MARQUEZ WINS PHILLIP ISLAND SPRINT AFTER INTENSE MARTIN DUEL

Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin arrived at Phillip Island separated by just two points in the MotoGP standings, with both aiming to seize the advantage in their title fight. Martin’s consistency had taken him to the top of the championship, while Marquez built his challenge on speed after recovering a 102-point deficit.

Their Australian Grand Prix Sprint delivered a fierce duel for seven and a half laps, with the lead changing hands as both riders pushed to the limit. Marquez ultimately won and reclaimed the championship lead after Martin crashed at Turn 8 on lap eight while chasing him. Martin lost the front of his Aprilia and went through the gravel; he was later diagnosed with a fractured right forearm and ruled out of Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Marquez said he had “gave everything” to attack Martin after being passed, explaining: “If it was not Jorge, I would be calmer. But it was Jorge, and so I gave everything to attack him as soon as possible when he overtook me, because he was faster than me.” He described the contest as “a title fight” that was aggressive and on the limit, but still within it. Before Martin’s injury was confirmed, Marquez said he hoped his rival was well and that his presence would be good for the championship. After hearing the diagnosis, he added: “I’m happy with the win, but I feel sorry for Jorge. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon.”

Marquez had beaten Martin in every session before the Sprint, in both dry and wet conditions, but acknowledged that his rival had the edge in key parts of the circuit. “He was only faster in two corners, the last corner and corner one. In the rest of the circuit, I was a bit faster, I was riding comfortable,” he said. Martin had run wide several times after taking the lead, as both riders raced close to the limit. Marquez also highlighted his rival’s qualities: “Jorge Martin rides on instinct; he just attacks, and that’s his strength.”

Alex Marquez closed in on the leading pair, and Marc said his brother had the pace to win. He was defending less aggressively against Alex than he had against Martin, but was prepared to fight if needed. “If you want to overtake me, you need to take a lot of risk — as Jorge did,” he said, thanking Alex for not taking that risk. “Today Alex had the speed to win maybe, but also I was ready to fight.”

Martin’s absence gives Marquez a chance to extend his championship advantage in the Grand Prix, but the Ducati rider warned that forecast heavy rain makes the race unpredictable. “With wet conditions you never know,” he said, noting that Saturday’s rain had left little water on track. He expects Sunday’s conditions to be very different and said the long race will demand concentration, readiness for changing conditions and quick adaptation.