Marc Marquez’s quest for his 10th world title took a whole new twist at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

A week ago in Australia, things were rather simple for the Ducati rider - beat Jorge Martin.

However, during Saturday’s sprint Martin crashed out, extending his points deficit from two points to Marquez to 10.

To make matters worse for the Aprilia rider, he sustained a broken wrist, but headed straight to Sepang to try and compete in this weekend’s event.

Those ambitions were short-lived. The 2024 MotoGP champion pulled out of Friday’s practice sessions and then declared his weekend over on Saturday during qualifying due to pain and the inability to brake effectively.

In fact, not only is his weekend over, but he argues his title challenge is too.

Jorge Martin admits MotoGP title hopes are effectively over

"I tried. My recovery is progressing very quickly, but not fast enough to be efficient on the bike,” he told the media.

“I could ride without pain, but only for one lap, then it would come and I couldn't be consistent. I had nothing to gain, it would have been difficult to even score a single point.

“Continuing wouldn't have been the best choice, it would have meant I hadn't learned anything from the past.

“I don't think I need to think too much about the championship, maybe I can [mathematically] win it, but for me it's already lost. I'll definitely fight until the end.

“I tried, but it's part of life, it's part of this sport and I have to accept it."

So Marquez is a ten time champion then? Well not quite.

During Saturday’s sprint he finished second, but just behind him was Marco Bezzecchi, the man third in the championship.

Bezzecchi’s gap to Marquez increased to 52 points as a result, with Martin 19 behind the championship leader.

However, Bezzecchi isn’t giving up unlike his Aprilia teammate.

Marco Bezzecchi refuses to surrender championship fight

Post-race, he commented: “Of course I believe. If I didn't believe, there would almost be no point in coming to the races. That's just how I am. I believe in it.

“I know it's difficult. Realistically, it's very, very difficult, especially with Marc performing like this and Jorge as well.

“We shouldn't forget about him, because although unfortunately he's not here this weekend, he's delivered some incredible performances up until now. So it won't be easy.”

It won’t be easy, but Marquez at least thinks it won’t be as hard as it should be.

Team orders have long been a subject in the title fight, and Marquez believes he saw them in action at the end of the Sprint.