Marquez equals Doohan milestone with routine win at Motegi
October 20, 2019 07:32 MYT
World champion Marc Marquez equalled Mick Doohan with his 54th career MotoGP victory after winning the Japanese Grand Prix.
Marquez was scintillating as the six-time MotoGP champion cruised to his 10th victory of 2019 at Motegi on Sunday, with Repsol Honda sealing the constructors title.
The Honda star was scorching on the track, blitzing Fabio Quartararo to move level with Doohan in third on the all-time list for MotoGP wins.
After wrapping up another premier class title in Thailand last time out, Marquez made history by claiming pole position at Motegi, meaning he had earned pole at every circuit on the sport's calendar.
It was an exhibition for Marquez, who left the chasing pack in his wake and sealed a 21st successive finish inside the top-two positions.
In a class of his own! @marcmarquez93 claims his fourth consecutive victory!#JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/DMxElrXqA6
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) October 20, 2019
Quartararo finished nine tenths adrift to be Marquez's nearest challenger as the Yamaha rider clinched the Rookie of the Year.
"It was not easy, especially because I was pushing from the beginning, because the strategy was clear - I tried to open a gap in the beginning because I felt very strong in the warm-up," Marquez said after celebrating his fourth successive victory.
Andrea Dovizioso earned his 100th podium, while it was a miserable outing for Valentino Rossi – who did not finish the race.
TOP 10
1. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda)
TITLE STANDINGS
Riders
1. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) 350
Teams
1. Ducati 400