Marc’s victory at Sepang mirrors Alex’s success last year

Siblings share the stage: Marc Marquez (centre) on the podium with his brother Alex (right) and Pedro Acosta. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

SEPANG: Marc Marquez took a leaf out of younger brother Alex’s book to power to victory at the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday.

The 33-year-old MotoGP World Championship leader produced a flawless ride, dominating the 20-lap race to claim his third Malaysian Grand Prix title after previous triumphs in 2014 and 2018.

Starting second on the grid, the seven-time world champion snatched the lead from pole-sitter Alex at turn one and never looked back.

Marc admitted his dominant display mirrored Alex’s winning ride at Sepang last year, when his younger brother also seized an early lead and held on for victory.

“It looked like I took Alex’s skills in Malaysia this weekend because I was riding exactly like he did last year when he won,” said Marc.

“Sometimes life gives you special and unique moments, and this Malaysian Grand Prix has given me the chance to extend the championship lead. When that chance comes, you have to take it.”

Marc hauled in a total of 34 points over the weekend after finishing Saturday’s sprint race in second place, bringing his total to 399 points.

He extended his lead to 44 points ahead of compatriot Jorge Martin of Aprilia, who pulled out of the race weekend due to a wrist injury that he picked up at the previous race in Australia.

Red Bull KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who won Saturday’s sprint race, came in second place, while Alex settled for third.

Marc now has 80 wins in MotoGP, just nine away from equalling Valentino Rossi’s record.

The win in Malaysia was Marc’s seventh victory this season, and he is looking good to clinch his eighth world championship title with three races remaining on the MotoGP calendar.

But Marc is not celebrating just yet.

“It’s close, but not done yet. It’s still the same mentality: keep pushing and staying focused.

“Although there aren’t many races left, there are many moments ahead. So we have to stay on track.”

The MotoGP calendar will head to Qatar this weekend, before the final races in Portugal and Valencia.

However, Alex will be sidelined for the Qatar race after confirming that he will undergo surgery on his right shoulder after sustaining an injury in a crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in May.

 

1. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo) 40:14.236, 2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) +4.172, 3. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Ducati) +5.955, 4. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia) +6.759, 5. Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) +10.896, 6. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) +11.259, 7. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) +17.724, 8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina VR46 Ducati) +17.790, 9. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) +23.729, 10. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina VR46 Ducati) +25.097, 11. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Yamaha) +25.826, 12. Alex Rins (Monster Yamaha) +27.063, 13. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) +32.960, 14. Maverick Vinales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) +34.597, 15. Iker Lecuona (BK8 Gresini Ducati) +38.446, 16. Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) +43.327. D : Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR), Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR), Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha Factory Racing).