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Bezzecchi Secures Third on Slicks
Aprilia Racing secured a positive outcome during the 2026 Malaysian MotoGP sprint session at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit on Saturday, October 31. Marco Bezzecchi finished third despite facing track conditions that altered due to rain. Starting from fifth on the grid, the Italian rider progressed to reach the top three. Originally held under dry skies, the sprint began presenting challenges when rainfall arrived midway through the running. Bezzecchi decided to remain on slick tyres until the race concluded. That strategy proved successful as he finished third, securing his seventh sprint podium of the season.
Seventh Sprint Podium of the Season
Prior to Sepang, Bezzecchi also climbed onto the sprint podium at Le Mans, Balaton Park, Silverstone, Aragón, Misano, and Austria. Discussing the Malaysian performance, Bezzecchi expressed that he was very pleased with the sprint result while noting early troubles. He acknowledged making several mistakes at the start, but explained that he subsequently felt more comfortable and managed to close down the gap, even though rain left circuit conditions "really on the limit."
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Martín Withdraws Due to Ongoing Injury
Meanwhile, Jorge Martín withdrew early from the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend. The Spanish competitor attempted to ride during the second free practice session (FP2), but decided to stop before taking part in qualifying. Martín is recovering from an undisplaced distal radius bone fracture sustained during the Australian MotoGP sprint at Phillip Island six days earlier. Admitting his physical state was not yet viable for competitive racing, Martín felt unable to finish two consecutive laps in succession, prompting him not to continue at Sepang. He explained that although recovery progressed quickly, it was "not yet fast enough" to make him competitive, leading to the decision to halt, recuperate, and give himself a little more time in order to return to action at the following race.
Trackhouse Result and Season Outlook
A positive result was also recorded by Ai Ogura from satellite team SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP. The Japanese rider finished fourth, ensuring two Aprilia RS-GP26 motorcycles featured inside the top four of the Malaysian sprint. Aprilia Racing Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini praised the squad's achievements despite weather conditions providing their own distinct challenge. Sterlacchini regretted Martín's decision to withdraw, but assessed that injury recovery serves as the priority for the rider. Looking forward, Aprilia Racing will turn attention to the next round in Qatar while striving to sustain competition until the season concludes.
Related reading: Aprilia Urges Caution as Martin Returns for Sepang Practice After Arm Fracture.
