Spain’s Marc Marquez took the lead in the MotoGP world championship after winning a fiercely contested sprint race at the Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia on Saturday. The seven-time world champion, riding for Ducati, crossed the finish line first in a 13-lap event held under hot and dry conditions, moving four points ahead of fellow Spaniard Jorge Martin in the overall standings.

Martin, who had been leading at the halfway point aboard his Aprilia, ultimately finished fourth. Japan’s Ai Ogura, representing Aprilia-Trackhouse, secured second place, while Italy’s Fabio Di Giannantonio of Ducati-VR46 rounded out the podium in third.

With the victory, Marquez accumulated 343 points in the championship, surpassing Martin’s 339. This marks the first time Marquez has held the lead this season. Reflecting on his performance, Marquez said he focused on maintaining a strategic gap between himself and Ogura, emphasizing the significance of the win.

The MotoGP season now has only five race weekends remaining, intensifying the battle for the title between the leading riders.