Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez continued where he left off in MotoGP as he set the fastest time on the first day of testing in 2026 at Sepang.
The MotoGP rider market dominated the headlines coming into testing in Malaysia, with several riders already said to have made their moves for 2027. The defending champion is believed to be among them.
Marquez has reportedly signed his new contract with Ducati, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal. The Bologna Bullets wanted to move fast to secure the Spaniard, with an announcement set to come before the season launch in Kuala Lumpur.
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The Ant of Cervera was also on everyone’s mind in the MotoGP paddock in Malaysia for another reason. Pre-season testing marks the first time Marquez has ridden a MotoGP bike since his crash at Mandalika last season.
Marquez has been slowly recovering from a shoulder injury, having recently conducted private tests on street bikes with Ducati. He had not ridden the GP26 before day one of testing on Tuesday, and he was still feeling side effects from his injury.
Marc Marquez told Ducati staff ‘I’m not ready’ as he felt stiff on the bike at Sepang
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi was the first to break into the 1:57s at Sepang, before Alex Marquez set the pace in the morning. In the afternoon, Marc Marquez returned to the top of the timesheets with a 1:57:018.
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Maverick Vinales completed the top three on day one. Of course, lap times should be taken with a pinch of salt, as it is testing, but it is certainly encouraging for Marquez after months on the sidelines.
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He had to be cautious, however, as he explained to Marca after the session. He had told Ducati that he needed to have time to himself, as it took him longer to adjust to the GP26 than he had hoped.
“Well, it went well,” said Marquez. “Stiff, especially in the morning, very stiff on the bike. In fact, I had a plan and I told the Ducati staff: ‘I need the morning for myself. I’m not ready.’ I was optimistic, but it took me a little longer than usual.
“And then in the afternoon, when I started riding a MotoGP bike the way you’re supposed to ride one, that’s when we started trying different things. It’s a technical preparation test, but for me, it’s also physical preparation for Thailand.”
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Marc Marquez says his condition is ‘better’ than expected in Malaysia
Marquez then added that he was happy with his progress in his recovery and that he was ahead of where he thought he would be.
“If you had told me two months ago that I would arrive at the Malaysia test in this condition, I would have signed on the dotted line, because I am better than we expected,” he said,
“But we still have three weeks ahead of us before the first race, which is the goal, where I want to be much better physically, and above all, there are then two more weeks until Brazil, which will also help me to continue improving.”
The 32-year-old will be hoping to be at full fitness come the first race in Thailand and start his title defence. He will have strong support as well, as Italian fans are starting to show Marquez more love after his long-standing feud with Valentino Rossi.
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