Marc Marquez arrives at Motegi with a chance of clinching the MotoGP title at the Japanese circuit for the third time, along with 2014 and 2016.
So what does Marc Marquez need to do at Motegi to win the title? Below is a detailed list of scenarios that could see Marquez win the title this weekend:
- In the most likely scenario Marquez will need to finish ahead of Dovizioso to take the world title in Motegi.
But in more detail:
– If he finishes anywhere in the top four and in front of Dovizioso, then Marquez will be the world champion
– If he finishes 5th then Marquez will be world champion as long as Dovizioso does not finish on the podium.
– If he finishes 6th then Marquez will be world champion as long as Dovizioso does not finish in the top four.
– If Marquez finishes in any position from 7th to 15th he will be world champion as long as Dovizioso finishes no more than two places ahead of him.
– If Marquez fails to score any points then he will be world champion if Dovizioso finishes no higher than 14th and Rossi does not win the race.
It would be the fifth MotoGP world title for Marquez, the same number of premier-class titles as Mick Doohan. Only Giacomo Agostini with 8 and Valentino Rossi with 7 have won the premier-class title on more occasions. If Marquez takes the MotoGP title in 2018 he would be the youngest-ever rider to win five premier-class World Championship titles, taking the record from Valentino Rossi.
