Alex Marquez of Spain won the inaugural MotoGP #StayAtHomeGP Virtual Race as the world’s premier bike racing series followed other motorsports into online racing.
The #StayAtHomeGP, which was streamed Sunday on several platforms including the Motorsports on NBC YouTube channel, featured a field of 10 riders competing on their console gaming systems at home.
Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up, and Maverick Vinales rounded out the podium.
INDYCAR iRACING: Sage Karam wins Watkins Glen opener
Defending MotoGP premier series champion Marc Marquez, the older brother of the rookie race winner and his teammate at Repsol Honda Team, finished fifth.
Here’s a recap of the race from the MotoGP site.
“I’ll wait for you at the finish line!” 😎@alexmarquez73 WINS the FIRST EVER #MotoGP Virtual race! 🏆#StayAtHomeGP 🏡 pic.twitter.com/aSLBeKN6NX
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 29, 2020
The #MotoGP Virtual Race podium! 👏
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 29, 2020
🥇 - @alexmarquez73
🥈 - @PeccoBagnaia
🥉 - @mvkoficial12 #StayAtHomeGP 🏡 pic.twitter.com/8U7K9UcH0j
The premier class of MotoGP has yet to hit the track this season as its opener was canceled and the next three races were postponed, including the Grand Prix of the Americas being moved from April 5 to Nov. 15.
Several other racing series have tried online racing in recent weeks.
IMSA held a “SuperSaturday at Sebring” March 21 in place of the postponed Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. NASCAR started its Pro Invitational Series last Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway and will continue Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. IndyCar kicked off its six-race IndyCar iRacing Challenge with a Saturday race at Watkins Glen International that was won by Sage Karam.