Marc Marquez moved to the top of the MotoGP world championship on Oct 10 after winning a chaotic 13-lap sprint race at Indonesia’s Mandalika International Circuit, taking a four-point lead over fellow Spaniard Jorge Martin.
The Ducati rider, a seven-time world champion, secured his first victory in Indonesia in hot, dry conditions. Japan’s Ai Ogura finished second, followed by Italy’s Fabio Di Giannantonio in third, while Martin came home fourth on his Aprilia.
The race was disrupted immediately when Spanish rookie Raul Fernandez, who had started from pole position, collided with Marco Bezzecchi at the first corner. Both riders crashed out.
Martin and Marquez, who had both begun from the second row, benefited from the opening-lap incident. Martin took the lead, with his championship rival moving into second place behind him.
At the halfway point, Martin had built a 1.5-second advantage despite Marquez remaining close behind. However, the former world champion then slowed suddenly and relinquished first place. The reason was not confirmed, although tyre-pressure issues were suggested as a possible factor.
Marquez took advantage of the change at the front and went on to win the sprint, while Martin’s fourth-place finish left him four points behind in the championship standings.
The Indonesian Grand Prix is scheduled for Oct 11. Five race weekends will remain after Mandalika, with the next round set to take place in Australia in a fortnight.
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