Marc Marquez Bounces Back From Crash to Lead Malaysian MotoGP Practice

Posted : 30 October 2026

Marc Marquez produced an impressive performance on Friday to top the second practice session at the Malaysian MotoGP, despite suffering an early crash at the Sepang International Circuit. The Ducati rider recorded the fastest lap of 1 minute 57.000 seconds, finishing ahead of his younger brother Alex Marquez as he continued his strong start to the weekend.

The 33-year-old Spaniard lost control of his motorcycle on lap five and slid into the gravel at Turn 15. However, he quickly returned to the track and delivered an outstanding lap on his 13th attempt to secure the leading position. His performance followed another first-place finish in the morning session, giving him a strong advantage heading into Saturday's qualifying.

Marc admitted that the crash happened at a corner where he was pushing particularly hard but remained satisfied with his overall performance. His pace also secured him a direct place in Saturday's second qualifying session (Q2), alongside the other nine fastest riders.

His championship rival, Jorge Martin, endured a difficult afternoon as he continued to manage an injury sustained during last weekend's Australian Grand Prix. The Aprilia rider completed just three laps in the second practice session before deciding to return to the garage.

Martin registered a best time of 1 minute 59.670 seconds, leaving him 21st on the timesheets and outside the group that automatically advances to Q2. Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora confirmed that the team had decided against further participation on Friday to give the Spaniard additional recovery time.

Martin suffered a fracture to his right arm during the sprint race in Australia but received medical clearance to compete in Malaysia. He is attempting to close the 10-point gap separating him from championship leader Marquez, with four rounds remaining in the season.

Despite his injury, Martin remains determined to continue competing, although his participation in the remaining sessions will depend on how he feels. Should he return to the track on Saturday, he will have to progress through the first qualifying session (Q1) to secure a place in Q2.

Meanwhile, Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi delivered a competitive performance to finish among Friday's top 10, ensuring direct qualification for Q2. The Italian currently occupies third place in the championship standings.

Saturday's programme will feature another practice session, followed by the two qualifying stages and the sprint race. The two fastest riders from Q1 will join the 10 directly qualified competitors in Q2, where the final starting positions will be decided.

With Marquez showing impressive speed and Martin still dealing with his injury, the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend could prove important in determining the direction of the championship battle.

Marc Marquez Bounces Back From Crash to Lead Malaysian MotoGP Practice

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