The Malaysian Grand Prix saw a thrilling clash between the two MotoGP titans, Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia. With sensational performances, both challengers set the clocks racing, leaving their rivals far behind, including champions of the calibre of Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini.
When Q2, bagnaia hit hard with an incredible time of 1'56.337, smashing the previous circuit record, which he himself had set last year at 1'57.491, by an impressive margin of 1,1 seconds. Martin did not disappoint, setting a solid 1'56.553, but he had to give up pole position to his rival. Both drivers thus demonstrated their dominance on the Sepang track, highlighting their exceptional talent.
In third position, Alex Marquez brilliantly represented Gresini Racing, while the domination of Ducati is indisputable, with six of its bikes occupying the top positions on the grid. Andrea Iannone, meanwhile, showed a good performance in returning to competition after a five-year absence, qualifying in 17th position and placing five drivers behind him.
The challenge between Martin et bagnaia has become a true source of inspiration. The rivalry, fueled by exceptional performances, pushes both drivers to continually surpass themselves. Their quest for perfection seems unstoppable, and it will be fascinating to see how this battle will unfold during the race.
Tardozzi knows that was HUGE lap in @PeccoBagnaia's hunt for a third crown in a row! 🚨#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/sJsnTn57bm
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 2, 2024
Bagnaia and Martin put on a show
Here is what the trio at the head of the starting grid had to say after this battle, preliminary to that of a Sprint which promises to be thrilling:
Francesco Bagnaia: “ Very important, also mentally »
Francis Bagnaia (Ducati/1st): “ It's incredible what we managed to do today. Jorge's lap time was incredible. Beating him was very important, also mentally.. Because I know how difficult it is when you give your all but the competitor is faster. So it was very important. I am very proud of my team, because we have done a very good job again ».
Jorge Martin: “ I thought that would be enough »
Jorge Martin (Pramac-Ducati/2nd): “ I thought my turn would be enough, but Pecco was amazing today. It is what it is. I did my best and the front row was the goal, so I am happy. The race will be tough because we both have a good pace. Let's see who will be the strongest at the end ».
Alex Marquez : « They put on a show »
Alex Marquez (Gresini-Ducati/3rd): “ I was on the limit in every corner and I did my best. I love this track, I love Malaysia. Today we had a good lap here, and our pace in FP3 didn't look bad either. So I'm looking forward to the race. But we probably don't have the chance to win like we did a year ago, because these two are just super fast. When you're fighting for the title, you have that little extra. They put on a great show ».
MotoGP, Malaysia Qualifications: the grid
