Jorge Martin withdrew from the Malaysian Grand Prix after Saturday’s final practice, ending his attempt to race with an injured right wrist. The Aprilia rider had been declared fit on Friday, one week after fracturing the wrist at Phillip Island, but will take no further part in the Sepang weekend.

The decision has a direct effect on the championship picture. Martin was 10 points behind Marc Marquez, who could have left Malaysia with a 47-point advantage by winning both races at Sepang. Marc instead kept the emphasis on his own performance after qualifying second behind his brother Alex. He said his side had done its maximum, congratulated Alex on his pace and wished Martin a quick recovery.

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi said he was proud of Martin’s attempt to race, while judging the withdrawal to be the best decision for what comes next. He also described Alex Marquez as exceptionally fast at both Sepang and Barcelona. The Gresini rider could therefore become the main obstacle between Marc and a maximum 37-point haul across the Malaysian race weekend.

Marco Bezzecchi qualified fifth and was 40 points behind his teammate Martin. As a result, he could not move ahead of the absent rider in the standings during this weekend’s event, regardless of its outcome. Three rounds remain after Sepang, with Qatar next weekend, where Martin hopes to race.