MotoGP: Marquez makes step towards title after winning in Thailand

Like Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1, Marc Marquez in the MotoGP can prematurely win the World Cup title in two weeks. The defending champion needs only a victory in Japan after winning in Thailand. Marquez extended his lead over Andrea Dovizioso to 77 points in Buri Ram with a gripping bike-to-wheel duel with his championship rivals. The Spanish Honda star squeezed past the Italian Ducati rider in the final corner and finally defeated it by 0.115 seconds. His third-placed compatriot Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) was also just 0.270 seconds back.

Marquez had to let Dovizioso and his compatriot Valentino Rossi pass in the early stages. Four laps to go, the world champion took the lead for the first time, but Dovizioso struck repeatedly and delivered a final showdown to the series champion. "It's not nice to lose in the last corner," said the Italian. "But in the end, we were fighting for victory, so we did an incredible job and improved."

Results:

1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 39:55,722 Min.
2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Ducati +0,115 Sec
3. Maverick Vinales (ESP) Yamaha +0,270
4. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 1,564
5. Johann Zarco (FRA) Yamaha 2,747
6. Alex Rins (ESP) Suzuki 3,023.