Marquez claims fourth title

Valencia : Marc Marquez claimed his fourth MotoGP title in five years after finishing third at the season-ending Valencia race in his native Spain.

The 24-year-old Honda rider, who needed to finish in the top 11 to beat Andrea Dovizioso to the crown, is the youngest driver to win four titles in the class.

Dovizioso was frustratingly held up by Ducati team-mate Jorge Lorenzo before both crashed out in separate incidents.

Honda’s Dani Pedrosa won the race, with Yamaha rookie Johann Zarco in second.

Marquez had started the race from pole position and led after the start before being passed by Zarco on lap three.

He stayed behind the Frenchman until the latter stages before suffering a scare when Marquez passed Zarco to re-take the lead only to go off the track at turn one on lap 23.

However, Marquez skilfully managed to stay on his bike and rejoined in fifth behind Spaniard Lorenzo and Italian Dovizioso, who both crashed out to promote him to third.

“It is an amazing feeling,” Marquez said. “In the race I tried to be calm and control the situation. In turn one I lost concentration on the braking point.

“I would like to congratulate Dovi and the Ducati team.”

Lorenzo seemed to be getting messages from his garage to let Dovizioso pass but refused to do so until he went off. Dovizioso, though, went off himself moments later and Marquez’s title victory was confirmed. 

Valencia GP results:

1. Dani Pedrosa (Spa/Honda) 46 minutes 08.125 seconds

2. Johann Zarco (Fra/Yamaha) 46:08.462

3. Marc Marquez (Spa/Honda) 46:18.986

4. Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) 46:21.692

5. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 46:21.942

6. Andrea Iannone (Ita/Suzuki) 46:22.641

7. Jack Miller (Aus/Honda) 46:25.212

8. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) 46:25.355

9. Michele Pirro (Ita/Ducati) 46:34.067

10. Tito Rabat (Spa/Honda) 46:35.145