Johann Zarco has claimed his maiden MotoGP win in a dramatic finish at Phillip Island, as he pipped his teammate Jorge Martin while also holding off a late charge from reigning Francesco Bagnaia.
The French rider came out on top on Saturday afternoon after the Grand Prix was moved forward 24 hours due to weather concerns.
Martin led the way from pole after setting a new track record earlier in the day during qualifying. The Pramac Ducati rider's final time of 1 minute 27.246 seconds was 0.521 seconds faster than the previous best.
MORE: Chris Vermeulen offers his analysis on Aussie MotoGP at Phillip Island
However, the Spaniard was gradually reeled in by the chasing pack as his soft rear tyre left him as a sitting duck.
Zarco was finally forced to overtake his teammate before he kept Bagnaia at bay to seal a thrilling win. It was Zarco's first win in 120 MotoGP starts.
Blimey! 🤯
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 21, 2023
Need to lie down in a cold dark room after that one! 😅#AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/hQkSxnRkom
Who won the Australian MotoGP 2023?
Johann Zarco claimed the win at Phillip Island, with Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio rounding out the podium.
2533 days later... @JohannZarco1 stands on top of the podium again! 🔝#AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/FW26KIZ5AJ
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 21, 2023
Australian MotoGP 2023 results: Top 10
| 1 | Johann Zarco | 🇨🇵 | Prima Pramac Racing | Ducati GP23 | 27 Laps |
| 2 | Pecco Bagnaia | 🇮🇹 | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati GP23 | +0.201 |
| 3 | Fabio di Giannantonio | 🇮🇹 | Gresini Racing MotoGP | Ducati GP22 | +0.477 |
| 4 | Brad Binder | 🇿🇦 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | KTM RC16 | +0.816 |
| 5 | Jorge Martin | 🇪🇦 | Prima Pramac Racing | Ducati GP23 | +1.008 |
| 6 | Marco Bezzecchi | 🇮🇹 | Mooney VR46 Racing | Ducati GP22 | +8.827 |
| 7 | Jack Miller | 🇦🇺 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | KTM RC16 | +9.283 |
| 8 | Aleix Espargaro | 🇪🇦 | Aprilia Racing | Aprilia RS-GP | +9.387 |
| 9 | Alex Marquez | 🇪🇦 | Gresini Racing MotoGP | Ducati GP22 | +9.696 |
| 10 | Enea Bastianini | 🇮🇹 | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati GP23 | +12.523 |
Australian MotoGP past winners
| Rider | Year |
| Alex Rins | 2022 |
| Cancelled due to Covid | 2021 |
| Cancelled due to Covid | 2020 |
| Marc Marquez | 2019 |
| Maverick Vinales | 2018 |
| Marc Marquez | 2017 |
| Cal Crutchlow | 2016 |
| Marc Marquez | 2015 |
| Valentino Rossi | 2014 |
| Jorge Lorenzo | 2013 |
