fortnight.
The final Malaysia practice takes place in the afternoon, followed soon after by two qualifying sessions.
The weather could play a crucial factor with rain expected in the late afternoon.