MotoGP Race Schedule for October 23, 2022: Francesco Bagnaia Eyes Sepang Title

In Jakarta, the 2022 Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend. Here are five scenarios where Francesco Bagnaia could clinch the world championship title:

The race will be held on Sunday, October 23, at the Sepang International Circuit, marking the penultimate round of the season with the final event scheduled for November 6 in Valencia.

Bagnaia is currently leading the riders’ standings, having scored 233 points after finishing third in Australia last week. Defending champion Maverick Vinales trails by 14 points in second place.

To secure the championship, Bagnaia must meet certain conditions. Winning the race would net him 25 points, while Vinales must finish no better than fourth (13 points) or lower. A second-place finish for Bagnaia (worth 20 points) is also a possibility if Vinales finishes seventh (9 points) and reigning third-place Alex Espargaro doesn’t win.

In the third scenario, Bagnaia could still secure third place (16 points), provided Vinales finishes no higher than P11 (5 points) and Espargaro doesn’t lead. Even a fourth-place finish (13 points) would seal the deal if Vinales finishes P14 or worse and Espargaro fails to podium.

Lastly, Bagnaia would automatically win if he finishes fifth (11 points) at Sepang, assuming Vinales scores no points and Espargaro doesn’t podium.

The full schedule for the 2022 Malaysian MotoGP is as follows:

• Friday, October 21:
  • First practice session (FP1): 09:50 – 10:35 WIB
  • Second practice session (FP2): 14:05 – 14:50 WIB
• Saturday, October 22:
  • Third practice session (FP3): 09:50 – 10:35 WIB
  • Fourth practice session (FP4): 13:25 – 13:55 WIB
  • Qualifying 1 (Q1): 14:05 – 14:20 WIB
  • Qualifying 2 (Q2): 14:30 – 14:45 WIB
• Sunday, October 23:
  • Race (20 laps): 14:00 WIB