Jorge Martin won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race by 0.913 seconds.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the runner-up on his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP23.

Enea Bastianini finished third on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24. Alex Marquez was fourth on his Gresini Ducati, and Fabio Quartararo finished fifth on his Monster Energy Yamaha, making him the best-finishing rider on a Japanese machine. Franco Morbidelli was sixth on his Prima Pramac Ducati, followed by Red Bull KTM teammates Brad Binder and Jack Miller in seventh and eighth. Pedro Acosta was ninth on a GASGAS-branded KTM RC16 and Marco Bezzecchi was 10th on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati.

For the championship, Bagnaia is now 29 points behind his principal rival Martin who has 465 points. M.Marquez is third with 365 points.

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Martin supreme to set up match point on Sunday as Bagnaia slides out at Sepang. The #89 celebrated a stellar win on Saturday, claiming 12 points and stretching the title lead to 29 points after Bagnaia crashed out. 

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) has claimed a crucial Tissot Sprint victory at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia – securing the maximum 12 points available. The #89 won by 0.913s over Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who made a strong start from P5 – maintaining his gap to the Championship leader in the closing stages. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) took third in what was a crucial day for the Championship after Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crashed out on Lap 3. The Italian’s mistake allowed Martin to increase his lead to 29 points – setting up for match point on Sunday.

As the lights went out, #TheRematch as Martin made a breathtaking start, seizing control of the Tissot Sprint at Turn 1. Tension was high during the opening lap, with the #89 making an incredible start from P2 on the grid as Bagnaia and Marc Marquez remained in hot pursuit.

Martin instantly put the hammer down, applying maximum pressure on Bagnaia, who had to close the gap. The #1 worked hard in the opening laps, beginning to edge closer to the Championship leader at every sector until he was glued onto Martin’s tailpipe – the title fight was on.

However on Lap 3, Bagnaia’s title defence took a huge blow, with #1 making a crucial mistake at Turn 9 – losing the front and crashing out of second. The Ducati Lenovo team could not believe their eyes as Bagnaia was forced to watch the remainder of the Sprint from the sidelines. It was a massive error which handed Martin a 29 point lead in the Championship after Bagnaia scored zero.

Bagnaia’s mistake caused a huge shake-up in the top three, with Marc Marquez now in second and Bastianini in third. It was an incredible start from ‘The Beast’ – battling from P6 on the grid. Bastianini built a strong gap over Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the #73 remaining in fourth after locking in an incredible front row start.

Martin had to keep his focus, leading the field by less than one second as Marc Marquez continued to put pressure on the #89. The leaders continued to run a hot pace, with the top three riders remaining consistent and maintaining their margins during an intense 10 lap showdown.

Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) made some ground at the start, latching onto the back of Jack Miller’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) RC16. It was a thrilling battle for the final points on offer between the Pierer Mobility riders, with the rookie looking for an opportunity to pounce.

In the closing stages, Martin stayed composed, charging to win the Sprint, securing the maximum 12 points available. The #89 finished 0.913s ahead of Marc Marquez and Bastianini. Martin now has a chance to clinch the World Championship on Sunday if he earns nine more points than Bagnaia.

Alex Marquez grabbed fourth spot, setting sights on a Sunday podium in Malaysia after beating Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with the Frenchman rounding out the top five positions. It was another stunning ride from the #20, who ends Saturday ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing). Meanwhile, Brad Binder claimed bragging rights at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, finishing in seventh ahead of Miller. The Australian was able to hold onto eighth place after continuing to fend off Acosta in the closing laps.

After another twist in the Tissot Sprint, make sure you join us as the world’s most exciting sport returns for the Malaysian Grand Prix, with lights out at 15:00 local time (UTC +8) as Martin prepares for match point!

Jorge Navarro was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. The Spaniard rider topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his American Racing Team Kalex, Navarro navigated the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) course in 2:04.412, breaking Brad Binder’s 2019 All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.769.

His teammate, Marcos Ramirez was second-best with a 2:04.475.

Celestino Vietti claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:04.559 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Navarro captures pole from Ramirez in a thrilling Q2 at Sepang. Jorge Navarro will start the Malaysian GP from pole position, qualifying alongside Ramirez and Vietti. 

Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) has charged to pole position at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, setting a 2:04.412. The #9 rider delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, taking P1 on his final run and clinching his first pole since 2019 as he continues to step in as a substitute rider for the injured Joe Roberts. Navarro will spearhead the field on Sunday, starting alongside teammate Marcos Ramirez, who completed an incredible day for the OnlyFans American Racing Team. Ramirez looked strong at the start of Q2, setting a strong early lap to secure P2 on the grid. The #24 ended the session ahead of Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who completed a talented front row.

Dream result for the American Racing Team

Practice 2 served up mixed conditions for the Moto2™ field, with spots of rain falling and Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) setting the pace – clocking a strong 2:04.775. In Q1, it was Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) who showed incredible form, placing P1 to gain a Q2 spot alongside Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), Barry Baltus (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Senna Agius.

It was a tense start to the session, with the Moto2™ field pushing to the limit in the opening stages as Ramirez set the early pace – clocking a strong 2:04.475. On the second run, all eyes were on Navarro, who found further time to leap to P1 and make it a provisional OnlyFans American Racing Team one-two. However, there was further drama in the closing minutes, with Jake Dixon (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) crashing in the closing stages as Navarro stormed to pole.

Ogura claims P7 in Q2

Arenas will start from fourth on the grid, with the #75 unable to improve on his final run – missing out on pole by 0.231s. Arenas looks strong at Sepang and will start alongside Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the rookie proving to adapt quickly throughout the weekend. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completes the second row as an unpredictable Malaysian GP awaits.

Newly crowned World Champion Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) had a rock solid Q2, placing in seventh ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™), with the Spaniard finding time from Saturday morning – securing eighth. Further back, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) rounded out the third row. Meanwhile, Dixon is left with work to do, finishing the session in P12 in front of Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), who will launch from P13 after the #44 pulled off an incredible save at the end of Q2.

The action does not stop at Sepang, with race day around the corner as the lights go out at 13:15 local time (UTC +8), so make sure you tune in and keep up to date with everything on motogp.com!

Adrian Fernandez earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, Fernandez turned a lap time of 2:09.542. Not only was that good enough to lead the 26-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse his All-Time Lap Record of 2:10.102 he set this morning. 

Ivan Ortola was the best of the rest with a 2:09.895 on his MT Helmets – MSI KTM, and David Alonso claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:10.015 on his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO. 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Fernandez soars to pole position ahead of Ortola and Alonso. It was a maiden Moto3™ pole position for Adrian Fernandez, who will start the Malaysian GP alongside Ortola and Alonso. 

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) has charged to a maiden pole position after continuing the #31’s remarkable form at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. Fernandez set a 2:09.542, destroying the lap record after improving on his final flying lap to place ahead of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI). The #48 spent the majority of the session in P1 but was unable to find time further time to bring the fight to Fernandez on his second run. Ortola showed strong pace and will start alongside David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who claimed the final spot on the front row.

Records broken in Q2

Practice 2 began Saturday’s action, with lap records being demolished by Fernandez after the #31 set a 2:10.102, with rain beginning to fall, leaving Alonso to narrowly avoid Q1 – ending the session in 14^th. It was an exhilarating Q1 to kick off the afternoon, with Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) taking the top spot ahead of David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA), and Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power), all of whom earned their shot to fight for pole.

Once Q2 got underway, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) set the early benchmark – provisionally grabbing pole position after the first run. The flying lap – as usual – proved to be the decider for pole, with red sectors beginning to appear. It was a dramatic end to Q2 for Leopard Racing, with Angel Piqueras crashing at Turn 1 before teammate Fernandez was able to find further time in the final sector – leaping to pole position.

Holgado takes P11 on Saturday

Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) will head the second row of the grid, with the Japanese star finding pace in Malaysia. It was a strong qualifying for Suzuki, who will have Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) for company as the Australian rounds out the top five spots on the grid. Meanwhile, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta will launch from P6 on the grid as he sets sights on another podium on Sunday.

Piqueras starts from row three, with the rookie unable to make it around for another lap after his late crash. The #36 will start ahead of Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), with the Dutchman aiming to fight through the order after qualifying alongside David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) in ninth. Meanwhile, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) head from 10^th and 11^th as BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz rounds out the top 15, with the #64 handed a ride through penalty after an incident in Practice 2.

Don’t miss any of the action on Sunday as Moto3™ kicks off an exhilarating race day, with lights out at 12:00 local time (UTC +8) at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit!

Francesco Bagnaia earned pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24 , the two-time and defending World Champion broke the All-Time Lap Record of 1:57.491 he set last year with a time of 1:56.337 around the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) circuit during Qualifying Two (Q2) on Saturday. 

Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:56.553 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, and Alex Marquez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:57.275 on his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici. 

Row-two qualifiers included Martin’s teammate, Franco Morbidelli (1:57.279), Marquez’s brother, Marc Marquez (1:57.301) and Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini (1:57.366).

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

The greatest Q2 ever? Bagnaia and Martin go head-to-head at Sepang. Pecco Bagnaia will start from pole position after a thrilling Q2 battle with Martin, which saw the lap record obliterated. 

Francesco Bagnaia has stormed to an incredible pole position at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, annihilating the previous lap record after clocking a 1:56.337. The Italian executed a flawless lap, setting up the remainder of the weekend by securing a 0.216s advantage over title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). The #89 smashed into the 1:56 bracket early on but was unable to respond on his second run after Bagnaia’s new benchmark was set. Bagnaia and Martin will be joined by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the front row after a strong lap from the #73 placed the Spaniard P3 – 0.938s adrift.

Lap records demolished at Sepang

FP2 gave teams and riders a final opportunity to perfect their setups, with Bagnaia topping the timesheets after a busy session for the #1, completing laps on the circuit with Martin. The stage was now set for qualifying, with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) setting an incredible pace at the start of Q1. Times began to drop as the riders returned to track for their second run, with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) digging deep to secure the top two spots.

Once Q2 clicked into gear, Martin set the pace on the opening lap, charging into the 1:56 bracket for the first time. The #89 improved further, setting a new record and a new time for title rival Bagnaia to chase after the Italian ended his first run in P2. The reigning World Champion came out fighting on his second run, pushing to the limit and setting an unbelievable 1:56.337 as teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) suffered a crash in the final minute.

Marc Marquez and Bastianini head from row two

Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) spearheads the second row of the grid, improving his time in the closing moments of Q2 to bag fourth on the grid. The Italian will start ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who could not find further time to qualify on the front row with fresh tyres. The #93 will have Bastianini for company on the second row of the grid, with the Italian unable to improve on the time set on his first run after a crash at Turn 15.

Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will start as the top Pierer Mobility rider, claiming seventh on the grid and continuing an incredible weekend. The #43 will be joined by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins on the third row, with the Yamaha duo making a further step at Sepang.

Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) will start from 13^th on the grid after missing out on Q2 by 0.039s. The rookie will start in front of Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez(Trackhouse Racing), who have work to do as the lights go out. Meanwhile, Andrea Iannone(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) will head from 17^th on the grid as he continues to make a noteworthy return to MotoGP™.

Saturday’s action does not stop yet, with further drama in store as a vital Tissot Sprint will return for lights out at 15:00 local time (UTC +8), where Bagnaia will set his sights on reducing Martin’s title advantage after qualifying on pole!

Francesco Bagnaia led MotoGP World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on spec Michelin tires, the two-time and defending Champion turned a lap time of 1:58.658 topping the field of 22 riders.

Current World Championship point leader, Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:58.762 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.

French rider, Fabio Quartararo, was third at 1:58.765 on his Monster Energy Yamaha M1. 

Albert Arenas was quickest during Moto2 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Gresini Kalex on the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 2:04.775 to lead the field of 31 riders.

Adrian Fernandez led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Fernandez used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) track in 2:10.102 , which led the field of 26 riders and broke Jaume Masia’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:10.846 from 2023.

His teammate, Angel Piqueras was second-best with a time of 2:10.284. 

Ivan Ortola, piloting his MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:10.488