MotoGP Japan

Lorenzo Takes Title Fight To Final Race

Jorge Lorenzo continued his championship revival by beating Marc Marquez to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Yamaha’s 200th top championship race victory.

The result means the championship will be decided at the final round in Valencia. Marquez would have won the title had he won and Lorenzo finished third or lower.

Dani Pedrosa managed to come home third, ahead of Alvaro Bautista who had got the better of Stefan Bradl and Valentino Rossi for the 'best of the rest' tag. Cal Crutchlow could only finish in seventh just one place ahead of compatriot Bradley Smith.

Yamaha rider, Lorenzo took pole in a wet Saturday qualifying and led from start to finish to record his second consecutive victory.

“This track is normally better for them so winning here in Honda’s home race is a pleasure,” said Lorenzo. “It’s been a really hard, physical race but I really kept my concentration and I really wanted this victory.”

It was poor start for Marquez however, as he dropped back to third early on behind Rossi. Yet it wasn't long before the championship leader was back up into second place, but he could not catch Lorenzo meaning he has a 13 point advantage going to Valencia.

With a fourth place finish, in two weeks' time, Marquez will be guaranteed to become the youngest ever top class world champion. It will be Marquez's third attempt to clinch the title in his debut season, after missing the chance in Australia where he was disqualified for failing to make a compulsory pit stop within the lap limit.

“I tried to follow Jorge. In the middle of the race it looked like we were stronger but in the end I saw that Jorge tried to push a little bit more,” said Marquez.

“I felt I was too much on the limit and I said ‘okay, 20 points for the championship’. Valencia will be another race and very interesting for sure.”

The manufacturers' title will also be decided in Valencia with Honda leading the way with 369 points ahead of Yamaha with 356.

Todays top ten finishers

1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 42’34.291
2. Marc Marquez (Spa) Repsol Honda 42’37.479
3. Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Repsol, Honda 42’38.883
4. Alvaro Bautista (Spa) Gresini Honda 42’54.046
5. Stefan Bradl (Ger) LCR Honda 42’57.101
6. Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 42’58.928
7. Cal Crutchlow (Gbr) Tech 3 Yamaha 43’01.787
8. Bradley Smith (Gbr) Tech 3 Yamaha 43’05.260
9. Nicky Hayden (Usa) Ducati 43’11.301
10. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Ducati 43’17.235

World Championship Standings:

Marc Marquez (SPA) 318
Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) 305
Dani Pedrosa (SPA) 280
Valentino Rossi (ITA) 224
Cal Crutchlow (GB) 188