ALEX MARQUEZ CRASHES OUT OF SEPANG SPRINT AS SHOULDER SURGERY REMAINS A POSSIBILITY

Alex Marquez’s Malaysian Grand Prix sprint ended in a high-speed crash just minutes after he had taken the lead from pole position. The Gresini Ducati rider lost the front at Turn 10 as rain flags appeared and officials announced a flag-to-flag race. Most of the field stayed on slick tyres, and the heaviest rain arrived only after the finish.

Marquez said the crash was not caused by the rain. “I made a small mistake, and the grip level wasn’t very high either,” he explained. “Everything was pretty much on the limit. But I never expected to crash at that corner — perhaps I was too excited and optimistic after pole.” He added that he was physically okay despite the speed of the fall, and said only a few drops had fallen at the time.

The sprint offered limited guidance for Sunday’s Grand Prix, according to Marquez, because conditions differed from those in practice. Shadows and damp patches made the track an unreliable test for the rest of the field. He also noted that the crash corner was especially demanding because of its asphalt, adding: “We need to control that a little better.”

Marquez’s shoulder remains a concern ahead of the race and the following weekend’s event in Doha. He is still dealing with the effects of his crash at Montmeló and has received an injection to ease the pain. Asked about a possible operation or withdrawing from Doha, he said the team would assess all the factors before deciding.