Marc Márquez moves within reach of another MotoGP title after Malaysian GP - Politics and regulation

Marc Márquez extended his championship lead to 44 points after winning at Sepang, while Jorge Martín was forced to withdraw because of the injury he suffered in Australia. Yamaha’s decision not to travel to Qatar has also created uncertainty ahead of the next round.

The MotoGP championship moved to Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix with attention focused on Jorge Martín, who hoped to race despite the fracture he suffered at Phillip Island. Missing the event would leave him with little margin in his title fight against Marc Márquez.

Martín was cleared to ride on Friday and completed three laps during practice. However, Aprilia later confirmed that he was not physically ready, and the rider’s withdrawal from the Malaysian Grand Prix was announced on Saturday morning. Martín explained that the main problem was not pain, but a lack of stability under braking.

With his closest rival absent, Márquez faced less pressure at Sepang. The Ducati rider qualified second, 0.070 seconds behind his brother Álex Márquez, and also finished second in the sprint race behind Pedro Acosta. He then dominated the main race to secure victory and strengthen his position at the top of the standings.

Márquez now leads Martín by 44 points, with 111 still available. Despite the advantage, the championship leader insisted that the title fight was not over and said he wanted to maintain his concentration through the remaining rounds.

Martín said his objective was to be ready for Qatar, although he acknowledged that he no longer viewed the championship as being fully in his hands. The Aprilia rider nevertheless promised to continue fighting for his team and supporters.

The next round has also been placed under a cloud by Yamaha’s decision not to travel to Doha. The manufacturer cited its corporate restrictions on travel to the Middle East and said it expected to return for the Portuguese Grand Prix. MotoGP expressed its disappointment, pointing to possible contractual and sporting consequences that will be handled by the FIM.

The championship standings after the Malaysian Grand Prix are led by Marc Márquez with 399 points, followed by Jorge Martín on 355 and Marco Bezzecchi on 332. Pedro Acosta has 295, Ai Ogura 278, Fabio Di Giannantonio 265, Raúl Fernández 236, Álex Márquez 197 and Pecco Bagnaia 173.

The remaining 2026 calendar includes the Qatar Grand Prix from November 6 to 8, the Portuguese Grand Prix from November 20 to 22, and the Valencia Grand Prix from November 27 to 29.

Sources: elDiario.es.