Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez won the Malaysian Grand Prix to take a 44-point lead over title rival Jorge Martin, who missed the race with injury.

It was Marquez’s first win in Malaysia since 2018, while his brother Alex finished third behind Pedro Acosta.

Marquez, who has won the MotoGP championship seven times, moved up to 399 points after winning by over four seconds.

The Spaniard will seal the title with two rounds remaining if he is able to extend his lead to 74 points at the Qatar Grand Prix next week.

“We did a perfect race, so I’m super, super happy,” said Marquez.

“But my mentality still cannot change. I have to keep focus, keep pushing. There are not many races to go, but there are many moments left. So, we must be super confident.”

The Marquez brothers scrapped for the lead early in the race before the eventual winner pulled ahead, leaving Alex to tussle for the remaining podium places with Acosta.

Marquez’s compatriot Martin, who won the championship in 2024, tried to ride in the morning practice session but had to withdraw as he struggled with the fractured wrist suffered during a crash at last week’s Australian Grand Prix.