Marc Marquez crowned MotoGP champion as title rivals crash out in Motegi

Honda's Marc Marquez has secured a third MotoGP title following his Japanese Grand Prix victory at Motegi on Sunday, as title rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo crashed out of the race.

The 2016 champion headed into the event talking down his chances of taking the title in Japan, but his rivals made it rather easy as Rossi retired on lap 10 following a crash, whilst Lorenzo, who only needed a podium to remain in contention, later lost control and fell too, leaving Marquez with an open goal.

Marquez has now secured a third title in just four seasons and celebrated as he crossed the finish line with some wild kicks.

The race began with pole sitter Rossi falling down to third as Marquez initially took the lead before falling to second at the first corner behind Lorenzo, the Yamaha rider staying there until lap four when Marquez passed on the inside at Turn 9.

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Rossi also got past the Yamaha a couple of laps later, but by that time the leader was almost a second clear and in his pursuit, Rossi pushed too hard and crashed out. Although he managed to get going again, he returned to the pits to retire on the next lap.

Lorenzo was therefore second and his title hopes, although distant, remainded alive. That was until he too fell with just five laps remaining.

Marquez was swiftly told the news and he drove faultlessly to see the checkered flag.

Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso took second ahead of Suzuki's Maverick Vinales, who claimed the final podium spot following a pass on team-mate Aleix Espargaro in the closing laps of the race.

LCR Honda's Cal Crutchlow finished a distant fifth after an unusual strategy choice, with Tech3 Yamaha's Pol Espargaro sixth ahead of the Aprilia and Pramac Ducati riders to complete the top ten.