Sepang: The Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP), scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit from October 24 to 26, is poised for a successful event despite the absence of seven-time world MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who is currently sidelined due to an injury.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif expressed optimism about the event’s success, attributing it to the debut of promising young rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli in Moto3 and the ongoing battle for second place in the world MotoGP standings. He highlighted the participation of Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and Alex Marquez as key contenders, ensuring an exciting competition that will continue to draw substantial spectator support.

International media reports confirm that Marquez will miss both the Australian GP (October 17-19) and the Malaysian GP following a fracture and ligament damage sustained on his right shoulder during an accident at the Indonesia GP on October 5. Despite his absence, Marquez, who rides for the Ducati Lenovo Team, had already secured his seventh MotoGP title at the Japanese GP last month, amassing 545 points.

With four races remaining, Alex Marquez of BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP is in second place with 362 points. He faces competition from Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time world MotoGP champion from the Ducati Lenovo Team, who holds third place with 274 points, and Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi, who is in fourth place with 254 points.

Meanwhile, young rider Hakim Danish will make his appearance as a wildcard entrant in the Moto3 race, representing the AEON Credit SIC Racing MSI team, adding further excitement to the upcoming event.