The Sepang International Circuit has not been the most exciting in the 2026 MotoGP season, but it has left noteworthy moments during the recent Malaysian Grand Prix. The deterioration of the track, the Qatar controversy, and the retirement of Jorge Martin have kept fans engaged, while Aprilia and Ducati have faced opposite fortunes at this stage of the championship.
Next, we analyze the main winners and losers of the Malaysian Grand Prix of MotoGP.
Winner: Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez showcased excellent performance during the Malaysian GP, standing out in all sessions. Despite a small fall in the practice, he managed an exceptional race with a combination of aggression and judgment. With the retirement of Jorge Martin, he saw the opportunity to extend his lead in the championship, deciding to take precautions to avoid unnecessary risks.
Marquez was the fastest rider on the grid, although he made a mistake in qualifying that cost him time. In Sunday’s race, he shone with the help of his brother Alex Marquez, who acted as a protector at the start. Now, his tenth world title is getting closer, and his rivals are questioning how to stop him in the coming years.
Losers: April and Iker Lecuona
The head of Aprilia, Massimo Rivola, showed great disappointment when Marco Bezzecchi lost a key position to Ai Ogura. The Italian brand lived through a disastrous weekend, with Raul Fernandez retiring early and Jorge Martin unable to compete due to injury.
The situation did not improve during Sunday’s race, where Bezzecchi and Ogura faced off in a risky situation that caused their fall in the standings. Their weak performance threatens the constructors’ title against Ducati.
As for Iker Lecuona, he faced a tough weekend as a substitute. With the Sepang circuit not suited to his characteristics, he finished in second-to-last position in the standings and ended with just one point in the race, far from the front runners. The hot and humid conditions contributed to his painful performance.
Winner: Pedro Acosta
Pedro Acosta‘s ability to win despite feeling ‘terrible’ on the bike was one of the standout moments of the weekend. Occupying a prominent position in the standings, he achieved victory in the sprint race, showcasing his maturity in his third season.
Despite Sunday’s difficulties, where he spent half the time caught behind Alex Marquez, he capitalized on April’s mistakes and positioned himself as the best non-Ducati rider.
Winner: Luca Marini
Luca Marini surprised everyone with a remarkable performance after not competing in the Australian GP due to illness. With a fast start in Sunday’s race, he managed to climb positions before finishing in seventh place, despite penalties and fatigue. His ability to remain competitive under pressure highlights his potential.
Losers: MotoGP SEG
The organization of MotoGP, known as the Sports Entertainment Group, faces a critical moment after the latest controversies, including the riders’ union against various decisions. The confusion over rule changes and Yamaha’s decision to boycott the Qatar GP has highlighted a growing disconnect between the riders and the championship’s management.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_6fa468c210a634812287349ef58f8b4e20e2c3d3