Naharnet

Lorenzo Wins Japanese MotoGP ahead of Marquez

Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain won the Japanese MotoGP on Sunday to ensure the championship title will be decided at final event of the season.

Lorenzo, who started from pole position, beat compatriot and championship leader Marc Marquez by 3.188 seconds at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Dani Pedrosa, also of Spain, was third 4.592 seconds off the pace.

"It was a hard race physically but I kept my concentration and I really wanted this victory," Lorenzo said.

The 18th and final race of the season will be held in Valencia, Spain, on Nov. 10. Marquez has a 13-point lead over Lorenzo in the standings.

Lorenzo, who made a last-minute switch to soft tires before the race, came under pressure from Marquez at the mid-way point of the 24-lap race but the Honda rider couldn't close the gap. Lorenzo has seven wins this season, one more than Marquez.

Spain's Pol Espargaro won the Moto2 race, beating Finland's Mika Kallio by 1.344 seconds. Thomas Luthi of Switzerland finished third, 3.379 seconds back of Espargaro.

Alex Marquezo of Spain took top honors in the Moto3 race edging compatriot Maverick Vinales by just 0.027 seconds. Jonas Folger of Germany was third 7.750 seconds behind.

Source: Associated Press


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