Marquez Magic in Malaysia

Alex Marquez delivered a masterclass at the Malaysian MotoGP, storming to victory at Sepang for his third win of the season and his first outside Spain. The Gresini Ducati rider led from the second lap onward, crossing the finish line more than two seconds clear of compatriot Pedro Acosta.

The 29-year-old Spaniard locked in his runner-up finish in the overall standings behind his brother, world champion Marc Marquez, who was sidelined due to injury. “It was a perfect race,” Alex said. “We improved the bike in the warm-up, attacked early, and just managed the tyres to the end.”

Starting second on the grid, Marquez quickly overtook pole-sitter Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia in the opening laps and never looked back. Acosta eventually passed Bagnaia for second midway through the race, but by then Marquez had built a comfortable lead. Honda’s Joan Mir finished third, completing an all-Spanish podium, followed by Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo in fourth and fifth.

Bagnaia, who had earlier won Saturday’s sprint race, failed to finish after a mechanical issue late in the race.

The Moto3 event earlier in the day saw a frightening crash during the sighting lap involving new world champion Jose Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler. Both riders were airlifted to hospital but remained conscious. MotoGP organizers later confirmed Rueda suffered a suspected hand fracture and multiple bruises.

Marquez dedicated his win to the injured riders. “My prayers and thoughts are with the Moto3 guys,” he said.

Unshaken and unchallenged, Marquez’s Sepang triumph capped a strong campaign, reinforcing his place among MotoGP’s top contenders.