Ducati has not publicly clarified whether it has a team-orders policy, but Marc Marquez left the question open ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Asked about his brother’s potential speed at Sepang, Marc said that brothers do not always need to speak. He added that both Alex and he would try to win, while during the race “everybody knows what he needs to do”. Marc did not expand on what he meant by the remark.

The championship context gives the exchange added importance. Marc Marquez arrives in Malaysia as MotoGP’s points leader with a 10-point advantage, having won last week’s Phillip Island sprint. Jorge Martin, meanwhile, has suffered a fractured right wrist but has been passed fit to compete. He is expected to struggle for front-running pace after the injury, increasing the value of every point as the title battle develops.

Alex Marquez adds a key variable

Alex Marquez was fastest at the Sepang test and is expected to be quick from the opening stages of the weekend with Gresini. His performance could take points away from the Aprilia riders as well as from his older brother. Alex had already said in Australia that he would not attempt a risky pass on Marc in the sprint. That earlier position adds interest to their next on-track meeting, although it does not publicly confirm any agreement between them.

The championship leader insists that his advantage has not altered his mindset, answering “zero” when asked how much it changes his approach. He also considers this stage of the season a time for taking risks and says he will give 100% in every race and session. Four scheduled rounds remain, while the Qatar Grand Prix is still uncertain. Marc also wants to find out whether he can fight both Aprilia factory riders.