Jorge Lorenzo triumphs in the Japanese Grand Prix

Jorge Lorenzo

Championship leader Marc Marquez had to settle for a second as Jorge Lorenzo secured a win in the Japanese Grand Prix to keep his title hopes alive.

Lorenzo led the race from the start and closed the gap on Marquez to just 13 points. Marquez struggled in the early stages of the race as he fell to third with Valentino Rossi claiming the second spot. But Rossi couldn’t keep hold of his position as Marquez went ahead and challenged Lorenzo for a win.

Meanwhile, Dani Pedrosa claimed the third spot followed by Alvaro Bautista in fourth. Stefan Bradi rounded up the top five while Valentino Rossi had to settle for sixth.

As a result, the Championship will be decided in Valencia on 10 November with Marquez only needing a fourth placed finish to secure his first World Championship and become the youngest champion in Grand Prix racing.

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

Marquez said that the Valencia race will be interesting since he only needs 20 points for the championship.

“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. 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,” he said.

RESULT

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