P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Live updates from Saturday’s qualifying and Sprint race at the 2025 Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang.
The MotoGP arrives at Sepang in Malaysia with Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez celebrating a double win at Phillip Island. However, notable absences due to injury include Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, and Maverick Vinales.
Marc Marquez’s spot is filled by Ducati’s Michele Pirro, Martin by Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori, and Vinales by KTM’s Pol Espargaro.
Alex Marquez is well on his way to securing a significant lead in the world championship, holding a 97-point advantage over Bezzecchi. This weekend will leave only 74 points in contention.
Gresini’s rider, a former Sprint winner at Sepang, impressed during the official pre-season test in February.
Francesco Bagnaia, last year’s Sepang pole and grand prix winner, has dropped to fourth overall after recent struggles at Mandalika and Phillip Island.
The return of Augusto Fernandez this weekend brings the new Yamaha V4 for its second wild-card appearance, following a 14th place at Misano in September.
Pedro Acosta and KTM are leading the pack after a competitive Friday, with Johann Zarco and Jack Miller close behind. Meanwhile, riders like Bagnaia, Aldeguer, Bezzecchi, and Fernandez look to secure a spot in the top ten in Qualifying 1.
Saturday’s schedule includes MotoGP FP2 at 10:10am local time, Qualifying at 10:50am, and the MotoGP Sprint race at 3:00pm.
