Alex Marquez wins sprint race at British MotoGP

SILVERSTONE- Alex Marquez held off a late charge from Marco Bezzecchi to win the British MotoGP sprint race at Silverstone on Saturday.

Maverick Vinales completed the podium as world champion Francesco Bagnaia suffered a rare day off on his factory Ducati finishing down the field.

Bezzecchi, riding for Valentino Rossi's VR46 Ducati-satellite team, had battled atrocious conditions to claim pole in a rain-drenched qualifying in the morning.

His runner-up spot moved him up to second in the riders standings, 27 points behind Bagnaia, ahead of Sunday's main event.

Bezzecchi had been overtaken at turn two on the opening lap by Jack Miller's KTM as Bagnaia dropped from fourth to the middle of the field.

Marquez took control at the front on lap two of 10, around half a second clear of Bezzecchi as Miller dropped out of contention.

Riding Ducati's Gresini team satellite bike Marquez had doubled his advantage at the half-way stage.

Bezzecchi inched ever closer to set up a tense final lap but Marquez held on for his first win sprint win. - AFP