SEPANG, Oct 29 — Aprilia Racing’s Jorge Martin could add another dimension to the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) as championship leader Marc Marquez and third-placed Marco Bezzecchi welcome the Spaniard’s return to action at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Martin, who fractured his right wrist in a crash during a Sprint battle with title rival Marquez at Phillip Island last Saturday, has been declared fit to participate in Friday’s practice session.

Marquez said he was pleased to see Martin back on the track, adding that riders would naturally try to compete whenever possible.

“Yeah, first of all, happy to see Martin on track because, as we know, a rider will try. But especially with the medical protocol that we have introduced in recent years, if they are fit, it means that it is safe.

“So, yeah, if Martin is on the racetrack, he will be fast,” he said at a press conference here today.

Meanwhile, Bezzecchi also welcomed Martin’s return, saying he would have made the same decision if he were in a similar situation.

“Yeah, I agree with Marc. First of all, happy to see him. Obviously, I think we have both been in a similar situation, so for sure, in the same situation, we would have tried.

“So, it’s good to have him here. Hopefully, he will feel good,” he said.

Marquez leads the championship standings with 365 points (pts), just 10 ahead of Martin on 355pts, while Bezzecchi sits third overall with 315pts.

Martin’s return will be closely watched as the championship battle intensifies, with his ability to compete at Sepang depending on how well he manages his wrist injury throughout the race weekend. — Bernama