Marc Marquez leads Malaysian MotoGP practice as Martin ends Friday early

Marc Marquez topped Friday practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix with a time of exactly 1 minute 57 seconds. The Ducati rider survived a fall at the final corner seventeen minutes into the session.

Jorge Martin, Marquez's injured title rival, completed only three laps before ending his day early. He saved a scary moment in a fast left-hander, then brought his factory Aprilia into the garage and decided not to continue.

Martin will have to go through Q1 on Saturday if he competes, while focusing on his broken wrist. He spoke with medical director Angel Charte and his team before stopping.

Alex Marquez finished second with 1 minute 57.109 seconds, just over a tenth behind his brother. He briefly threatened Marc's time with three red sectors with eight minutes remaining.

Ai Ogura took third place with 1 minute 57.167 seconds after failing in the final split. Diogo Moreira briefly led with 1 minute 57.913 before Marquez set the benchmark.

The session began with riders using soft rear tyres to prepare for weekend racing. Fabio Di Giannantonio was early atop the timesheets aboard the VR46 Ducati, and Jack Miller suffered an early fall.