Michelin provided the most suitable tires for the track and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) put in a superb performance to win the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at Motegi and clinch the title of 2018 MotoGP™ World Champion.
Marquez started from sixth on the grid, wearing two medium MICHELIN Power Slicks, and it didn't take long for the 25-year-old Spanish driver to join the battle for the lead between his closest championship rival Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda). Dovizioso started from pole and led the first 20 laps despite pressure from his two competitors. With a soft front and a medium rear, Dovizioso controlled the race before Marquez took the lead at 21e round. The battle was then extremely intense between the two best drivers in the world, in complete confidence with their Michelin tires. Unfortunately, Dovizioso crashed on the penultimate lap, letting the Spaniard cruise to victory and his seventh world title, including five in MotoGP and three in a row with Michelin.
Crutchlow crossed the finish line in second position after a great fight with Alex Rins (Team SUZUKI ECSTAR) at the end of the race. The three-time Grand Prix winner resisted pressure from the Suzuki rider until the end for 1/10e second! Crutchlow thus won the First Independent Rider prize and increased his lead in this championship. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) continued his good momentum from Thailand to finish in fourth place, as in Buriram. Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team) took fifth place and repeats his best result of the season. Johan Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) beat another Yamaha, that of Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). For his last visit to Motegi before his retirement, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) finished eighth ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) and Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) who completed the top 10.
The MICHELIN Power Slicks and Power Rain were used this weekend at Motegi. It rained on Friday, so the drivers had the opportunity to ride in wet, then dry conditions. The good weather returned for the race, with temperatures of 35°C recorded on the track, the highest of the weekend. The drivers opted for soft or medium MICHELIN Power Slicks at the front and rear. Different combinations which prove that the range is suitable for all riders, all machines and all conditions. Some 55 spectators attended this exciting Grand Prix with intense brawls throughout the peloton.
Heading south now for Michelin and the MotoGP paddock for the second stage of the Asia-Pacific journey to Phillip Island, Australia, with the third Michelin® Australian Grand Prix on Sunday October 28.
Marc Marquez – Repsol Honda Team:
“I am very, very happy and I have no words to describe this feeling. I'm living a waking dream. This is a new title, the third in a row with Michelin. Apparently, these tires suit my riding well! We worked in the right direction for Motegi and I was able to fully understand the grip of the tires, where the limit was and how they performed. It is now time to enjoy the last three races and celebrate this title. Thank you to the Michelin staff, to all the technicians because they did a great job and in particular Clément who works in my box. Our relations are excellent. »
Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
“After the torrential rains last year, we enjoyed the good weather for the race, even if the rain on Friday somewhat disrupted the teams' preparation. We needed more driving in the dry, so the Saturday sessions were important for the race. The pace was fast and regular and the best times were set at the end of the event. Motegi is a difficult circuit with a typical “acceleration-braking” profile. We will analyze the data to improve our range for next year, which is our objective on all circuits. »
“I would like to congratulate Marc on his third title with Michelin. He has been consistent and fast all season with our tires and he fully deserves his title of World Champion. »
