MotoGP Malaysia: Marc Márquez fastest at Sepang, track criticised
The newsroomUpdated on October 30, 20263 minMarc Márquez sets the fastest Friday time at Sepang ahead of brother Álex, as riders call the asphalt destroyed and Jorge Martin ends his day early.
Key point
Marc Márquez (Ducati) topped Friday at Sepang in 1'57.000, while the state of the asphalt worries riders and Jorge Martin ended his day early.
Marc Márquez (Ducati) set the fastest time on the opening day of the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, with 1'57.000. The Spaniard beats his brother Álex Márquez by 0.109, while the condition of the track becomes the main talking point in the paddock.
The Márquez brothers lead, Ogura third
Álex Márquez (Gresini-Ducati) is second, followed by Ai Ogura (Aprilia), 0.167 off the leader. Pedro Acosta (KTM) is fourth, 0.380 back, then come Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marco Bezzecchi (0.475), Enea Bastianini, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli and Joan Mir (Honda).
Marc Márquez did crash at low speed in the final corner during the session, before rejoining on his second bike. He set his best lap on new soft tyres and used his last run to test suspension settings.
Bagnaia and Zarco must go through Q1
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) finished twelfth and Johann Zarco (LCR-Honda) eleventh, after late crashes. They are the favourites to progress from Q1 on Saturday. The best Yamaha rider is Alex Rins, fourteenth, 1.1 seconds back.
Martin ends his day
Jorge Martin (Aprilia), who is riding with a fractured wrist, crashed on his first run and returned to the pits. He ended his day after seeing the MotoGP doctor. His participation depends on his condition on Saturday morning and, if he rides, he will have to go through Q1.
Asphalt "destroyed" according to several riders
Luca Marini (Honda) says the asphalt is completely destroyed, apart from two corners. Álex Márquez believes three or four places are on the limit of being unrideable; Marc Márquez does not call it dangerous but wants the surface redone. Several riders were hit by flying stones, at least one suffering bruises.
Resurfacing of the whole circuit was planned before the Grand Prix, but the work was postponed. No solution is planned this weekend; riders expect new asphalt next year.
Frequently asked questions
Who was fastest on Friday at the Malaysian GP?
Marc Márquez (Ducati), in 1'57.000, ahead of his brother Álex Márquez by 0.109 and Ai Ogura (Aprilia).
Can Jorge Martin race at Sepang?
He crashed on his first run and ended his day. His participation depends on his condition on Saturday morning; if he rides, he will have to go through Q1.
Why is the Sepang asphalt a problem?
The surface is breaking up in several places and throwing stones. A full resurfacing was planned before the Grand Prix but was postponed; nothing is planned for this weekend.
Sources
- Motorsport.com FR — Marc Márquez dominates Malaysian GP practice
- Motorsport.com FR — Riders call the Sepang surface destroyed
- Motorsport.com DE — Sepang practice: Martin sits out, Marc Márquez fastest
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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