Alex Márquez dominated the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday to clinch his third victory of the season, romping home more than two seconds ahead of fellow Spaniard Pedro Acosta.
Márquez, who confirmed his runner-up spot in the world championship standings this weekend behind brother Marc, won for the first time this year outside Spain following success at the Spanish and Catalan Grand Prix races.
Honda’s Joan Mir was third to make it an all-Spanish podium, with Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo completing the top five.
Newly crowned world champion Marc Márquez was absent because of a season-ending injury.
Early Surge Sets Tone
“We suffered two crashes on Friday and later on the feeling was not really perfect,” said the younger Márquez, 29.
“Really happy, it’s a really important win for us to celebrate second in the championship,” he added.
Pole-sitter Francesco Bagnaia, who won Saturday’s sprint, started well on a hot and humid Sepang circuit to hold a slender lead in the first lap with Acosta and Márquez in hot pursuit.
Márquez, who started second on the grid, made his move early in the second lap as the Ducati-Gresini star surged past Bagnaia during a sweeping corner, and maintained the lead until the chequered flag.
Mid-Race Battle Intensifies
Ducati’s Bagnaia had Acosta following closely behind him as the front three left the chasing pack behind.
As the race reached the halfway stage, Bagnaia’s focus was to fend off intense pressure from Acosta, leaving Márquez to increase his advantage.
Acosta’s pressure eventually paid off as the KTM rider found joy on the 13th lap to overtake Bagnaia into second place.
Unperturbed by the battle unfolding behind him, Márquez crossed the finish line in 40min 09.249sec.
Bagnaia’s afternoon ended with a bike issue late on that left him unable to finish the race.
Moto3 Concerns Overshadow Celebrations
Earlier, the Moto3 race was delayed and shortened after a nasty collision involving newly crowned world champion José Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler during the sighting lap.
Both riders were airlifted to hospital but were conscious.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the Moto3 guys,” said Márquez.
“Still in my stomach I have some stressed feeling, so just keep fingers crossed for them.”
