Jorge Martin turned fifth on the Mandalika Sprint grid into the lead, but a front-tyre pressure problem changed the race. The Aprilia rider came through the first-corner chaos at the front and then began to pull clear of Marc Marquez.

With five laps remaining, Martin allowed Marquez to go past. Martin explained that he was at risk of falling below the minimum pressure limit, so he tried to build more temperature in the front tyre by pushing harder. The pressure still did not reach its proper operating window, leaving him unable to keep controlling the race with the Ducati rider behind him.

MotoGP rules require pressure to stay above the minimum limit for 30% of the laps in a Sprint. A breach results in an eight-second post-race penalty. Martin said Aprilia had not deliberately taken a gamble with the pressure, instead pointing to the high humidity and a possible change in conditions from the previous day. He estimated that an extra 0.1 bar might have been enough to secure the win without putting him at risk of a penalty.

A lead becomes fourth place

Even after giving up the lead, Martin felt the hardest part of the race had already been completed and that victory over Marquez was effectively within reach before the pressure issue emerged. He tried to remain close enough for a final-lap attack, but two laps from the finish he lost the rear of his RS-GP and ran off line. Ai Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio came through, leaving Martin fourth at the chequered flag.

Marquez’s victory moved him four points clear at the top of the standings. Martin remained positive about Sunday’s Indonesian Grand Prix, saying he had strong pace and a major opportunity in the main race. He expected Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez to be particularly strong, while also believing he could fight for a podium finish.

The opening corner had already reshaped the Sprint. Fernandez, who had started from pole, and Bezzecchi, who was second on the grid, failed to get through after a four-rider fight. Martin said he anticipated that all four would not make the corner, held the clear line and went through. He only realised the extent of the incident after the race, when he saw the marks left on the asphalt.

Earlier, during qualifying, Marquez followed Martin out of the pits for the final run without passing him. Martin said the rider behind him did not make him nervous and that he simply concentrated on his own lap, particularly after an unsatisfactory first attempt.