MotoGP Thailand GP: Pecco Bagnaia storms to victory ahead of errant Jorge Martin as gripping title battle goes on

Francesco Bagnaia converted his pole position to a victory in the latest championship twist with a defensive masterclass at the Thai GP.

Jorge Martin settled for second place after a mid-race mistake lost him the lead to his championship rival, who cut five points out of his lead.

A dramatic Thai GP saw the championship rivals come into close contact throughout the wet race, but Bagnaia prevailed amid drama around them involving Marc Marquez.

Marquez had been in contention for the victory, battling hard with Bagnaia, but he crashed out of the fight after pushing his limits.

Pedro Acosta claimed third place in a last-lap extravaganza, settling a fierce three-way fight for the last podium slot.

Despite his victory, Bagnaia got off to a rocky start at the Thai GP as he wobbled off the line and swiftly lost the lead to Jorge Martin who stormed past.

Martin had an amazing start to the race but fell under pressure from his rival who immediately got to work, attempting to squeeze around the Spaniard.

The championship leader was forced to shut the door on Bagnaia, cutting it very close to the Ducati Lenovo rider as they went wheel-to-wheel into Turn 7.

Marc Marquez managed to climb up to third place on the opening lap, ready to insert himself in the battle for the win after his tyres warmed up in the wet conditions.

The tricky conditions saw wet spots littered throughout the Chang International Circuit, including an intense spray for the first half of the race.

Martin led the first act of the race, but made a crucial error running wide out of the final corner that lost him the lead and second place.

He struggled in a wet patch of the final corner, slipping up and running off track while both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez stormed past the claim the positions.