Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Spanish rider Alex Marquez celebrates after successful the sprint race throughout the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix on the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP
Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing shocked Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin and reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia to win the Malaysian Grand Prix sprint from fourth place on Saturday, because the title contenders got here in second and third, respectively.
Bagnaia, chasing his second world crown, had the primary half of the sprint underneath management after ranging from pole on the Sepang International Circuit, however the 26-year-old Italian was unable to maintain off a late surge by Marquez.
Bagnaia had earlier set a lap document of 1:57.491.
The sprint end result meant Bagnaia’s championship lead over Spain’s Martin was lowered to 11 factors forward of Sunday’s race.
“We did the maximum and the maximum was not enough today to win,” Bagnaia mentioned.
“This race first we need to understand, something for tomorrow. My feeling wasn’t the best, absolutely.”
Martin will look to topple Bagnaia with simply three races left this season and recreate his heroics from final month’s Thailand Grand Prix.
“It was an amazing race. The pace was outstanding. I think all the riders were on the limit,” Martin mentioned.
“I wasn’t able to win but I’m so happy about the second position in front of my fierce opponents. Happy with the performance.”
Enea Bastianini took the fourth slot as Ducati bikes crammed the primary 4 locations, with KTM’s South African rider Brad Binder being the perfect among the many non-Ducatis, ending fifth.
Australian Jack Miller got here in sixth, whereas one other title contender, Marco Bezzecchi, occupied the seventh spot.
Frenchman Johann Zarco and Luca Marini have been the opposite two riders within the factors.
Marc Marquez’s tough season continued because the six-time MotoGP champion crashed for the twenty seventh time on this marketing campaign.
After Sunday’s race, MotoGP travels to Qatar and Valencia later this month.
