Marc Marquez came away from Mandalika with a Sprint victory and sixth place in the Grand Prix. Sunday’s result followed a prolonged fight with Pedro Acosta, while Marquez retained the same two-point deficit to Jorge Martin that he had carried into the race weekend.

Ducati faced recurring traction problems as Aprilia’s advantage in that area became apparent. Marquez did not put the issue down to the bike’s settings, though. When Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi suggested examining both the rider’s body position and the set-up, Marquez said the problem was with him rather than the set-up.

Following Friday Practice, Marquez expected the circuit to improve as more rubber was laid down, since his riding relies heavily on lean angle. He qualified fourth and then turned that position into a surprise Sprint win after Raul Fernandez, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin all encountered trouble.

A demanding fight with Acosta

The Grand Prix proved less straightforward. Marquez said the asphalt reached 60 degrees and described the conditions as extremely demanding. Acosta later explained that the repeated changes of position were linked to a recurring low-tyre-pressure warning. The KTM rider finished fifth, making him the leading rider outside the Aprilia group.

The result was also a personal milestone for Marquez: he had not previously reached the chequered flag in a Sunday race at Mandalika. Acosta will become his factory Ducati team-mate in 2027. Marquez considered the weekend important at a circuit he regards as Ducati’s worst, and his pursuit of a tenth world title now moves to Phillip Island next weekend.