Martin endured a torrid grand prix in Qatar on Sunday, as a problem with his rear tyre meant he struggled to 10th while title rival Francesco Bagnaia finished second.
The Pramac rider is now 21 points adrift of Bagnaia in the championship, having cut his lead down to seven 24 hours earlier after winning the sprint, and later raged against Michelin for ‘stealing’ the title from him.
Martin found himself at one stage fighting with Honda’s Marquez, before the eight-time world champion eventually finished down in 11th.
Speaking after the race, Marquez says he could see Martin was struggling with rear grip but didn’t want to fight him too hard as the points gained wouldn’t have “changed my life”.
“I did the whole race behind Martin,” Marquez said. “At the beginning I saw that he was pulling hard and we were catching the group a little bit, but then I saw that he was starting to lose quite a bit of speed compared to the other Ducatis.
“He was suffering at the exit of the corners, I don't know what happened to him, but if you lose traction, he didn't have his usual speed. I didn't want to get into a battle with him at the end, it didn't change my life and he can use those few points.”
Source: Autosport