Marc Marquez moved closer to an eighth MotoGP world championship after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on November 1, extending his lead in the standings to 44 points.
The Ducati Lenovo rider completed the 20-lap race in 40 minutes and 14.236 seconds, finishing 4.172 seconds ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Pedro Acosta. Marquez’s younger brother Alex, riding for Gresini Racing, secured third place, finishing 5.955 seconds behind the winner.
Starting second on the grid behind pole-sitter Alex, Marquez took the lead at the opening corner. His younger brother briefly overtook him before running wide, allowing the championship leader to regain control of the race.
Marquez maintained his advantage throughout the remaining laps, securing his seventh victory of the 2026 season and his 80th win in the premier class. The result also marked his third Malaysian Grand Prix victory and his first at Sepang since 2018.
With Aprilia rider Jorge Martin absent from the race due to a wrist injury, Marquez increased his championship lead to 399 points, ahead of Martin’s 355.
The Spaniard could secure his eighth MotoGP title at the Qatar Grand Prix on November 8 if he extends his advantage sufficiently. Two further rounds remain after Qatar, in Portugal and Valencia.
The Malaysian victory gives Marquez a significant advantage in the title race as he approaches the final stages of the season.
