Marco Bezzecchi’s MotoGP title challenge took another hit at Sepang. The Aprilia rider finished sixth and dropped 17 points to Marc Marquez, following the six points he had already conceded to the same rival at Phillip Island. Bezzecchi now approaches the Qatar Grand Prix 67 points away from the top of the World Championship.

There is almost no room for another setback at Lusail. Bezzecchi must not lose more than eight points to Marquez across the Qatar weekend. If Marquez wins Sunday’s Grand Prix, the maximum gap Bezzecchi can concede falls to seven points. Once Qatar is over, only the races at Portimao and Valencia will remain.

Why Sepang hurt Aprilia

Bezzecchi described the championship situation as difficult, but said he would continue believing and working as hard as possible. He also pointed out that Sepang arrived at a stage of the season when Aprilia did not need a race at which it would struggle. The Malaysian circuit is regarded as one of Aprilia’s toughest venues, while Ducati has traditionally been strong there.

The outlook is more encouraging for Lusail. Bezzecchi said he would give everything to prepare good races and produce his best at every opportunity. Jorge Martin is also aiming to return to action in Qatar after being sidelined by injury. Martin is 44 points behind Marquez, and the title fight now has only three race weekends left including the Qatar round.