05:42
That's all from us for today.
Keep your eyes on Crash.net across the rest of Saturday for all of the reaction from the Phillip Island paddock after the sprint.
Join us again on Sunday from 4am UK time for live coverage of the Australian GP.
Marc Marquez, 2024 Australian MotoGP
2024 Australian MotoGP: Sprint as it happened
Updates from Saturday’s sprint at the 2024 Australian MotoGP as it happened.
Jorge Martin holds a slender 10-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia as the final triple header of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship begins at Phillip Island in Australia.
Always one of the most anticipated rounds of the season, the thrilling seaside circuit has been the scene of many epic battles, while the notoriously unpredictable weather is set to keep teams and riders on edge.
This year’s event comes with the added unknown of MotoGP’s very first laps on the new Phillip Island asphalt.
The last time the Australian track was resurfaced, in 2013, MotoGP required a shortened race distance and pit stops due to the overheating Bridgestone rubber.
The same fate then befell the WorldSBK Championship when it took to the latest tarmac in February of this year, meaning all eyes will be on Michelin’s chosen line-up of 2024 MotoGP compounds.
Whatever happens, MotoGP will be hoping for its first Phillip Island Sprint race this weekend, after storm warnings saw the Saturday race replaced by the full grand prix in 2023.
Martin came within a lap of glory last year, until a soft tyre gamble backfired and team-mate Johann Zarco swept to a long awaited first MotoGP win. The forecast storm then arrived on Sunday, cancelling the rescheduled Sprint.
Martin starts on pole for Saturday's 13-lap sprint, with Bagnaia fifth.
19 Oct 2024
05:41
05:25
investigation
Fabio Di Giannantonio is being investigated for a tyre pressure infringement. He risks losing fifth.
The class between Bezzecchi and Vinales will be reviewed after the race.
05:22
chequered flag - martin wins
Jorge Martin takes an important sprint win in dominant fashion. He is 1.7s clear of Marquez, with Bastianini completing the podium.
Bagnaia is fourth and is now 16 points behind Martin in the standings.
05:20
lap 13/13
Martin starts the final lap 2.1s clear of Marquez.
All riders at Turn 1 reported as conscious. Bezzecchi is being stretchered away but is sitting up.
05:20
incident
Binder has crashed out.
05:19
Vinales had overtaken Bezzecchi into Turn 1 but the VR46 rider couldn't get his bike stopped and slammed into the Aprilia.
05:19
lap 12/13
Huge crash between Vinales and Bezzecchi at Turn 1!
05:18
incident
Acosta has crashed out.
05:17
lap 11/13
Martin starts lap 11 2.9s clear of Marquez. Bagnaia could well struggle to hold onto a top five here in these final three laps.
05:16
lap 10/13
Four laps to go and Martin's lead is 3.2s over Marquez. Bastianini has dropped Bagnaia.
The world champion has got Bezzecchi and Vinales not far behind.
05:15
lap 9/13
Martin's charge is impressive. He's 3.2s in front of Marquez on lap nine.
05:15
incident
Jack Miller has crashed. Rider ok.
05:14
It's getting worse for Bagnaia. Bastianini has passed him at Turn 10. Bagnaia is off the podium!
05:14
Marquez gets ahead of Bagnaia at Turn 4. He is rapid but he has 3.1s behind Martin with six laps to go.
05:13
lap 8/13
Big lap this from Martin, who is 2.6s ahead of the field as Bagnaia is struggling for pace here. Marquez is all over the rear of that GP24!
05:12
Bagnaia ran wide out of Turn 3 but keeps ahold of second into Turn 4.
05:11
lap 7/13
Martin is 1.9s clear at the front, while Bagnaia is being hounded by Marc Marquez for second.
05:11
incident
Alex Marquez has crashed at Turn 4. He's ok.
05:10
incident
Zarco has crashed at Turn 9. Rider ok.
05:10
lap 6/13
Martin continues to march away at the front. His lead is up to 1.463s over the line to start lap six. Marquez gets ahead of Bezzecchi into Turn 1 for third.
05:09
Marquez did get ahead of Bezzecchi but the VR46 rider fought back at Turn 4.
05:08
lap 5/13
Despite the track limits warning, Martin is still flying on his Pramac Ducati. He leads by 1.064s over the line, but Marquez sets the fastest lap of the race. He's on qualifying pace right now!
