2014 Motegi MotoGP Results

2014 Motegi MotoGP Results

Spoiler Alert: 2014 MotoGP results from Twin Ring Motegi in Japan listed below.

One story trumped all heading into the 2014 Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi – the possible title clinch by Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez.

The 21-year-old Spaniard needed one of two scenarios to work at round 15 of 18 – either win, or finish second or third ahead of Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.

After the 24-lap race at the technical Motegi circuit, the latter scenario played out for the Repsol Honda rider. Marquez finished second behind Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo, and was able to clinch the title with three rounds remaining. Taking the final podium position was Lorenzo’s teammate Rossi.

This was Marquez’s second-straight title; he won 11 of 15 rounds so far in 2014 MotoGP, and becomes the youngest rider in history to win two consecutive premier-class championships. This was also the third World Championship for Marquez in three years after success in Moto2, and his fourth in five years, since he won his first title in the 125cc class at 17-years old.

“I am very happy to have sealed this second consecutive World Championship, because although it is difficult to maintain this level, in the end we succeeded! Today is the time to enjoy this title,” Marquez says.

“In the race I had a very clear objective, which was to finish ahead of Valentino and Dani ‒the other riders did not matter to me so much today. I just had one goal in mind and the important thing is that I was able to achieve it. I want to dedicate this title to all the people who have helped me ‒they know who they are‒ and especially to my family and the team, who are the foundation for all of this.”

It wasn’t an easy second place for Marquez, though. Starting from fourth on the grid, Marquez didn’t get the best start. But he quickly passed Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Pol Espargaro, teammate Dani Pedrosa, and Pramac Racing Ducati’s Andrea Iannone.

Marquez then chased down the front runners – Lorenzo, Rossi and pole man Andrea Dovizioso. The Honda RC213V pilot made quick work of Dovi, and then overtook Rossi on lap nine for second.

Marquez attempted to catch the leader Lorenzo, but raced smartly, knowing he could clinch the title by finishing second ahead of Rossi and Pedrosa.

Marquez eventually crossed the finish line 1.638 seconds behind Lorenzo. Rossi finished third, 2.602 seconds behind. Pedrosa finished fourth, 3.157 seconds back, followed by Dovizioso, who was 14.353 seconds behind Lorenzo.

Andrea Iannone (Pramac Racing), Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda MotoGP), Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech3), Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech3) and Alvaro Bautista (GO&FUN Honda Gresini) completed the top 10.

The man who took his first podium of 2014 MotoGP at Aragon, Ducati Team’s Cal Crutchlow, was the first to crash. Also crashing in the second half of the race were Cardion AB Motoracing’s Karel Abraham and Energy T.I. Pramac Racing’s Yonny Hernandez; all three crashes were not injured.

Danilo Petrucci (Octo Iodaracing Team) also suffered a DNF after he was forced to retire due to technical problems.

The 2014 MotoGP Championship takes no break, and heads straight to Phillip Island in Australia for the second race in three back-to-back rounds.

2014 Motegi MotoGP Results:

2014 MotoGP Point Standings (after 15 of 18 rounds):