ALEX MARQUEZ UNFAZED BY TUMBLE, CLOCKS FASTEST TIME AT SEPANG WINTER TEST

SEPANG, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- BK8 Gresini Racing rider Alex Marquez showcased a blistering pace to dominate the second day of the 2026 MotoGP Winter Test at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here, today.

Despite a late afternoon rain shower, the Spaniard remained unfazed, clocking a top time of one minute and 58.094 seconds (s) on his fourth lap out of five to secure the top spot on the timesheets.

Alex’s performance placed him ahead of Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi, who registered a fastest timing of 1:58.705s, while Maverick Vinales of Red Bull KTM Tech3 rounded out the top three with 1:58.880s.

Earlier, the younger brother of world champion Marc Marquez briefly raised concern after crashing at Turn 5 during Session 1.

However, he returned to the Gresini Ducati pits shortly after, confirming the incident was minor.

"In the morning, we were trying many different things, especially with used medium rear tyres. When you put on a new soft tyre here, the difference in speed is so significant.

"You improve by about two seconds and at that moment and need to exercise control. The track grip is also very high, and I sometimes face an issue where the rear pushes the front. That corner (Turn 5) is a bit critical for that, but it was nothing special," he told reporters.

Alex added that his confidence remained high despite the tumble, as evidenced by his afternoon performance.

"This afternoon I started again with a used tyre and did a 1:58.0s. It is a good feeling. I understand the crash and we are looking forward (to tomorrow)," he said.

-- BERNAMA