Moto2: Morbidelli holds off Bagnaia for fourth win of 2017

Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli has held off the attentions of first Thomas Luthi and then Francesco Bagnaia to take his fourth win from fife so far this season at the French Grand Prix – and to extend his championship lead in the process.

The Italian led almost from start to finish after disposing of pole man Luthi, but found himself totally unable to make a break as they locked horns in a thrilling Moto2 battle. Eventually Luthi made a mistake, though, running ride and dropping back to fourth.

That left the door open for Team Sky VR46 rider Bagnaia to pounce, aggressively pushing his fellow VR46 Academy rider to the chequered flag – but unable to halt Morbidelli’s incredible pace at the front.

Luthi rallied back to third, taking Alex Marquez in the process, with Mattia Pasini and Suter racer Dominique Aegerter rounding out the top six.

Tarran Mackenzie had an unfortunate end to his first weekend in Grand Prix racing when he crashed out of 27^th place, but comes away from Le Mans happy with what he’s learned and keen to build on it.