The MotoGP title fight moves on to Sepang with Marc Marquez 10 points clear of Jorge Martin. FP1 is scheduled for 10:45 local time, followed by Practice at 15:00. Martin’s condition will be the key early question after the Aprilia rider was cleared to make his first on-track appearance since breaking his wrist.

Martin sustained the fracture in a crash at Phillip Island while fighting Marquez for victory. He missed that weekend’s grand prix, which was cancelled after poor visibility prevented the medical helicopter from operating. Martin was cleared for FP1 at Sepang, with another medical assessment planned after the session; Raul Fernandez was also due for a post-session review.

The form guide at Sepang

Marco Bezzecchi, Martin’s Aprilia team-mate, begins the weekend 50 points from the championship lead. Aprilia is expected to face a difficult challenge from Ducati, which won both of last year’s headline races at the circuit: Pecco Bagnaia took the Sprint and Alex Marquez the grand prix. Ai Ogura was the best-placed Aprilia rider in that grand prix, finishing 10th.

Alex Marquez set the fastest time on the final day of this year’s pre-season test at Sepang, while Marc Marquez was fourth behind Fabio di Giannantonio. Marc was riding again after the shoulder injuries he suffered at Mandalika. Martin did not take part in the test after winter collarbone surgery.

The forecast calls for dry conditions through Friday and Saturday morning, but thunderstorms remain a threat for Saturday’s Sprint. The opening activity at Sepang took place in sunshine, with a few damp sections of track still drying before Moto2’s first practice.