Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez was forced to sit out this afternoon’s second MotoGP free practice session at Sepang after being struck down with gastroenteritis.

The newly-crowned world champion was quickest in the morning session but then didn’t feel well enough to continue.

“In the morning I didn’t feel very well - I’ve had gastroenteritis for the last two days - but I was able to go out and ride even though I was not at 100%,” said Marquez.

“After the session and the effort I put in, I began feeling worse, because gastroenteritis also dehydrates you. Looking at the track conditions, we decided not to go out. Tomorrow we’ll try to improve and I think it has been good for me not go out there, and to instead save myself for Saturday and especially Sunday.”