Marquez at cusp of further glory after Malaysian Masterclass

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Marc Márquez celebrates his win at the Malaysian MotoGP race in Sepang, Malaysia

By Darshana Abayasingha in Sepang, Malaysia

The Spanish in true conquistador style swept all the honours at the Malaysian MotoGP last week, with its winner Marc Marquez all but putting his hands on his eighth world championship. Behind Marquez, his countrymen Acosta and brother Alex Marquez came second and third, making up the all-Spanish podium.

A winner of 7 MotoGP World Championships, Marc Marquez now has a chance to clinch his record eighth championship at the Lusail Circuit in Qatar this week, if he outscores titled rival Jorge Martin by 44 points. Martin pulled out of the race in Sepang Malaysia last week due to a wrist injury. At one point, Marquesz was over 100 points behind the leaders this year due to injury, and his 2026 challenge signifies one of the most dramatic comebacks in history.

Tourism Malaysia hosted regional media at the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian GrandPrix, and the visitors got treated to a masterclass in superbike racing from winner Marquez as he eked out a 5 second lead over the rivals. Marquez seemed particularly strong through turn 8 to 15, as he pulled away from his rivals in what was a commanding display of talent and power from the Ducati rider. Marquez started the race in second behind his brother Alex, but got the better start into turn 1 and then never looked back.

Sepang once again demonstrated why it’s a pure racers’ track, providing riders across all classes ample opportunity to showcase the power and handling of their machines. The media and spectators from all over who flooded the circuit were once again treated to an engaging display of motorsport and entertainment which Sepang and Malaysia has become famous for, and featured several events and attractions around the Grand Prix. Last month, Formula 1 too made a return to Malaysia in place of the Bahrain Grand Prix, and delivered an action-packed and technically sound race which was hailed by both drivers and racing enthusiasts.

Marquez is regarded by some as the greatest rider of all time, and the statistics lend credibility to the claims. The race at Lusail had come under scrutiny due to concerns over security, but the event will go ahead despite teams such as Yamaha pulling out over safety.