Francesco Bagnaia produced a commanding performance to win Saturday's sprint at the Barcelona MotoGP, ensuring that the battle for the world championship title would go to the last race of the season.

ROME, NOV 16 - Two-time and reigning MotoGP champ Francesco Bagnaia on Saturday conquered the pole position of the Barcelona MotoGP both for the sprint race later Saturday and the GP proper on Sunday,

In a tense and tactical qualifying session Francesco Bagnaia claimed pole position, with his title rival Jorge Martin starting from fourth.

For the second season running, MotoGP is serving up a nail-biting finale as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia head into the last race of the season this weekend battling it out for the world championship title.

Miguel Oliveira will make his final appearance for the Trackhouse Aprilia team at this weekend’s MotoGP finale in Barcelona

Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia extended the MotoGP title race into the final day of the season when the reigning champion won the sprint at the Solidarity Grand Prix on Saturday while championship leader Jorge Martin finished third.

Barcelona will host the final race of the MotoGP season next week in place of flood-hit Valencia, organisers Dorna announced on Tuesday.

Bagnaia takes victory in the Barcelona sprint but still faces a 19-point deficit to Martin in Sunday’s decider

Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia claimed a crucial pole position for the Barcelona Grand Prix, while championship leader Jorge Martin could only qualify fourth. Bagnaia set a time of 1m38.