MotoGP Sepang: Marc Marquez Leads the Pack, Bagnaia Disappoints. Jorge Martin Will Try Again on Saturday

Ducati rider Marc Marquez was the fastest in pre-qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix: at the Sepang circuit, the Catalan rider clocked a time of 1:57.000, despite a crash during the session. In second place was his brother Alex Marquez, riding for the Ducati Gresini team, while the top Aprilia was ridden by Ai Ogura, who finished third.

Pedro Acosta, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marco Bezzecchi, Enea Bastianini, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli, and Joan Mir also advanced directly to Q2. On the other hand, a disappointing Pecco Bagnaia—who finished just twelfth—and Jorge Martin, who is racing with a broken arm, will be forced to go through Q2.

The Aprilia rider—the only one still capable of challenging Marc Marquez for the title—decided to withdraw from the session after initially taking to the track in order to rest ahead of Saturday’s action. The decision came after consulting with the medical staff. After practice, he will decide whether to race in the Sprint race and Sunday’s race in Malaysia.

Riders Qualified for Q2
Marc Marquez
Alex Marquez
Ai Ogura
Pedro Acosta
Fabio Di Giannantonio
Marco Bezzecchi
Enea Bastianini
Maverick Viñales
Franco Morbidelli
Joan Mir