MotoGP Grand Prix of Americas 2015: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
Apr 10, 2015
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 29: Andrea Dovizioso of Italy and Ducati Team, Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
and Andrea Iannone of Italy and Ducati Team round the bend during the MotoGP race during the MotoGp of Qatar - Race at Losail Circuit on March 29, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
After a thrilling start to the season in Qatar, the MotoGP Grand Prix of Americas will be the stage for the second leg of what’s set to be an encapsulating campaign.
Valentino Rossi seized victory on his Yamaha last time out after a gripping battle with Andre Dovizioso, giving the nine-time world champion the best possible start to 2015. But the Circuit of the Americas has typically been a haven for Honda—they’ve been 1-2 in the previous three years here—having endured a difficult opening race in Qatar.
With the first race of the season yielding more questions than answers, let's take a closer look at which riders are poised to make an impression in Austin and the full grand prix schedule.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 04: Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team speaks with journalists during day one of the MotoGP tests at Sepang Circuit on February 4, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
While the reigning world champion’s defence got off to the worst possible start after he ran wide on Turn 1 on the opening lap of the season, there were some hugely encouraging signs for the Spaniard.
Indeed, he was down in last place after his error in the early stages of the race, but he was superb in the laps that followed, fighting back through the field and eventually finishing up in fifth position. It was an emphatic indicator that Marquez remains the man to beat again this year.
As noted by the official MotoGP Twitter feed, he showcased some serious speed during the race:
Given Honda’s hegemony here over the past few years, Marquez couldn’t have asked for a better circuit to enable him to bounce back from Week 1 disappointment. After winning here last year from team-mate Dani Pedrosa, memories of glory will be fresh and the 22-year-old should have enough quality to notch his first triumph of the season.
Valentino Rossi
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 29: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP celebrates the victory at the end of the MotoGP race during the MotoGp of Qatar - Race at Losail Circuit on March 29, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Imag
During his remarkable scrap with Dovizioso, the iconic Italian had to tap into every ounce of his incomparable experience. Eventually, his class showed too, as he reeled in the resurgent Ducati rider and grasped some vital early momentum.
Rossi has enjoyed some unforgettable triumphs down the years, but in the immediate aftermath of the race, he claimed that the win in Qatar was his best ever display in MotoGP:
The challenge for Rossi and Yamaha will be backing up that unexpected victory in Week 1 with another strong performance in Austin.
As noted, it’s been tough for teams to get the better of Honda at this particular venue. With the Movistar bike looking in fine fettle last week and with Rossi clearly in excellent form, they’ll feel as though there’s a decent chance of upsetting the odds and getting on the podium once again.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar 2015 Results: Winner, Standings and Reaction
Mar 29, 2015
Italian MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team steers his bike during a final session of the Moto GP World Championship at the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, March 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal)
Valentino Rossi proved he still has the magic in his wheels as he came from eighth to win the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar in an exhilarating race.
The Italian drove his Yamaha to perfection as he tactically picked off the field, and wrote his name in history once again, against an impossibly strong grid.
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 26: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP starts from box during the MotoGp of Qatar - Free Practice at Losail Circuit on March 26, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
The majority of the field chose the medium rear slicks to start the race as each team looked to get a sharp getaway off the line.
Andrea Dovizioso, on the Ducati, shot off from pole position to take the early lead and stay ahead of the chasing pack.
But it was world champion Marc Marquez who ran off the track at the first corner of the race, subsequently falling to the back of the field.
The Spaniard took desperate measures to quickly get back through the field, but with a strong lineup, it was not a straightforward task on a fuel-heavy track.
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 26: Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team rounds the bend
during the MotoGp of Qatar - Free Practice at Losail Circuit on March 26, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
Jorge Lorenzo was the man to give chase on his Yamaha to the leader after a strong start, and he posted a fastest lap of 1:55.428 to catch Dovizioso.
The pair exchanged the lead several times in the first half of the race, and the legendary Rossi caught up with the pair.
The performance of Yamaha surprised the whole field, as Rossi rolled back the years with power and guile.
In the meantime, Marquez battled his way into contention, rising to fifth position with seven laps to go but making very little inroads to the times of the top four.
In the final laps, the front three continued to battle it out, with just a fraction separating them.
Rossi sat patiently behind the leading pair, but it was clear he was ready to race until the end.
The fight was a clear Yamaha versus Ducati battle, with Honda blown away by the pace.
Dovi maintained the lead until the final laps, but Rossi made his move to grab the lead. But the 29-year-old Italian immediate took it back again from his superstar countryman.
Lorenzo began to fall off the pace as the front two bikes swapped the lead as they looked for an advantage.
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 27: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP round sthe bend during the MotoGp of Qatar - Free Practice at Losail Circuit on March 27, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
But Dovi's straight-line speed was superior, and he jumped past the former world champion at will as Rossi overtook on the corners.
The dogfight between the Italian pair was palpable, in what was a brilliant last two laps.
Rossi's experience was evidently in full effect, as Dovi continually pulled too wide on the turns.
But with the last few corners to go, Rossi gave the most vintage of performances to beat his younger opponent and grab the chequered flag for the win.
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 15: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP poses in box with the helmet during the MotoGP Tests in Qatar - Day Two at Losail Circuit on March 15, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
The victory was a huge achievement for Rossi as he closes in on the all-time record for grand prix wins.
The performance of Yamaha was outstanding, with their extraordinary race speed shocking the watching crowd.
Marquez will be devastated after his early mistake cost him, and Honda, the race, but the credit must go to Honda and Ducati, producing a performance that simply has not been present in practice.
The celebrations surrounding Rossi's win were electric at trackside in what represents one of the greatest MotoGP races in recent memory.
Race Reaction
Valentino Rossi described his win as one of the greatest of his career, per BBC Sport, and was delighted with the performance of his bike:
This was one of the best victories for me. The bike was fantastic, I never gave up but it was a real fight with the Ducatis and the Hondas who were really strong.
I'm so happy for me, for the team and for Yamaha. The second part of the race was really good and I'm very happy because we had difficulties in testing and practice but my experience helped today. This is a great, great victory but I had a good feeling this morning.
MotoGP tweeted a picture of the winner in jubilant form, after his win:
The next race of the season takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in the USA, on April 12.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar 2015: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
Mar 28, 2015
2nd placed Moto GP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy, left, Moto GP World Champion and race winner Marc Marquez of Spain, 2nd left and 3rd placed Dani Pedrosa of Spain, right pose with the Repsol team chief mechanic Santi Hernendez during the Valencia Motorcycle Grand Prix, the last race of the season, at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste near Valencia, Spain, Sunday Nov. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
The 2015 MotoGP campaign gets underway on Sunday as the cream of the racing crop look to draw first blood at the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar.
The Losail International Circuit in Doha will play host to a record-breaking full-time entry list of 25 riders, according to the official MotoGP website, including title defender Marc Marquez.
A long season lies ahead before this year's champion will be crowned, but a good start will be considered pivotal to all those competing should they look to make a run at top spot in 2015.
Read on for a full breakdown of when and where to watch the action, along with a preview of which riders will be worthy of extra attention when the season kicks off this Sunday.
In search of a three-peat, Marquez is looking to extend his run as the emerging phenomenon in motor racing, having so far won the MotoGP title every season in which he's competed.
The two-time champion began 2015 just as he finished 2014, topping Thursday's free practice charts to give the Repsol Honda team substantial hope that he's capable of maintaining form in Qatar:
At just 22 years of age, Marquez may well be considered an infant to some of those more seasoned stars on the racing scene, but he's shown that experience is no prerequisite for success.
In fact, Marquez comes to Doha having placed on the podium in the last two Grand Prix of Qatar, winning the 2014 title, and BBC Sport's Azi Farni puts forth that he remains the man to beat this time around:
Marquez's performances in practice suggest he's again capable of ruffling feathers in the first race of the season, with all eyes on the Spaniard to start his championship defence with a boom.
Aleix Espargaro
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 25: Aleix Espargaro of Spain and Team Suzuki MotoGP looks on in the box during day three of the Sepang MotoGP Tests at Sepang Circuit on February 25, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Ima
After a four-year hiatus from MotoGP competition, Suzuki may not be expected to cause a major fuss this season, but the manufacturer has an extremely capable rider at its helm in Aleix Espargaro.
The brother of Pol Espargaro finished last season in a fairly impressive seventh place, one place below his younger sibling, but he took to his official Twitter account to voice the anticipation building toward this campaign:
Espargaro started 2015 in a positive light, too, placing third in the first free practice session with a fastest time of one minute and 55.685 seconds—just three-tenths of a second slower than Marquez.
Displays such as that may have surprised some in signalling what Espargaro and Suzuki are capable of upon the manufacturers return to MotoGP, and it may be worth keeping tabs on their progress in Doha.
Valentino Rossi
DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 25: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP speaks during the press conference pre-event during the MotoGp of Qatar - Press Conference at Losail Circuit on March 25, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty
Valentino Rossi is the oldest rider competing in this season's MotoGP after turning 36 years old in February, but "The Doctor" remains a surgeon in his field of work and will never be underestimated.
And it's fitting that such an experienced sage of MotoGP should refer to Sunday's opener as "like the first day of school" in the build-up to Sunday's race, per Crash.net's Peter McLaren:
The first race is always special, because you feel a little bit different. You feel the pressure, the adrenaline, like the first day at school. From the tests you can already have some idea what will happen on a race weekend, but when it is for real the situation can be different.
It looks like all the riders are very motivated, looks like it will be very tough. A lot of different bikes and different riders in a great shape and very, very close.
Rossi will be one of those hoping to figure among the top finishers come season's end after placing second in the 2014 standings, but his tactic will be to take the season one race at a time, starting this weekend.
The Italian is very much at the other end of the spectrum to Marquez in terms of career prospects, but both will have attention focused on first place in Doha.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 26: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP heads down a straight during the Michelin test tyres during MotoGP Tests in Sepang - Day Four at Sepang Circuit on February 26, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Ph
With three victories at the Grand Prix of Qatar, Rossi is one of this race's most decorated participants, but it's now been five years since he last claimed the winner's medal at this event.
That being said, last year's second-place finish to Marquez will give "The Doctor" serious hope of clinching maximum points on Sunday and giving Movistar Yamaha the ideal start to 2015.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Valencia 2014 Results: Winner, Standings and Reaction
Nov 9, 2014
Moto GP rider Marc Marquez of Spain rides his motorbike during free practice at Spain's Valencia Motorcycle Grand Prix, the last race of the season, at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste near Valencia, Spain, Saturday Nov. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Marc Marquez capped off a phenomenal MotoGP season in style at the Grand Prix of Valencia on Sunday, as he chalked up a record-breaking victory in his homeland.
The Spaniard beat pole rider Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa to the line to secure his 13th grand prix victory of 2014 and set a new bar for wins in a single season—per MotoGP:
It means that the legendary Mick Doohan’s record is now a thing of the past, but no rider is more deserving of such a prestigious record than Marquez, who put on an exceptional show to bring the curtain down on his campaign. Here’s a look at the final race standings:
Pos.
Rider
Team
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Marc Marquez
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
46'39.627
2
Valentino Rossi
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
Yamaha
+3.516
3
Dani Pedrosa
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
+14.040
4
Andrea Dovizioso
Ducati Team
Ducati
+16.705
5
Cal Crutchlow
Ducati Team
Ducati
+16.773
6
Pol Espargaro
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
+37.884
7
Aleix Espargaro
NGM Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
+38.168
8
Stefan Bradl
LCR Honda MotoGP
Honda
+41.803
9
Michele Pirro
Ducati Team
Ducati
+45.710
10
Scott Redding
GO&FUN Honda Gresini
Honda
+51.191
11
Hector Barbera
Avintia Racing
Ducati
+56.512
12
Danilo Petrucci
Octo IodaRacing Team
ART
+57.000
13
Nicky Hayden
Drive M7 Aspar
Honda
+57.262
14
Bradley Smith
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
+57.517
15
Hiroshi Aoyama
Drive M7 Aspar
Honda
+58.775
16
Alvaro Bautista
GO&FUN Honda Gresini
Honda
+58.864
17
Karel Abraham
Cardion AB Motoracing
Honda
+1'02.389
18
Alex de Angelis
NGM Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
+1'15.795
19
Michael Laverty
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM
+1'26.309
20
Broc Parkes
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM
+1'37.212
21
Mike di Meglio
Avintia Racing
Avintia
1 Lap
22
Andrea Iannone
Pramac Racing
Ducati
1 Lap
The MotoGP world has simply run out of superlatives to describe the brilliance of Marquez, and as the Grand Prix of Valencia played out, you just knew he was going to cross the line first.
Not because it was written in the stars, but because the way that he strikes from behind is impossible to race against.
It wasn’t one of Valencia’s better days on Sunday, as rain brought the white flags out, and Marquez wasn’t able to get to grips with the wet track in the opening exchanges.
Andrea Iannone led the pack as he took advantage of the treacherous conditions, but as soon as the rain dried up, it was the Marquez show.
It took the 21-year-old a good few efforts to get his nose in front, though, as three attempts to round Iannone were in vain.
However, it was a case of fourth time lucky, as Marquez capitalised on some wide front riding to take the lead—one he then never surrendered.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 08: Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team
returns in box during the qualifying practice during the MotoGP of Valencia - Qualifying at Ricardo Tormo Circuit on November 8, 2014 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari g
The Spaniard had previously lost pole to Rossi after crashing in Q2, but the way that he atoned for his errors was admirable and the catalyst behind success. He told MotoGP's official website that he was ready to learn from his Q2 mistakes before the race got underway:
Today (Saturday) I’m sorry for the team because I did two mistakes, exactly the same in Turns 4 and 5. I wasn’t pushing too much or trying to go faster, I just made a mistake with the brake. It’s important to know for tomorrow (Sunday). We have a good race pace and we’re ready to fight for the victory.
While we praise how Marquez finds a way to lead whenever he’s behind, the fact remains that he’s an impeccable front-runner, too.
Rossi and Pedrosa were in hot pursuit of the World Champion as the laps ticked by, but they simply couldn’t catch him.
That much reflects how the season has been as a whole, with everyone chasing a man that spends more time out of sight than in. Here are the final general classification standings:
He’s dominated MotoGP after rising through the ranks the right way, and while they say the sky’s the limit, he’s seemingly already there.
MotoGP returns for the 2015 season in March, when Marquez will take to the Grand Prix in Qatar looking to somehow better his 2014 campaign.
Only an invincible season of victories can do that, but if anyone’s capable, it’s the Spanish sensation.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Valencia 2014: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
Nov 8, 2014
MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo, right, of Spain leads Valentino Rossi, center, of Italy, and Marc Marquez of Spain during the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)
The MotoGP calendar moves on to Valencia this weekend where, despite Marc Marquez having already sealed world title success, teams will be hoping to finish the season on a high.
After 18 hard-fought races, the riders will doubtless be keen to put on one last show before the offseason break.
While the title may have been decided, there is still honour up for grabs elsewhere in the riders' standings, where just a handful of points separate two challengers.
On the streets of Valencia, who will emerge victorious?
Schedule and Streaming Information
Session
Date
Time (GMT)
Live Stream
Free Practice 3
Sat, Nov. 8
09.55-10.40
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Free Practice 4
Sat, Nov. 8
13.30-14.00
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Qualifying 1
Sat, Nov. 8
14.10-14.25
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Qualifying 2
Sat, Nov. 8
14.35-14.50
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Race
Sun, Nov. 9
14.00
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Full BT Sport scheduling information can be found at sport.bt.cpm.
World Championship Standings
Pos.
Rider
Bike
Nation
Points
1
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
337
2
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
ITA
275
3
Jorge LORENZO
Yamaha
SPA
263
4
Dani PEDROSA
Honda
SPA
230
5
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Ducati
ITA
174
6
Pol ESPARGARO
Yamaha
SPA
126
7
Bradley SMITH
Yamaha
GBR
119
8
Aleix ESPARGARO
Forward Yamaha
SPA
117
Top Riders
Marc Marquez
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 25: Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team rounds the bend during the MotoGP Of Malaysia - Qualifying at Sepang Circuit on October 25, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
Two seasons in MotoGP and two world titles to his name, the 21-year-old from Spain is proving to be a truly special talent with the potential to rank among the very best in the sport's history.
A winner last time out, Marquez has won 12-of-17 races this season and raced clear in the drivers' standings. He is in danger, despite his incredible talent, of making the sport somewhat boring.
However, speaking to MotoGP.com's After The Flag, Marquez said this second season was more difficult than his debut campaign:
This year it was more difficult to manage the pressure. Last year everything was ok. If I crashed it was ok, people said ‘it’s his first year he needs to learn’. But this year it was like, you must do it.
Already in preseason the target was the title. The pressure was difficult to manage. People can say ‘it’s easy because he won the first ten races in a row’, but it was not like that.
Marquez, though, handles pressure incredibly well. Last season he finished third in Valencia in his first MotoGP race at the venue and he will hope to improve on that this time around.
Valentino Rossi
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 26: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP lifts the front wheel in celebration at the end of the MotoGP race during the MotoGP Of Malaysia - Race at Sepang Circuit on October 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malay
A seven-time world champion across a 14-year career, Rossi is on course for his best finish in the riders' standings for five years, having briefly seemed to drift off the radar in terms of the title hunt.
The Italian's two race wins this season rank as his best performance in that respect since 2010 and he will be keen to finish 2014 with a third win to put himself in a strong position ahead of next year.
Kent rider Danny Webb is among those who think he will build upon what has been a good season, telling the Kent and Sussex Courier:
Rossi is back on it and I think next year, it'll be a different story. Marc will still be the man to beat, but Rossi will be a lot closer.
I also think Scott Redding will go well next year. He won't be up to Marc Marquez standard, but he'll be up there.
It would be great for the sport if Rossi—a true superstar of the past decade—were to return to the top and he will hope to use this weekend's race through Valencia's streets to build a platform for next season.
Dani Pedrosa
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Dani Pedrosa of Spain and Repsol Honda Team walks in pit at the end of qualifying for the 2014 MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 18, 2014 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by M
With just one win in 2014, the current season ranks as the worst of Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa's esteemed MotoGP career. Back on his home turf, he could still go some way to putting that record right.
On three separate occasions since arriving at the top of the sport, Pedrosa has finished second in the standings and third on a further three occasions. Fourth this season, then, will be a major concern for the 29-year-old.
Speaking ahead of this week's race Pedrosa said, per Crash.net:
Obviously I'm now out of the race for second or third in the Championship, especially after the events in Malaysia, but I'm looking forward to going to Valencia and finishing the season on a high.
This is always a special race for me, the fans are fantastic and they create a wonderful atmosphere. My results here in the past have been strong and this weekend I hope to repeat this and fight for victory on Sunday!
With three previous wins to his name in Valencia, he will be one to watch this Sunday.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia 2014 Results: Winner, Standings and Reaction
Oct 26, 2014
MotoGP rider Marc Marquez of Spain celebrates after winning the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Marc Marquez came from behind to end his barren spell of four races without a grand prix win on Sunday, as he romped to victory in the Grand Prix of Malaysia—MotoGP’s official Twitter account confirmed the result:
The Spaniard, who wrapped up the MotoGP World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix, crossed the line more than two seconds in front of Valentino Rossi, who just pipped Jorge Lorenzo to the runners-up position.
Here’s a look at the full race results from a thrilling contest at the Sepang International Circuit:
Pos
Rider
Team
Bike
Gap
1
Marc Marquez
Honda
Honda
40:45:523
2
Valentino Rossi
Yamaha
Yamaha
2.445 seconds
3
Jorge Lorenzo
Yamaha
Yamaha
3.508s
4
Stefan Bradl
LCR
Honda
21.234s
5
Bradley Smith
Tech 3
Yamaha
22.283s
6
Pol Espargaro
Tech 3
Yamaha
34.668s
7
Yonny Hernandez
Pramac Racing
Ducati
38.435s
8
Andrea Dovizioso
Ducati
Ducati
48.839s
9
Hector Barbera
Avintia Racing
Ducati
50.792s
10
Scott Redding
Gresini Racing
Honda
59.088s
11
Hiroshi Aoyama
Aspar
Honda
1m15.949s
12
Michael Laverty
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM/Aprilia
1m17.966s
13
Mike Di Meglio
Avintia Racing
Avintia/Kawasaki
1m27.773s
14
Broc Parkes
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM/Aprilia
1m44.244s
-
Alex de Angelis
Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
Retirement
-
Danilo Petrucci
IodaRacing Project
ART/Aprilia
Retirement
-
Daniel Pedrosa
Honda
Honda
Retirement
-
Karel Abraham
Cardion AB Motoracing
Honda
Retirement
-
Nicky Hayden
Aspar
Honda
Retirement
-
Cal Crutchlow
Ducati
Ducati
Retirement
-
Aleix Espargaro
Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
Retirement
-
Alvaro Bautista
Gresini Racing
Honda
Retirement
-
Andrea Iannone
Pramac Racing
Ducati
Withdrawn
Marquez has been the dominant force in MotoGP this season, and while his recent performances suggested he was in the middle of a dip in form, the way that he negotiated the Malaysian Grand Prix was textbook brilliance.
The 21-year-old has made striking at the right time his forte, and that’s exactly what won him Sunday’s race.
Marquez started a little shakily, taking the opening turns wide and slipping down to sixth after the opening exchanges, but his recovery was flawless.
After Dani Pedrosa crashed out while trying to overtake Lorenzo for the lead, Marquez moved into third; and from then on, you got the sense the strike was imminent.
That it was, as with nine laps remaining, the Spaniard seized his opportunity and edged in front of Rossi and Lorenzo thanks to a superb corner.
With just the open road ahead of him, Marquez was able to establish a healthy lead that couldn’t be caught to chalk up his 12th grand prix victory of the season.
Victory No. 12 was all important, too, as it equalled Mick Doohan’s record of grand prix triumphs in a single season, as MotoGP revealed:
It also sealed the Constructors' title for Honda, who ended Yamaha’s four-year spell of dominance.
However, the day belonged to Marquez, who spoke to MotoGP's official website after the race and reflected on another excellent performance, before looking ahead to the final event of the season in Valencia:
I’m really happy with the race. The strongest opponent was the weather, it was really hot! But yeah, it was difficult. At the start I was worried about the tyre life especially looking towards the end. I was not so good through turn one but then I started to overtake riders. I came back strong and I’m very happy to return to the win. I've equalled Mick Doohan’s record, with one race left maybe I can beat it! If I had a bad result here the pressure in Valencia would be more. But now I am free in Valencia and I can do well for my fans and just enjoy it! I’ll be giving all my luck to Alex (his brother) at Valencia.
While Marquez won’t be caught at the top of the MotoGP standings next time around, there were a few changes down the leaderboard after Sunday's race. Here’s a look at the latest table:
Pos.
Rider
Bike
Nation
Points
1
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
337
2
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
ITA
275
3
Jorge LORENZO
Yamaha
SPA
263
4
Dani PEDROSA
Honda
SPA
230
5
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Ducati
ITA
174
6
Pol ESPARGARO
Yamaha
SPA
126
7
Bradley SMITH
Yamaha
GBR
119
8
Aleix ESPARGARO
Forward Yamaha
SPA
117
9
Stefan BRADL
Honda
GER
109
10
Andrea IANNONE
Ducati
ITA
102
11
Alvaro BAUTISTA
Honda
SPA
89
12
Scott REDDING
Honda
GBR
75
13
Hiroshi AOYAMA
Honda
JPN
67
14
Cal CRUTCHLOW
Ducati
GBR
63
15
Yonny HERNANDEZ
Ducati
COL
53
16
Nicky HAYDEN
Honda
USA
44
17
Karel ABRAHAM
Honda
CZE
33
18
Hector BARBERA
Ducati
SPA
21
19
Alex DE ANGELIS
Forward Yamaha
RSM
14
20
Danilo PETRUCCI
ART
ITA
13
21
Colin EDWARDS
Forward Yamaha
USA
11
22
Michele PIRRO
Ducati
ITA
11
23
Broc PARKES
PBM
AUS
9
24
Michael LAVERTY
PBM
GBR
9
25
Mike DI MEGLIO
Avintia
FRA
9
26
Katsuyuki NAKASUGA
Yamaha
JPN
4
27
Leon CAMIER
Honda
GBR
1
The Valencian Community Grand Prix brings the curtain down on this year’s thrilling MotoGP season, and while the World Championship is wrapped up, Marquez clearly has another mission on his hands.
Doohan’s record of 12 grand prix wins in a season is there to be beaten, and what better way for Marquez to do it than back in his homeland?
MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia 2014: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
Oct 25, 2014
In this photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy sprays champagne as he celebrates after winning the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Australia. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
The penultimate race of the 2014 MotoGP season takes place on Sunday with the Malaysian Grand Prix following Valentino Rossi's win in Australia last time out.
Although the irresistible Marc Marquez has already wrapped up the title, there is still plenty to play for with second place in the championship still very much up for grabs.
The Sepang International Circuit will not be lacking in high-quality racing as each rider looks to head to the season's end on a high.
Read on for the full race schedule, live streaming information and a look at the top riders ahead of the weekend's events.
Session
Date (UK)
Time (BST/ET)
Live Stream
Free Practice 3
Oct. 25
2:55 a.m. - 3:40 a.m./9:55 p.m.-10:40 p.m.
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Free Practice 4
Oct. 25
6:30 a.m. - 7a.m./1:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Qualifying 1
Oct. 25
7:10 a.m. - 7:25 a.m./2:10 a.m.-2:25 a.m.
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Qualifying 2
Oct. 25
07:35 a.m. - 07:50 a.m./2:35 a.m. - 2:50 a.m.
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Race
Oct. 26
8 a.m./3 a.m.
BT Sport app (subscription required)
Top Riders
Valentino Rossi
Fresh from his Australia win, the veteran Italian will head to Malaysia with no other intention than to claim his third race victory of the season and take a firmer grip on second place.
He is currently sitting on 255 points, eight ahead of Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo and 25 clear of Dani Pedrosa—who retired due to bike damage at Phillip Island.
As MotoGP reports, Rossi's win in Australia came on the occasion of his 250th Grand Prix and he will be looking to take great momentum to Sepang:
The 35-year-old was fourth at the circuit last season, but with six podiums in his last seven races, he must surely be able to improve on that come Sunday.
Jorge Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo is in some vein of form, he has claimed two victories and five second places in his last seven races including completing a Yamaha one-two in Australia and contributing to a rarefied podium sight in recent times, per MotoGP:
While it is all a matter of too little, too late this season for the man who ran Marquez so close in 2013, he is most certainly in the running for the race win at Sepang and a potential championship second place.
He will be looking to improve on his finish last year in Malaysia when he claimed third, but most importantly, the Spaniard will hope to beat his teammate and set up a final-day showdown back in Europe in Valencia.
It should be a fascinating battle between the two Yamaha riders with Saturday's qualifying potentially a key factor in the outcome of Sunday's race.
Marc Marquez
He may have already wrapped up the title—his second in consecutive seasons—but Marquez will be hurting having gone off from the lead with 10 laps remaining, consequently failing to finish at Phillip Island.
Indeed, along with his teammate Pedrosa, it was a Repsol Honda double in failing to finish last time out, something they will be eager to put right in Malaysia.
Marquez has admitted he was trying a new tactic in the last race but is confident of getting things back on track for Sepang, per Crash.net:
It was a shame what happened in Australia, but anyway I was trying a different tactic and I'm lucky to be able to do this with the Championship already won. [...]
Sepang is a circuit I like and the Honda performed well there last year with Dani first and myself second. Finding the best set-up is very important here, especially in the braking so we will have to work hard on Friday and Saturday to prepare for the race.
With 11 race wins this season, the 21-year-old still has something to fight for with two races remaining—eclipsing Mick Doohan’s 1997 record 12 premier class GP wins in a single season.
Marquez is not a man to be left out of the limelight and there is no doubt he will be in the mix come the latter stages of Sunday's race.
MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia 2014 Results: Winner, Standings and Reaction
Oct 19, 2014
MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy raises his winners trophy as he celebrates after winning the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Australia, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014. Rossi won the race ahead of Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Bradley Smith of Britain.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Valentino Rossi won a dramatic MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia at Phillip Island ahead of Yamaha teammates Jorge Lorenzo and Bradley Smith. The result was confirmed on Twitter by the official MotoGP account:
It was the 250th premier-class win of the Italian’s career, and his excellent display pushed him up to second place in the driver’s standings behind Marc Marquez. The Spaniard—who already has his world championship secured—inexplicably crashed out from the front, with another race victory seemingly at his mercy.
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Marc Marquez of Spain who rides the #93 Repsol Honda Team Honda is helped back on his bike after crashing during the 2014 MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 19, 2014 in Phillip Islan
Here are your full race results from the Australian Grand Prix:
Pos.
Rider
Nation
Team
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Valentino ROSSI
ITA
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
Yamaha
40'46.405
2
Jorge LORENZO
SPA
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
Yamaha
+10.836
3
Bradley SMITH
GBR
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
+12.294
4
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA
Ducati Team
Ducati
+14.893
5
Hector BARBERA
SPA
Avintia Racing
Ducati
+30.089
6
Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA
GO&FUN Honda Gresini
Honda
+30.154
7
Scott REDDING
GBR
GO&FUN Honda Gresini
Honda
+30.158
8
Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN
Drive M7 Aspar
Honda
+33.166
9
Alex DE ANGELIS
RSM
NGM Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
+33.577
10
Nicky HAYDEN
USA
Drive M7 Aspar
Honda
+34.144
11
Yonny HERNANDEZ
COL
Energy T.I. Pramac Racing
Ducati
+39.468
12
Danilo PETRUCCI
ITA
Octo IodaRacing Team
ART
+56.684
13
Michael LAVERTY
GBR
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM
+1'12.813
14
Mike DI MEGLIO
FRA
Avintia Racing
Avintia
+1'28.050
Not Classified
Cal CRUTCHLOW
GBR
Ducati Team
Ducati
1 Lap
Pol ESPARGARO
SPA
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Yamaha
3 Laps
Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA
NGM Forward Racing
Forward Yamaha
7 Laps
Stefan BRADL
GER
LCR Honda MotoGP
Honda
8 Laps
Marc MARQUEZ
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
10 Laps
Broc PARKES
AUS
Paul Bird Motorsport
PBM
14 Laps
Dani PEDROSA
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Honda
21 Laps
Andrea IANNONE
ITA
Pramac Racing
Ducati
22 Laps
Karel ABRAHAM
CZE
Cardion AB Motoracing
Honda
23 Laps
The world champion will have been desperately disappointed to have let this one slip, especially as he was chasing Australian icon Mick Doohan’s record of 12 race wins in a season. With pole position secured ahead of the race, it was a landmark Marquez admitted he has looking toward, per Speed TV (h/t abc.net.au):
It will be nice to achieve here because it's Australia, his country. It would be nice to do.
I will try to take the risk to win the race.
The records are always important, especially when people compare you with legends.
After getting away well from pole position, the Spaniard—who has 11 wins in 2014—looked well on course to equal Doohan’s haul of 12 triumphs.
But after building up a four-second buffer over the Yamaha duo of Rossi and Lorenzo with 10 laps to go, the Repsol Honda man lost the front end of his bike going into the MG corner and subsequently slid off onto the grass, as we can see here, courtesy of the official MotoGP account:
That error of judgement paved the way for Rossi and Lorenzo—who had been swapping positions regularly in the early part of the race—to mount a charge for the race win. And with the prospect of a first victory at this circuit in nine years, it was the iconic Italian that quickly took control.
Rossi surged away from Lorenzo in the second period of the race, and suddenly, the Spaniard had Cal Crutchlow in his mirrors looking to take second place. The Englishman sensed blood with Lorenzo clearly struggling for purchase in the latter stages of the race, and he overtook him with just five laps remaining, courtesy of a fine move at the hairpin.
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Valentino Rossi of Italy and riding the #46 Movistar Yamaha MotoGp Yamaha leads Jorge Lorenzo of Spain riding the #99 Movistar Yamaha MotoGp Yamaha during the 2014 MotoGP of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix C
But with second place seemingly secured, the Ducati man was set for an agonising finale. On the final lap of the race at the very same place he pulled that outstanding move on Lorenzo, he lost the front of his bike and fell, as we can see here, courtesy of Crash.net:
With that error went the chance for Crutchlow to take his first podium finish of the season and it allowed Smith to come through into third place, taking his first ever podium finish in MotoGP, as noted here by the official MotoGP account:
With such a dramatic battle for second and third positions, little focus was on Rossi in the latter stages, but the Italian finished the job with aplomb. It was his sixth premier-class win at the Phillip Island circuit, and he celebrated in some style, as we can see here, courtesy of the official Moto GP account:
Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber paid tribute to Rossi's outstanding display, which saw him come from eighth position on the grid to take the race win:
While the world title is out of reach for Rossi, finishing in second position in the world standings would represent an outstanding return for the Italian. He’s been wonderfully consistent this campaign, and while Marquez has undeniably been a class above throughout, Rossi has rolled back the years and shown that he remains a real force in the sport.
Rossi's shown he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Just two rounds remain in the season, and if Marquez is to better Doohan’s record, then he’ll need to win both races. It’s a feat that’s far from beyond the prodigious Spaniard, but having let a position of such major dominance slip here, there’s a sense that the record could ultimately be beyond him, although that would do little to detract from what’s been a sensational campaign.
Here's how the driver's standings are shaping up with two races remaining:
Pos.
Rider
Bike
Nation
Points
1
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
312
2
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
ITA
255
3
Jorge LORENZO
Yamaha
SPA
247
4
Dani PEDROSA
Honda
SPA
230
5
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Ducati
ITA
166
6
Aleix ESPARGARO
Forward Yamaha
SPA
117
7
Pol ESPARGARO
Yamaha
SPA
116
8
Bradley SMITH
Yamaha
GBR
108
9
Andrea IANNONE
Ducati
ITA
102
10
Stefan BRADL
Honda
GER
96
11
Alvaro BAUTISTA
Honda
SPA
89
12
Scott REDDING
Honda
GBR
69
13
Cal CRUTCHLOW
Ducati
GBR
63
14
Hiroshi AOYAMA
Honda
JPN
62
15
Nicky HAYDEN
Honda
USA
44
16
Yonny HERNANDEZ
Ducati
COL
44
17
Karel ABRAHAM
Honda
CZE
33
18
Hector BARBERA
Ducati
SPA
14
19
Alex DE ANGELIS
Forward Yamaha
RSM
14
20
Danilo PETRUCCI
ART
ITA
13
21
Colin EDWARDS
Forward Yamaha
USA
11
22
Michele PIRRO
Ducati
ITA
11
23
Broc PARKES
PBM
AUS
7
24
Mike DI MEGLIO
Avintia
FRA
6
25
Michael LAVERTY
PBM
GBR
5
26
Katsuyuki NAKASUGA
Yamaha
JPN
4
27
Leon CAMIER
Honda
GBR
1
MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan 2014 Results: Winner, Standings and Reaction
Oct 12, 2014
Spain's Marc Marquez is sprayed champagne by race winner and compatriot Jorge Lorenzo, left, and third-placed Valentino Rossi of Italy, right, during the awarding ceremony of Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, north of Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. Honda rider Marquez defended his MotoGP championship on Sunday when he finished second in the Grand Prix of Japan behind compatriot Lorenzo. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Marc Marquez has won the 2014 MotoGP World Championship after finishing in second place in the Japanese Grand Prix. Jorge Lorenzo triumphed in Motegi—his second victory in a row—but the story of the day was the coronation of the 21-year-old Spaniard for the second successive season.
The result was confirmed by the MotoGP Twitter account:
After showcasing magnificent consistency throughout the current campaign, it was always a case of when rather than if Marquez accrued an insurmountable lead in the overall standings. But to do so in Japan—the home Grand Prix for his Honda team—will have made things even sweeter.
Indeed, such has been his dominance throughout this season, Marquez could have tied up the title last time out at his home Grand Prix in Aragon, Spain. But he gambled on tyre strategy in changeable conditions and let a race victory slip. The youngster insouciantly put it down to experience ahead of the race in Japan, per Dave Fern of the Daily Star:
When you look back at the Aragon race on TV it looks like I was stupid to stay out on slicks, but when I was on track I was thinking there are only three laps to go.
But the tyres cooled down and I crashed. It's all about experience.
The Spaniard knew he could have secured victory in the overall competition with a win in Japan, but even a place on the podium could have been good enough depending on the finishing positions of Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.
In short, Marquez needed to finish ahead of team-mate Pedrosa, lose no more than three points to Rossi and no more than 15 to Lorenzo to be crowned champion. But things didn’t get off to the best of starts for Marquez, as he lost time off the line.
It was going a lot better for the nine-time champion, though, as Rossi surged into first place going into Turn 1. The Italian started the race in second position after a strong qualifying performance, one that was even more admirable when you consider the knock he was carrying:
Marquez found himself down in fifth place after the shake-up and with Rossi streaking ahead, the Honda man had a lot of work to do to manufacture a World Championship-winning position. The Spaniard began to re-establish himself as a major contender in the race, though, as Pedrosa, Pol Espargaro and Andrea Iannone were all passed in the opening laps.
At the front, Lorenzo had overhauled Rossi and after Marquez had moved in front of pole-sitter Andrea Dovizioso into third place, the Honda man found himself within touching distance of second and subsequently, the championship. But getting past the Italian is no easy feat, as Rossi was keen to showcase.
MOTEGI, JAPAN - OCTOBER 11: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rounds the bend during the MotoGP Of Japan - Qualifying at Twin Ring Motegi on October 11, 2014 in Motegi, Japan. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
The pair embarked on a thrilling battle, alternating positions at high speeds through a host of different corners. It was aggressive racing and for Marquez composure was critical, especially after big errors in the last two races. But the youngster held his nerve, kept a cool head and eventually managed to ease his way past Rossi on Lap 9.
It made for encapsulating viewing, though, as noted by the MotoGP account:
The Italian didn’t have an answer from that point on, and with Lorenzo now holding a comfortable buffer at the front following that prolonged exchange, the drivers seemed happy to preserve their respective positions; ones that were good enough to see Marquez lift the world championship.
He celebrated in style, too, as we can see courtesy of Crash.net:
For the young Spaniard, this was his fourth world title in all formats at just 21 years of age and, such is his undeniable talent, you suspect he’ll feel as though he has an excellent chance of matching the career haul currently boasted by the vanquished Rossi. This World Championship makes him the youngest man ever to clinch back-to-back titles, too, as noted by the Official MotoGP Twitter account.
And the scary thing for the rest of the field is that Marquez is beginning to display an increased maturity to complement his stellar, raw ability.
The Spaniard will have learned from the lapses at Misano and Aragon, and while he will have achieved his primary objective this season, Marquez can still break a host of records should he notch more victories in the remaining three weeks of the season. Given the impeccably high standards he’s maintained so far this campaign, you suspect further triumphs are a mere inevitability.
Here are the World Championship standings following the Japanese Grand Prix:
Pos.
Rider
Bike
Nation
Points
1
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
312
2
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
ITA
230
3
Dani PEDROSA
Honda
SPA
230
4
Jorge LORENZO
Yamaha
SPA
227
5
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Ducati
ITA
153
6
Aleix ESPARGARO
Forward Yamaha
SPA
117
7
Pol ESPARGARO
Yamaha
SPA
116
8
Andrea IANNONE
Ducati
ITA
102
9
Stefan BRADL
Honda
GER
96
10
Bradley SMITH
Yamaha
GBR
92
11
Alvaro BAUTISTA
Honda
SPA
79
12
Cal CRUTCHLOW
Ducati
GBR
63
13
Scott REDDING
Honda
GBR
60
14
Hiroshi AOYAMA
Honda
JPN
54
15
Yonny HERNANDEZ
Ducati
COL
39
16
Nicky HAYDEN
Honda
USA
38
17
Karel ABRAHAM
Honda
CZE
33
18
Colin EDWARDS
Forward Yamaha
USA
11
19
Michele PIRRO
Ducati
ITA
11
20
Danilo PETRUCCI
ART
ITA
9
21
Broc PARKES
PBM
AUS
7
22
Alex DE ANGELIS
Forward Yamaha
RSM
7
23
Mike DI MEGLIO
Avintia
FRA
4
24
Katsuyuki NAKASUGA
Yamaha
JPN
4
25
Hector BARBERA
Ducati
SPA
3
26
Michael LAVERTY
PBM
GBR
2
27
Leon CAMIER
Honda
GBR
1
MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan 2014: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
Oct 11, 2014
MOTEGI, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Marc Marquez (C) of Spain and Repsol Honda Team looks on during the press conference pre-event during the MotoGP Of Japan - Previews at Twin Ring Motegi on October 9, 2014 in Motegi, Japan. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
Marc Marquez can seal his second consecutive world championship at this weekend's MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan in Motegi.
He has a 75-point lead in the standings over his second-placed Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa with four races of the season remaining.
Thus the race win would see the 21-year-old crowned champion, but he would also seal the title without victory as long as he beats Pedrosa and does not lose more than three points on Valentino Rossi or more than 15 points to Jorge Lorenzo.
The winner of 11 of the opening 12 races this season, Marquez has had a dip in form slightly of late but has incredible motivation this weekend to perform to his best.
ALCANIZ, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 26: Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rounds the bend during the MotoGP of Spain - Free Practice at Motorland Aragon Circuit on September 26, 2014 in Alcaniz, Spain. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
Whether it be this weekend or at one of the other remaining races, the fact of the matter is that Marquez is going to win the 2014 MotoGP championship.
However, as the legendary Rossi has highlighted, the race for second place between the veteran Italian himself, Pedrosa and Lorenzo is very close, with just 15 points separating the three, per Crash.net:
The fight for second place is getting interesting, we will try to achieve the best result possible! Japan is not one of my favourite tracks but also Aragon was not and still we went very well. We will see. It's Yamaha's home GP and we will do our best to get a good result!
Rossi has recovered from the accident he suffered on his Yamaha at Aragon last time out from which he suffered a suspected loss of consciousness and concussion.
Currently sitting in third, just three points behind Pedrosa, he will no doubt be aiming for a repeat of the San Marino Grand Prix last month when he claimed his sole victory of the season so far.
Jorge Lorenzo
ALCANIZ, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
leads the field during the MotoGP race during the MotoGP of Spain - Race at Motorland Aragon Circuit on September 28, 2014 in Alcaniz, Spain. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Gett
Spaniard Lorenzo is fresh from a brilliant rain-affected victory at Aragon and it may be another wet weekend in Japan with Typhoon Vongfong expected to cause several downpours, per Supersport.com.
Lorenzo claimed victory around this circuit last year in the season's latter stages as he ran Marquez incredibly close for the title.
Thus he comes into the weekend in good form and with the knowledge of how to win in Japan and he must be considered a strong contender as he attempts to catch up to his Yamaha teammate and Pedrosa in the race for second.
He is 12 points back from Rossi and, with time running out, he needs to outscore the two men ahead of this weekend at Motegi and only a brave punter would bet against it.
Marc Marquez
MOTEGI, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team speaks during the press conference pre-event during the MotoGP Of Japan - Previews at Twin Ring Motegi on October 9, 2014 in Motegi, Japan. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
The star of the show, the young Spaniard has been largely irresistible this season and completely deserves the inevitable glory that will come in the form of his second MotoGP world championship.
However, will he complete the job in Japan? The fact of the matter is that he has fallen in the last two races and picked up a grand total of just four points.
The man himself hardly seems to be feeling the pressure, though, and claims he is not getting ahead of himself before Honda's home race, per Crash.net:
I will try not to think about it too much - even if I know it would be great to achieve this on Honda's home soil - we will go there and work hard from day one and treat it as a normal race weekend and push for the victory on Sunday. Last year was my first visit to Motegi on a MotoGP machine and it was a very difficult weekend, so we hope to have more dry track time this year to find a good setup!
With such a handsome lead in the standings, Marquez's mistakes of late have not cost him, nor would another one likely harm him in Japan. But, despite what he says, he would clearly like to wrap things up at the first opportunity and a win this weekend would do just that.
