MotoGP Grand Prix of Argentina 2018 Results: Cal Crutchlow Wins Dramatic Race

Cal Crutchlow narrowly held off Johann Zarco to win the 2018 MotoGP Grand Prix of Argentina on Sunday, a race that will go down as one of the most eventful and dramatic of the year.

Defending world champion Marc Marquez was involved in several incidents that saw him end up with three separate penalties, finishing out of the points. The race start was also delayed, leading to some incredible scenes.

Alex Rins took third place behind Crutchlow and Zarco. Wth the win, Crutchlow also took the lead in the overall standings, taking a three-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso.

Here are the race results:

For the full MotoGP standings, click here. 

Chaos and Controversy Before Start

The tricky weather conditions in Argentina led to chaotic scenes before the race even began, as Jack Miller was the only rider to make the decision to change to slick tyres in time.

It resulted in some incredible scenes, with the race start quickly approaching:

The pole-sitter spent minutes sitting on the grid all by himself as race organisers delayed the start, and Miller clearly wasn't happy with proceedings:

With the entire group of riders changing tyres at the last minute―except for Miller―the start got complicated. Having them all start from the pit lane wasn't an option, so instead, the grid was laid out anew, with Miller receiving a head start.

The result was odd, to say the least:

More Chaos on Opening Lap

The absurd scenes were likely to result in more chaos during the opening lap, and world champion Marquez nearly didn't make it in time after his bike stalled:

To cap things off, Dani Pedrosa saw his chances of winning the race end early as he went flying off the track:

Penalties for Marquez

Miller's advantage didn't amount too much, as Marquez flew up the grid and took the lead in no time. He quickly built an advantage while his race start was under review, and the stewards ended up assessing a ride-through penalty.

Some fans thought it wasn't enough:

The Catalan would exit the pit lane in 20th place, with Miller back in the lead. Shortly after, he made far too much contact while overtaking Aleix Espargaro, and he was assessed another penalty, dropping a position.

Marquez did well to fight his way back up the field and moved up to seventh, but he once again moved in recklessly on Valentino Rossi, causing the Italian to crash onto the grass. That resulted in another 30-second penalty, leaving him out of the points.

Marquez tried to apologise to the racing legend, to no avail:

Battle for the Win

The fight at the front was a good one, with Miller holding off Rins for several laps before making a crucial mistake in Turn 13 and dropping all the way to fourth. 

Crutchlow couldn't enjoy the lead for long, as Zarco surged ahead with four laps still to go. But the Brit would battle back and hold off his rival in the final corners, winning the race by a slim margin.

What's Next

The Grand Prix of the Americas is next on the schedule, taking place on April 22.