One of the best wet races in recent years was witnessed today at the Twin Ring Motegi, amidst pouring rain courtesy Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez. The duo staged one of the very best wet battles, while Andrea Dovizioso held his nerves till the final lap to pounce inside Marquez to take victory number 5. Marc Marquez settled for a second place marking his 100th career podium, still leading the Championship charge by 11 points. Danilo Petrucci lead the race for a really long time but dropped behind to settle for a safe third position. As the lights turned green at the Twin Ring Motegi, it was Marc Marquez who got the holeshot from Johann Zarco. Just a few corners down the track, Jorge Lorenzo plunged to the rostrum to lead the race. Jorge Lorenzo dropped off behind the way he used to, like a stone in water. Marquez was then followed by a pack of riders including Danilo Petrucci, Johann Zarco and Andrea Dovizioso. Danilo Petrucci soon found way to the front and lead the race comfortably, only to get passed by the Championship leader Marc Marquez.
Meanwhile Cal Crutchlow crashed out in the behind, and Valentino Rossi followed him after losing his rear. Andrea Dovizioso caught Petrucci soon enough, with intentions of passing Marquez. Marquez and Dovizioso started to pull off at the front leaving Petrucci alone behind at P3. At the back, Johann Zarco was passed by both factory Suzuki riders Alex Rins and Andrea Iannone as they showed incredible pace.
With around 5 laps to go, the battle became intense at the front involving Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez in soaking wet conditions at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Marc Marquez couldn't do a thing when Dovizioso block passed him in the last lap to take victory. Motegi saw one of the best last lap battles in recent times involving top two riders fighting for the title.
Andrea Iannone finished at P4 followed by teammate Alex Rins. Jorge Lorenzo finished at P6 followed by Aleix Espargaro and Johann Zarco. The top 10 of the table is completed by Maverick Viñales and Loris Baz. Pol Espargaro came home at P11 who was followed by Japanese wildcard rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga at P12. The grid now moves to Philip Island in island country Australia in a week's time. The Championship battle is getting fierce race by race, and one can expect close fights in upcoming races. Meanwhile stay tuned to BikesMedia for further updates on the 2017 World Championship.By: Aravind Rb