Bagnaia mistake hands Virtual victory to Vinales

Francesco Bagnaia looked set to become MotoGP's first Virtual repeat winner as he stormed to a six-second lead with just over two laps remaining in the Virtual Grand Prix of Spain.

The Pramac Ducati rider held the lead from a chaotic first turn, then survived an early scrape with opening-round winner Alex Marquez - which left the Repsol Honda rider on the ground - to pull breathing room over his rivals.

After fighting back to second, 'rookie' Marquez fell again on lap 10 of 13, handing Bagnaia a huge advantage. But just moments later the Italian also fell, after clipping the inside kerb through the fast penultimate corner.

That mistake meant Bagnaia, who snatched victory from Maverick Vinales with a pass-on-the-grass last time at the Red Bull Ring, gifted the Jerez win to the Monster Yamaha rider.

Alex Marquez was also able to pass Bagnaia during the incident and Pecco was left to complete the digital podium in third, during the first race with the latest MotoGP 2020 video game.

"Like I said before the race, it's very important not to make a mistake, but I made one!" said Bagnaia, on the podium in all three Virtual races.

"I was first but with Maverick and Alex recovering the gap, but then Alex crashed and after that I started making more mistakes. I don’t know why. Then in turn 12-13 I crashed and lost a lot of time.

"Anyway it was a great race, less battles than the last one, but it was fun."

Vinales, Marquez and Bagnaia are now tied on points at the top of the unofficial Virtual championship, heading into the to-be-confirmed fourth round.