We Speak Cars & Racing
Media Day Dispatch: The Scene Is Set Ahead of Seismic Sepang Weekend
And just like that, Round 19 of 22 in 2026 is here. What a setting, too. The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit hosts another mammoth weekend in this rollercoaster title race, with Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) entering the weekend as the outright championship leader for the first time this season. Incredible to be saying that for the first time in October.
The major talking points from a busy media day at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia were headlined by Jorge Martin’s (Aprilia Racing) confirmed participation in FP1 after breaking his wrist less than a week ago. An incredible turnaround ahead of what should be an incredible weekend in MotoGP.
The Pre-Event Press Conference: Marc Marquez & Bezzecchi
The World Championship leader faced the media alongside the rider 50 points adrift in the title race, Marco Bezzecchi, as the Sepang weekend got underway.
Martin to Be Reviewed After FP1
The #89, who sits just 10 points off Marc Marquez in the standings, gave an update on his fractured wrist and explained why he’s only here because of the championship picture: if he wasn’t in the fight for the championship, he’d have his arm in a cast.
Marc & Marco on Jorge
The two other title contenders had their say on Martin’s participation in FP1 – and why they’d be doing the same in his situation.
The 50-Point Question
Bezzecchi responded to Davide Tardozzi’s complimentary 50-point claims from Australia as the Italian aims to cut the deficit in Malaysia. “I appreciate what he said,” Bezzecchi responded.
Brothers in Arms
Marc Marquez talked about Alex Marquez’s role in the 2026 title chase – and why sometimes, siblings don’t need to speak to understand each other.
Fernandez Also Set for Post-FP1 Review
Raul Fernandez’s broken fingers are still causing issues, as another Aprilia rider heads into the weekend not fully fit.
A Warm Welcome Back, Joan
The 2025 Malaysian GP podium finisher, Joan Mir, is back in his Honda HRC Castrol saddle this weekend after his recent health problems. Mir opened up on the issues, noting they’re not like when you break a bone.
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We Speak Cars & Racing
MotoGP Title Fight Heads to Sepang: Marquez Leads Martin by 10 With Milestones in Play
The MotoGP World Championship fight arrives at Sepang this weekend for the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia with almost nothing in it. Marc Marquez leads Jorge Martin by 10 points, 365 to 355, after taking the championship lead with his Sprint win in Australia, where Sunday’s Grand Prix was cancelled because of the weather.
Martin missed the Australian race after being declared unfit with a fracture in his right wrist. He has been given the green light to take part in first practice in Malaysia before a further medical review, and his return sets up a direct fight at the front. Marco Bezzecchi sits third in the standings on 315 points. The constructors’ fight is just as tight: Aprilia leads Ducati by six points, 509 to 503, and both factories have eight Grand Prix wins in 2026, already a record season for Aprilia.
The setting is a classic. This is the 34th Malaysian Grand Prix and the 26th held at Sepang, which has hosted the race since 1999. Valentino Rossi holds the record for MotoGP wins at the track with six. Among the current grid, Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have two each. Ducati has nine wins at Sepang, more than any other factory, and has won all three Sprints held there.
Sunday is stacked with milestones. A win would be Marquez’s 80th in MotoGP. Luca Marini is scheduled to make his 200th Grand Prix start across all classes. A podium would give Bagnaia 64 in MotoGP, tying him with Wayne Rainey for ninth on the all-time list. Eight different riders have already won a Grand Prix in 2026, and one more new winner would equal the season record of nine. Aprilia Racing can also clinch the MotoGP Teams’ World Championship at Sepang.
Practice begins Friday, with the Sprint on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday. Stats courtesy of MotoGP’s official pre-Grand Prix stats pack.
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