The MotoGP title contende𝓰r was second fastest behind fellow Ducati rider Alex Marquez, with both꧟ riders breaking into the 1m 57s barrier.

Ma🅘rtin was the first rider to do that before Marquez found even more time with his final effort. ꦿ;

• Odd denia𝓀l over “100% false” rumour from Honda boss as rider search gꦛoes on 
• Pol 🔯Espargaro named as a "real possibility" to 🍷return to Repsol Honda in 2024

But the Spaniard was not completely convinced b꧋y the performance shown, as he feels on the limit already♍.

“The target was to go directly through to Q2; we had some issues with the strategy because I put the [fastest] ty🐼re in during the morning and had to change the strategy,” Martin told MotoGP.com. 

“But finally, I was able to go fast in both att﷽empts. In terms of pac✱e we are super strong and riding under 1m 58s is an impressive time. 

“We wꦓill see in the morning but we are already on the limit with performance. It will be complicated to improve.

“In ti𝔉me attack mode I made some mistakes so I will have more tomorrow. 

“In terms of pace we just need to work for t❀he end of the race because we didn't arrive for the whole dista👍nce.”

Li𒀰ke Thailand and Japan, the Malaysian Grand Prix is usually known for its unpre💦dictable weather, which could spice up the action at Sepang as the weekend develops.

For Martin, performance in both dry and wet conditions has been a huge strength in 2023, but that doesn’t change the fact that having a dry race is by far his prefe✃rred option. 

Martin added: “I feel strong in theꦜ dry and this is so important. Last time it was wet I won so I’m confident everything can go well. But I’m praying for🅘 a dry race tomorrow.”