Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team, Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing

How Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia can win the 2024 MotoGP title in Barcelona GP

by · Autosport

The MotoGP title fight is set to be decided in Sunday’s showdown in Barcelona. Here’s how the two contenders can be crowned champion in the finale

Pramac rider Jorge Martin goes into the Barcelona Grand Prix with a reduced - but still substantial - 19-point lead over factory Ducati rival Francesco Bagnaia.

What was a 24-point lead was trimmed down to just 19 by Bagnaia following his impressive performance in the sprint race on Saturday, in which he converted pole position into a seventh half-distance race victory of 2024.

The Italian was aided by his team-mate Enea Bastianini, who snatched second place from Martin with a brilliant move at Turn 5 on the final lap. It made a difference of two points to Martin’s tally, which could play a big role in Sunday’s finale.

As with every grand prix, 25 points are on offer in the Barcelona GP, meaning Martin is still the favourite to lift the championship trophy in his last race with Pramac and Ducati.

The Spaniard only needs to finish inside the top nine on Sunday to be crowned champion, irrespective of how Bagnaia fares in the race.

If Bagnaia fails to score an 11th win of 2024 in Barcelona, Martin can clinch the title by finishing as low as 14th place.

If both Martin and Bagnaia end up level on points on Sunday, which is possible if Bagnaia wins and Martin finishes 10th, then the title will go to the factory Ducati rider on countback (he would have 11 wins to Martin’s three). 

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team, Jorge Martin, Pramac RacingPhoto by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

How Jorge Martin can win the 2024 MotoGP title in Barcelona GP

MartinBagnaia
If Martin winsBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes secondBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes thirdBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes fourthBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes fifthBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes sixthBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes seventhBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes eighthBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes ninthBagnaia’s finishing position will not matter
If Martin finishes 10thBagnaia must finish second or lower
If Martin finishes 11thBagnaia must finish second or lower
If Martin finishes 12thBagnaia must finish second or lower
If Martin finishes 13thBagnaia must finish second or lower
If Martin finishes 14thBagnaia must finish second or lower
If Martin finishes 15thBagnaia must finish third or lower
If Martin finishes outside of the pointsBagnaia must finish third or lower

How Francesco Bagnaia can win the 2024 MotoGP title in Barcelona GP

The odds are against Bagnaia clinching a third successive premier class title in 2024. Bagnaia must finish inside the top two in order to overcome a 19-point deficit to Martin in the title fight.

BagnaiaMartin
If Bagnaia winsMartin must finish lower 10th or lower
If Bagnaia finishes secondMartin must finish 15th or lower
If Bagnaia finishes third or lowerHe can’t be crowned champion