Marc Marquez heads to Sepang with a 10-point MotoGP advantage after winning the Australian sprint. That margin could not grow on Sunday because the Grand Prix was cancelled in poor weather. The championship picture nevertheless changed sharply when Jorge Martin, who had led the standings, crashed in the sprint and fractured his wrist. Martin is expected to attempt to ride in Malaysia, adding an important variable to a weekend that begins with Marquez in front.

Marquez says Sepang demands a different approach from Phillip Island, while Malaysian weather can complicate every session. His stated aim is to remain a leading presence and handle each session and effort as effectively as possible. His own record at the circuit is solid but not dominant: he has won the Malaysian Grand Prix twice in MotoGP, missed last year’s race because of injury and finished 12th in 2024 after crashing with the Gresini Ducati.

Pecco Bagnaia has the stronger recent Sepang narrative. The Ducati rider has won there twice in the last five years, took last year’s sprint victory and was on course for a Grand Prix podium before a puncture ended his race. Despite a difficult Australian weekend, the two-time world champion still counts Sepang among the overseas circuits he likes most. Bagnaia also says the Desmosedici GP has made the difference there before, and that Ducati will work from Friday to find the right feeling immediately and make the most of the weekend.