Japanese GP: First chance for Márquez to clinch title

Marc Márquez arrives at the Japanese Grand Prix with a 77-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso and 99 over Valentino Rossi. He will be proclaimed champion if he has at least 75 points more than his nearest rival at the end of the race.

Márquez has already been crowned MotoGP World Champion twice at Twin Ring Motegi: In 2014 and in 2016.

Dani Pedrosa has won five races at Motegi, and is the rider with the most victories at the Japanese track: Three in MotoGP (2011, 2012 and 2015) one in 250cc (in 2004) and one in 125cc (2002).

2018 Thai GP – Marc Márquez & Dani Pedrosa’s statements

#MM93

We have our first match ball at Honda’s home race, which is very important for our Factory. Of course we’ll try to get the best result in front of Honda’s people and home fans, but Motegi is a stop-and-go track where strong acceleration is a key factor, so we’ll have to work hard and improve a little bit in that area if we want to fight with Ducati.

Otherwise, we’ll try to remain focused and calm and handle the situation as well as possible. The important thing is to ultimately achieve our goal at some point.

#DP26

I’ve had many good results at Motegi in the past as I enjoy the track a lot, but I’ve also suffered some challenging moments. So we must wait and see, but of course I hope this year will be good and we’ll be able to continue the progress we’ve made in the last races, in term of pace and bike setup. The Japanese fans have always made me feel welcomed and supported, and I look forward to be there again soon.