Which MotoGP riders do well at the Grand Prix of Malaysia with Valentino Rossi most successful in Sepang

Add as preferred source on Google

The Malaysian Grand Prix has been a staple part of the MotoGP calendar since the early 90s, with the race moving permanently to the Sepang International Circuit in 1999.

Its maiden race was hosted at the Shah Alam Circuit in 1991 as the final race of the season. Only 18 riders participated in the event, with many riders opting out due to high costs and long travel time.

John Kocinski took pole position, with his Marlboro Team Roberts teammate and riders’ champion Wayne Rainey out after breaking his femur at the knee joint in pre-race practice.

Team Lucky Strike Suzuki rider Kevin Schwantz was also injured in the session, breaking his hand ahead of the grand prix.

Four current riders have taken the victory in Sepang, including Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia who both have two wins at the track. Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini both have stood on the top step on the podium once and will be hoping to claim a second win this weekend.

Nine current riders have stood on the podium at the Sepang International Circuit, which includes Alex Marquez, Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco.

Read more: MotoGP 2025 Grand Prix of Malaysia weekend schedule, how to watch and weather forecast

Valentino Rossi holds record for most MotoGP wins in Malaysia

Valentino Rossi is the most successful rider of the modern era, taking five wins at the Sepang International Circuit, as well as an additional 500cc victory in 2001.

The Italian took his maiden win at the track in 2003, after starting from pole position and taking the fastest lap during the race.

Rossi dominated in his final season with Yamaha that year, taking nine victories from 16 races.

Despite being the most successful rider in Malaysia, Rossi’s dominance at the Sepang International Circuit is overshadowed by an incident with Marc Marquez in 2015.

Tensions between the pair had been growing during the season, with things coming to a head in the Thursday press conference. Rossi claimed that the Spaniard was interfering with the championship and favouring his teammate Jorge Lorenzo for the title.

During the race, the pair were locked in a fierce fight, which saw Rossi penalised for kicking Marquez during a tangle at Turn 14. The incident proved fatal for Rossi’s championship hopes, after he was forced to start the final race from the back of the grid, ultimately losing the title fight by five points.

Francesco Bagnaia could become most successful current rider at Sepang

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez are tied for the most successful current riders around the Sepang International Circuit, with both holding two wins apiece in MotoGP.

Marquez is out for the remainder of the 2025 season after a crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix saw him break his shoulder and require surgery. With the Spaniard not on the grid at this year’s Grand Prix of Malaysia, Bagnaia has the opportunity to pull ahead with the most victories for a current rider.

The Italian took the win at the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix after a tight battle with championship rival Jorge Martin in the early stages.