Malaysia MotoGP report card: grades for riders at the 2023 Sepang GP

Nineteenth and awkward in qualifying in Thailand, on the podium in the Sprint race and the race winner in Malaysia. Enea Bastianini has turned things around and is back to being the "Bestia" of MotoGP. Benefitting himself, but also Ducati and Pecco Bagnaia. The world champion has a shoulder to put between the title and Martin who, just like the number 1 rider, heads to Qatar with a warning resulting from non-conforming front tyre pressure. Alvaro Bautista was back at Sepang, though in truth he was barely visible.

 

Sepang MotoGP: the sweet stuff

Enea Bastianini – 10/10

He’s invested in himself, operated as a team player and found success once more. His present and future are secure, if he continues like this, while the past can serve as a lesson. Was he spurred on by rumours of a possible ‘demotion’ to team Pramac in favour of Martin? Perhaps, considering his podium in the Sprint and his win on Sunday. INVESTOR

Alex Marquez - 9

He enjoyed his best ever MotoGP weekend, as he awaits the arrival of his older brother. His broken ribs no longer an issue, #73 proved as solid and competitive as he was during the 2019 Moto3 season. His second Sprint race and a podium on Sunday mean that he almost gets full marks. TOUGH NUT

Pecco Bagnaia – 8.5

Assisted by his own powers of resilience, Martin’s doubts, and Bastianini’s hunger to get back on top and retain his factory ride. All of this helped the world champion, who deserves to be out front in the standings. The warning received after the race means he’s now in the same boat as Martin as they head to Qatar. ASSISTED

 

Malaysia MotoGP: the bitter notes

Aleix Espargaró - 4.5

He spoke publically about how the new Ohlins fork offers little feeling, and we believe him, though five crashes are excessive for an expert rider like him. Suspension problems and sixth place in the standings gone.  SUSPENDED

Iker Lecuona - 3

When he learned about the contact between HRC and Aldeguer – which Alberto Puig denied – he was not happy and left feeling humiliated. He’s right in part, but should Honda be betting on Iker, who's scored three points over six race weekends?! Perhaps not. HUMILIATED

Alvaro Bautista – ungraded

We ask ourselves – was it really necessary? The two-time SBK champion and undisputed dominator of the series has (involuntarily) slighted the championship in which he’s number 1. Having completed tests and with the best MotoGP bike of the bunch to ride, what has he gained from finishing so far back? Nothing. VEXING