(Corrects to say Bezzecchi overtook Fernandez with 3 laps to go, not four, in paragraph 2)

PHILLIP ISLAND, Australia :Marco Bezzecchi claimed his third sprint victory in four Grand Prix races on Saturday, as the Aprilia rider overcame a dramatic start to beat Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez at the Australian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Italian, who narrowly missed out on pole position to Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, hit a seagull as he left the grid for the warm-up lap at Phillip Island. But he kept his composure and overtook Fernandez with three laps remaining in the 13-lap sprint to seal back-to-back sprint wins.

Fernandez, who started fourth on the grid, made a flying start and led for much of the race but ultimately had to settle for second place.

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