French MotoGP, Le Mans Circuit – Full Race Results

Miller overcomes a double long-lap penalty and late charge by Zarco to make it two wins in a row during a dramatic dry-wet-dry flag-to-flag French MotoGP at Le Mans.

Early race leader Miller and Ducati team-mate Bagnaia both received a double long-lap penalty for speeding in pit lane during their bike swaps, but the Australian was soon able to overcome the penalties, taking the lead from home star Quartararo with 16 laps to go.

However there was a further weather twist when the sun began shining and track quickly drying, meaning those with a least one soft wet – including race leaders Miller and Quartararo – might potentially need to pit again for slicks.

Zarco, on the medium wets, swept by countryman Quartararo for second place with 6 laps to go but Miller remained out of reach for victory over the French stars.

After a soaking wet warm-up the race began on a dry track, but with dark clouds gathering overhead.

Rain duly arrived after just 3 laps, pouring down by lap 5 of 27, when the leaders all pulled in to switch from soft slicks to wets.

Marc Marquez took the lead of a MotoGP race for the first time since Valencia 2019 by passing Quartararo during their bike swaps, after the Frenchman pulled into team-mate Vinales’ pit area, but the Honda rider’s reign lasted just a few laps before being highsided at the final corners.

Marquez rejoined in 18th, but later ed out for a final time while holding eleventh with 10 laps to go.

Quartararo later received a long-lap penalty for his bike swap error, but had already lost the lead to Miller.

A double disaster for Suzuki saw Mir fall just before swapping bikes and Rins just after, with only the #42 able to continue, before ing for a second time.

Morbidelli tangled with Pol Espargaro on the opening lap, running wide and falling in the gravel trap, before rejoining. Oliveira later ed while top KTM in ninth. Savadori and team-mate Aleix Espargaro both retired due to technical problems on their Aprilias.

Quartararo was racing for the first time since arm-pump surgery on his right forearm. Injured rookie Jorge Martin was again replaced by Rabat. Marquez, sidelined for nine months after complications to a broken right arm last July, was taking part in his third event since returning to MotoGP action.

Today’s race was the first flag-to-flag since Brno 2017.

The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello takes place at the end of this month, with Quartararo now back in the title lead by just 1 point over Bagnaia, who recovered to fourth.

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* Rookie.

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