Repsol Honda’s Alex Marquez took victory in the first-ever virtual MotoGP race held at Mugello today, crossing the line with a seven-second advantage over Pecco Bagnaia with Maverick Vinales third.

Marquez and Bagnaia pulled away from the field on lap two and it looked like the pair would be close but the Ducati man lobbed it which left Marquez with a big gap to manage for the last two-laps of six.

“Fantastic! What a result! It was a really funny event with all of the other riders and I am really pleased to win my first race! I found a good setting with the RC213V which let me race how I wanted to and I knew I had a few different lines for when I needed," said Marquez.

"Even at just six laps you really needed to stay focused because with one small mistake it can go very wrong. I enjoyed it a lot and I hope everyone who watched also had a good time.

Let’s hope that everyone continues to follow the advice of the doctors and scientists so that we can return to a more normal life, seeing friends and family, enjoying the outside and going racing.”

Vinales crashed twice but still took a podium while Fabio Quartararo, who lost the front at turn one on lap one wiping Vinales out, came back from trips into the gravel for fourth place as he sliced back through the field.

Actual world champion Marc Marquez had a sure fire fourth but a late crash allowed Yamaha’s Quartararo, who was using a Fortnite-spec controller, through and he ended in fifth place.

Iker Lecuona’s crash tally was into double figures by the time he saw the chequered flag but he still finished in front of Aleix Espargaro.

Suzuki team-maes Joan Mir and Alex Rins crashed together, finishing in sixth and seventh with Miguel Oliveira in eighth.