Marco Bezzecchi's MotoGP title hopes dwindle after Sepang sixth place

Marco Bezzecchi's chances of winning the MotoGP World Championship have been dealt another blow after a sixth-place finish at Sepang, where he lost 17 more points to Marc Marquez. Following the six points he conceded to the Ducati rider at Phillip Island, Bezzecchi now heads to Qatar with his title hopes in danger.

Bezzecchi, 67 points off the top, cannot afford to lose more than eight points to Marquez over the Lusail weekend, or seven if the reigning champion wins Sunday's Grand Prix. He acknowledged the difficulty, saying: "Realistically, it's tough," while adding that he would keep believing and working hard.

Team-mate Jorge Martin, who is sidelined by injury, is 44 points behind Marquez and is aiming to return in Qatar, with only Portimao and Valencia remaining afterwards.