<figure id="attachment_3169034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3169034" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3169034" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/265e5343-marc-marquez-27092025.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3169034" class="wp-caption-text">Marc Marquez surged to the top of the timesheets on his 18th lap to replace Fabio Di Giannantonio, who finished a fraction behind in 1 min 57.274 sec. (EPA Images pic)</figcaption></figure>
SEPANG: Reigning world champion Marc Marquez came in fastest on the opening day of pre-season testing in Malaysia after the Spaniard clocked 1 min 57.018 sec at the Sepang circuit on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Ducati Lenovo ace, who missed the final four races of last season after suffering a collarbone injury at Indonesia&#8217;s Mandalika circuit, surged to the top of the timesheets on his 18th lap to replace Italy’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, who finished a fraction behind in 1 min 57.274 sec.
Maverick Vinales completed the top three after the Spaniard secured 1 min 57.295 sec on his 27th lap on a clear and scorching day in Sepang.
Marquez&#8217;s younger brother Alex Marquez topped the morning session’s practice but finished the day fourth fastest.
The day belonged to his seven-time world champion sibling, who opted for short stints on the track, having just returned from injury.
“We did short runs, 2-3 laps, to avoid extra fatigue. I knew with experience if you use too much energy having come back from an injury, you can suffer a lot,&#8221; Marquez said.
&#8220;I try to take care of my physical condition because if I feel well, the speed is there,&#8221; added Marquez, who added the aim is to feature at the 2026 season opener in Thailand next month.
The morning session witnessed 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo crashing and requiring a medical check, but the Frenchman was able to return for the afternoon session and finish in the top 10.

MatchPoint Times

Marquez fastest on opening day pre-season test

The reigning world champion clocked 1 min 57.018 sec at the Sepang circuit on Tuesday.

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