Hot and humid Sepang the penultimate challenge of 2022

Just two races remain in the 2022 MotoGP season and the Repsol Honda Team are determined to continue their recent upward trend.

The flyaway tour of the MotoGP season is set to come to a close at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, just outside Kuala Lumpur. With the circuit hosting pre-season testing, the MotoGP field is intimately familiar with the 5.5-kilometre-long track. A return to the Malaysian venue will give both Repsol Honda Team a unique chance to assess the development of the Honda RC213V from throughout the year.

Marc Marquez arrives in Malaysia in ever-improving form and fresh from his 100th premier class podium finish. The eight-time World Champion pushed for the victory in Australia until the final corner as his physical condition continues to improve and he is able to demonstrate more and more of his true potential. The intense heat and humidity of Sepang will present another physical trial for the #93, but he is ready for the task and to once again battle for the best result possible. The return to Malaysia will give all involved valuable data to see how both riders and machines have developed since the pre-season. Marquez has twice won the Malaysian GP in the premier class.

Malaysia holds positive memories for Pol Espargaro after he completed a strong pre-season test there earlier this year. But the #44 is under no illusion that work will be needed to capture that form. Flashes of speed have continued to show throughout recent races for Espargaro, Qualifying still stands as one of the most limiting factors come Sunday with solid race pace. Espargaro has taken four top-ten finishes in the MotoGP class with a best result of sixth in 2014.

The penultimate round of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship season will begin with Free Practice 1 at 10:50 local time on October 21. The 20-lap Malaysian Grand Prix will commence at 15:00 local time. Expect the 5.5-kilometre-long circuit to be hit frequently by the typical Malaysian afternoon rain showers.