Indonesian MotoGP 2026: Marc Marquez wins sprint race to take championship lead from Jorge Martin

Ducati’s Marc Marquez won the Indonesian MotoGP sprint race at Mandalika on Saturday to take the championship lead. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Ducati’s Marc Marquez moved to the top of the MotoGP championship standings after winning the Indonesian Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday, as title rival Jorge Martin lost the lead amid suspected tyre problems.

The 13-lap race at Mandalika began with drama as polesitter Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi crashed out at the opening corner. Martin, who started from the second row, took advantage of the incident to move into the lead, with defending champion Marquez close behind.

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The Aprilia rider soon opened up a comfortable advantage and appeared on course for victory. However, with five laps remaining, Martin allowed Marquez to move ahead, seemingly due to tyre-related concerns.

Martin attempted to regain the lead but ran wide in the closing stages, eventually finishing fourth and missing out on a podium place.

Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura secured second place, while VR46 Racing rider Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the podium with a third-place finish on his birthday.