Martin recovers from early setback to win Austrian sprint and retake championship lead

SPIELBERG, Austria, Sept 19 - Aprilia's Jorge Martin made an extraordinary recovery from a chaotic opening-lap battle with world championship rival Marc Marquez to win the Austrian Grand Prix sprint from pole position on Saturday and reclaim the championship lead.

Martin, who had stormed to the MotoGP pole position ahead of reigning champion Marquez's Ducati earlier on Saturday, finished ahead of Marquez to claim his 20th sprint victory, after KTM's Pedro Acosta crashed out while leading late in the race.

The 28-year-old Martin, the 2024 MotoGP champion, now has 286 points in the standings, three ahead of Spanish compatriot Marquez going into Sunday's Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

Martin's race appeared to unravel in the opening corners when he was forced on to the defensive by seven-time MotoGP champion Marquez, running wide and dropping to eighth on the first lap.

Acosta seized the opportunity to take command and opened up a lead of nearly three seconds, only to crash out with about three laps remaining.

Martin, meanwhile, carved his way back through the pack to secure a remarkable victory.

Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi, third in the championship standings, completed the podium. REUTERS