Unable to keep up with the best, the young Yamaha SRT rider, Fabio Quartararo, saw his hopes of winning take off very quickly this Sunday in Sepang.
After having once again shone brightly in qualifying, setting a new track record in the process, Quartararo failed to convert his fifth pole position into the first victory in the premier class.
As soon as the race started, the number 20 Yamaha lost its initial advantage to Australian Jack Miller’s Ducati.
Worse, it was overwhelmed by the Honda of world champion Marc Marquez, who started 11th in turn 2!
Obviously uncomfortable with his “soft” rear tyre, Fabio Quartararo then moved behind the leading car. Until crossing the finish line in 7th position, in the wake of his Italian team-mate Franco Morbidelli.
The victory goes to the official Yam’ of the Spaniard Maverick Vinales, untouchable this Sunday, who managed to sow the ogre Marquez, 2nd.
Johann Zarco, who was 9th on the Honda LCR in the previous round, crashed three laps off the grid after being hit by the Suzuki of young Spaniard Joan Mi.