MotoGP™: Victory for Márquez on Honda’s home turf

Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Márquez pocketed his tenth win of the 2019 MotoGPTM campaign by winning the year’s 16th clash – the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha Petronas SRT) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) were second and third to make it three different bikemakers and as many different Michelin tyre pairings on Sunday’s podium. Honda has sealed the Constructors’ world title.

By topping qualifying on Saturday, Márquez earned pole position for the first time in Japan which means he has now started from the front of the grid at all of the 20 circuits visited by this year’s world championship, a fortnight after making sure of the 2019 Riders’ title in Thailand.

The Spaniard emerged in front at the start of the 24-lap race and posted his fastest lap fifth time around as he focused on pulling clear of Quartararo who was second on the grid.

Competing on medium-compound MICHELIN Power Slicks front and rear, he managed to extend his lead and ultimately secure his fourth straight victory after Misano, Aragon and Buriram. His tenth win of the season takes his total tally in motorcycle racing’s premier series to 54 to match the score of Mike Doohan, while Honda earned its 25th MotoGPTM Constructors’ crown.

An assertive run saw Quartararo (medium and soft MICHELIN Power Slicks front and rear) claim second spot and make sure of the Rookie of the Year prize which was one of his chief objectives for the year. He was also the first Independent Team Rider home to strengthen his lead over Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) in the category’s classification.

The thrilling scrap for third that opposed Dovizioso and Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) ended up in favour of the Italian (soft and medium MICHELIN Power Slicks front and rear) who clinched the contest after posting his best lap of the afternoon on the penultimate lap.

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda), was fifth, chased by Franco Morbidelli (Yamaha Petronas SRT), SUZUKI ECSTAR’s Alex Rins and Joan Mir, Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Miller.

Four of the six possible tyre combinations were employed for the Japanese race, while wet conditions led to MICHELIN Power Rains being fitted for Saturday’s third and fourth free practice sessions. Thanks to their exceptional grip performance, there were no falls.

With the Riders’ title safely in Márquez’ hands, all eyes are now on the battle for silver and bronze. Dovizioso (231 points) currently has the edge over Rins and Viñales (176 points each), but Petrucci (169) and Quartararo (163) are still very much in contention for a footing on the season’s podium.

Next race: Pramac Generac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island (October 25-27).