Australian MotoGP cancelled after Márquez wins sprint and Martín suffers fracture

The Australian Grand Prix weekend began with Marco Bezzecchi setting the pace at Phillip Island. On October 23, L'Équipe reported that the Aprilia rider recorded the fastest time of the day, after Marc Márquez had led free practice.

The championship was still tightly contested. NewsIt.gr described Australia as the 18th round of a 22-round season, with four riders in contention for the title.

On October 24, Marc Márquez won the sprint and returned to the top of the championship, according to World News CNA. ANSA reported that Alex Márquez and Di Giannantonio completed the podium.

Jorge Martín crashed during the sprint and fractured his radius, ANSA reported. His retirement allowed Márquez to overtake him in the standings. L'Équipe reported that Martín would miss Sunday's Grand Prix.

The injury also raised questions beyond Australia. Fanpage reported on October 24 that Martín could require surgery, with a CT scan central to assessing the injury.

On October 25, persistent rain and poor visibility forced the cancellation of the main MotoGP race, along with Moto2 and Moto3, according to ANSA. Fanpage reported that the visibility prevented the medical helicopter from reaching the circuit, a necessary safety condition for racing.

Márquez leaves Australia having regained the championship lead through his sprint victory, but without the opportunity to extend it in Sunday's race against a field missing Martín. Guardian Sport described the cancellation as a setback for his title campaign.

The cancellation also brought an abrupt end to Phillip Island's time on the MotoGP calendar. Guardian Sport reported that the Australian race will move to a Melbourne street circuit next year. Speaking after the cancellation, Márquez said Phillip Island did not deserve to finish with a cancelled race, according to Infobae.

Martín's medical assessment is the immediate unresolved issue. Fanpage reported that surgery was a possibility, but the supplied coverage does not establish a return date or confirm how many further rounds he will miss.