Sunday's result at the Sepang International Circuit ensured Ducati's Bagnaia stayed ahead of 2021 champion Quartararo in the MotoGP standings before the fast approaching blockbuster final round in Spain early next month.
Bagnaia made a roaring start from ninth place, holding the inside line only to surge to second behind Jorge Martin during the first lap, while Frenchman Quartararo also recovered places to remain in the game.
Martin, who had set a lap record on Saturday to take pole position, faltered in the seventh lap, allowing Bagnaia to sweep into the lead, before Enea Bastianini moved ahead with 10 laps to go. However, Bagnaia overtook him with six laps remaining.
Bagnaia held firm from there to take maximum points and ensure he needs to finish 14th or higher in Valencia to seal the title.
"First of all, I want to say I had the best ever start to a race in my life. It was perfect," said Bagnaia, who lagged 91 points behind Quartararo at one point in the season.
"I took some risks. Following Jorge was a bit too much for the rear tyre and I was starting to stress. But then he crashed, unfortunately, and we did a really good job in terms of the championship. We can be very happy."
Bagnaia can now equal Australian Casey Stoner's feat of winning the title to end Ducati's 15-year wait for a second MotoGP riders' champion.
He might also become the first Italian to win the title since his mentor Valentino Rossi in 2009. Ducati have already won the constructors' and teams' titles.
Yamaha's Quartararo said he was happy to finally return to the podium after a series of disappointing turns.
"I gave my maximum today, I couldn't do better," Quartararo said.
"I'm proud of myself. They (Ducati) had a good day but so did we.
"It was one of my best races this season. Even if the chance is super small in Valencia, at least we've taken it there."
― With AAP.
