Sepang, Malaysia, October 31, 2026: Alex Marquez secured pole position for the 2026 PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia after producing a stunning late lap in qualifying at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit on Saturday. The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP rider posted a best time of 1:56.493 to edge out championship leader and elder brother Marc Marquez by just 0.070 seconds.

Pedro Acosta completed the front row for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, finishing just 0.014 seconds behind Marc in an intensely competitive Q2 session. The top three were separated by just 0.084 seconds, setting the stage for an exciting Sprint race in Malaysia.

However, the biggest development of the morning was Jorge Martin’s withdrawal from the remainder of the Malaysian GP weekend. The Aprilia Racing rider, who is second in the championship standings, was unable to continue following the wrist injury sustained during the Sprint at Phillip Island last weekend.

The 2024 MotoGP World Champion had travelled to Sepang determined to compete despite fracturing his wrist in Australia. However, the discomfort proved too much, forcing Martin to end his Malaysian GP campaign after making a determined attempt to return to action.

His absence is a significant development in the championship battle, particularly with Marco Bezzecchi looking to reduce the gap to Marc Marquez in the remaining rounds.

Zarco and Bagnaia progress through Q1

Before the pole position battle got underway, Johann Zarco of Castrol Honda LCR and Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia secured the two available promotion spots in Q1.

The pair finished ahead of the rest of the field to advance to Q2, although Luca Marini came close to displacing Bagnaia. The gap between the two Italians was just 0.071 seconds.

Bagnaia, who started from pole position at Sepang last year, therefore had another opportunity to challenge for the front row despite being forced to take the Q1 route.

Alex Marquez beats championship leader Marc to pole

Alex Marquez immediately demonstrated his pace in Q2, setting the early benchmark with a 1:56.697. His opening effort was already 0.267 seconds quicker than Marc Marquez’s initial lap.

Pedro Acosta and Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Enea Bastianini initially occupied third and fourth positions, while Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi was provisionally fifth.

Bagnaia managed to move into sixth on his opening flying lap but subsequently made a mistake at Turn 1, losing an opportunity to challenge for a higher starting position.

The battle at the front intensified as Bezzecchi and Trackhouse MotoGP rider Ai Ogura exchanged competitive lap times. Marc Marquez then responded with a strong flying lap, delivering red sector times to move ahead of the Aprilia duo and take provisional pole position.

Acosta also improved to move into second, putting KTM in contention for a front-row start.

However, Alex Marquez had the final say. The Gresini rider produced a superb late lap of 1:56.493 to reclaim the top position and deny his brother pole by just 0.070 seconds.

It was Alex’s first Saturday morning qualifying P1 since the 2025 Catalan Grand Prix, adding another milestone to an impressive season.

Bezzecchi fifth as Martin’s absence adds to championship pressure

Ai Ogura secured fourth place on the grid to lead the second row, ahead of Bezzecchi in fifth. Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the second row in sixth for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.

Bezzecchi will be particularly keen to capitalise on Martin’s absence as he looks to close the gap to Marc Marquez in the championship standings. With a 50-point deficit to overcome, the Malaysian GP weekend presents an important opportunity for the Italian to collect valuable points.

Enea Bastianini will start seventh, ahead of Zarco in eighth and Franco Morbidelli in ninth.

Bagnaia could manage only 10th after progressing through Q1, while returning Honda HRC Castrol rider Joan Mir qualified 11th. Maverick Viñales will start 12th for Red Bull KTM Tech3 as he continues to manage shoulder discomfort.

With Martin out of action, attention now turns to the Tissot Sprint at 15:00 local time in Sepang. Marc Marquez will be looking to strengthen his championship position, while Bezzecchi and Aprilia will be aiming to make the most of the opportunity.

With Alex Marquez starting from pole and Acosta alongside the two brothers on the front row, the Malaysian GP Sprint promises an intriguing battle at the front.

2026 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix – Qualifying Results