MotoGP Sprint: Marc Marquez benefits from Aprilia drama

The Aprilia riders went into the MotoGP Sprint at Mandalika (Indonesia) as clear favourites. In the end, however, it was world champion Marc Marquez who came out on top. Starting from fourth on the grid, Marquez ultimately secured a clear victory.

Things got dramatic right from Turn 1: pole-setter Raul Fernandez, his team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, birthday boy Fabio di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez all charged into the right-hand bend as a group of four. ‘Diggia’ was the last to brake, but was unable to hold his line and pushed Marquez off course. Marquez had to straighten up, catching Bezzecchi off guard; Bezzecchi also straightened up and collided with Fernandez. Both Aprilia bikes crashed.

Jorge Martin capitalised on the chaos and took the lead. A hard-fought sprint ensued, in which the positions seemed to have settled. But then Martin voluntarily handed the lead back to Marquez. Apparently, his crew had expected the race to unfold differently and had set the tyre pressure accordingly low. Too low – the championship leader had to drop back to bring the pressure back up.

Martin rode behind Márquez and waited for an opportunity in the closing stages. But then the Aprilia rider experienced a moment of sheer panic that cost him two places. Márquez took the win ahead of Trackhouse Aprilia rider Ai Ogura. Fabio di Giannantonio finished third. Jorge Martin could only manage fourth place and lost the championship lead to Marquez.

Fifth place went to Alex Márquez, who crossed the line 3.4 seconds behind his brother. KTM rider Pedro Acosta finished sixth. Acosta had to serve a long-lap penalty for exceeding the track limits too often.

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Mandalika: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

11.10.2026 - 03:35

Last year’s GP winner, Fermin Aldeguer, had an uneventful race and was classified seventh. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) finished eighth. Fabio Quartararo picked up the final point.