WATCH: Roberto Carlos, Carlos Sainz, and other celebrities choose sides in the epic Francesco Bagnaia vs. Jorge Martin Moto GP title showdown

Francesco Bagnaia has won 6 races in this season and Jorge Martin has 4 to his name.

WATCH: Roberto Carlos, Carlos Sainz, and other celebrities choose sides in the epic Francesco Bagnaia vs. Jorge Martin Moto GP title showdown

Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin with the championship trophy (Left, credits: Eurosport) and Carlos Sainz (Right, credits: Planet F1)

The 2023 MotoGP season is hurtling towards an exhilarating climax at the Valencia GP and the fans’ enthusiasm remains high for the title clash between Jorge Martin and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. The Valencia GP, featuring a duel between a factory Ducati team driver and a Parmac Racing contender, has garnered global celebrity attention, intensifying the anticipation for the gripping finale.

Reigning champion ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia is poised on the brink of securing another championship title for Factory Ducati. However, the plot thickens as his formidable rival, Martin, remains a contender despite a challenging season. Bagnaia’s 21-point lead heading into the final round sets the stage for a nail-biting final showdown, with the Valencia Sprint race potentially determining the fate of the championship.

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After a stellar performance at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, Bagnaia holds a 21-point advantage over Martin, amassing a total of 437 points to Martin’s 416. The reigning champion finds himself tantalizingly close to clinching the coveted trophy but must successfully navigate the hurdles of the Valencia Sprint and Grand Prix to secure his title.

FS Video

Ahead of the finale, MotoGP has released a video where a lot of celebrities have poured in to pick a side about the ongoing battle between Martin and Bagnaia. Being famously dubbed as “#PECCOvsMARTIN,” it has invited a reaction from global icons across football, film, F1, music, tennis, and cuisine to choose sides in the epic Valencia GP showdown. The celebrities who chose between Pecco and Martin included Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos, comedian Bill Murr, footballer Nani, and Kevin Richardson from Backstreet Boys.

Ferrari F1 driver, Carlos Sainz picks fellow countryman, Jorge Martin’s side

Amidst the global icons, there was a fellow racer, Ferrari’s F1 driver, Carlos Sainz who voiced his pick and naturally chose the fellow Spaniard, Martin for the title. However, Martin is 21 points behind his rival, Bagnaia, and needs a stellar weekend to secure the title. The drama at Valencia hinges on Saturday’s Sprint race, a pivotal moment that could determine the championship outcome. For Bagnaia, maintaining a 5-point lead over Martin during the sprint is imperative. 

Jorge Martin (Left) and Carlos Sainz (Right)
Jorge Martin (Left, credits: Motorsport Images) and Carlos Sainz (Right, credits: planet F1)

This strategic requirement means that even if Martin triumphs in the Valencia Grand Prix on Sunday, the gap between the two must be 26 points or more for Bagnaia to secure the championship without relying on Sunday’s result. As Martin faces the challenge head-on, his uphill battle requires finishing at least in second place during Saturday’s sprint. A third-place finish, coupled with Bagnaia’s sprint win, would shatter Martin’s championship dreams. 

Despite the odds stacked against him, Martin’s consistent performance in sprint races throughout the season suggests he possesses the skill and determination to mount a fierce challenge. Martin sustained the championship flame all season, while Bagnaia, despite crashes, maintains a crucial lead. Celebrities’ latest video boosts MotoGP viewership for the thrilling finale.

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