Fabio Di Giannantonio finished fifth in the 10-lap MotoGP Sprint at Sepang, roughly five seconds behind the winner. He had qualified sixth and will start the following day’s Grand Prix from the same position.

The result did not fully explain the Italian rider’s comments about his machine. Di Giannantonio said the feeling was very good and that the bike was working as it should. He also said, however, that another factor had stopped him from riding at his potential, without identifying what that factor was.

The VR46 Racing Team rider judged that Álex and Marc Márquez had more race pace. In his view, Marc had not needed to take risks. Di Giannantonio nevertheless believes his team can stay in the fight and challenge the riders ahead rather than simply accept a midfield result.

Sepang’s surface added another difficulty to the Sprint. Di Giannantonio described a track covered with gravel and small stones, saying riders were being struck by the loose material. He had already characterised the circuit as unusually rough on Friday because of its bumps and loose stones. After Malaysia, the MotoGP paddock is expected to head to Lusail for the rescheduled Qatar Grand Prix.