Literally one of the most dramatic races of the season crowns Marc Marquez as the 2017 World Championship. Dani Pedrosa was a perfect wingman for Marquez in the start of the race, yet finishing on the rostrum for the second time in the year. Johann Zarco rode an incredible race to claim P2, after leading for a long time. Marc Marquez finished the race at P3 after almost crashing at turn 1, claiming his 4th straight MotoGP Championship in 5 years. Key title rival Andrea Dovizioso crashed out of the race ending the subtle chance of winning the title.
As the lights went out Marc Marquez took the holeshot, followed by Dani Pedrosa and Johann Zarco slicing into P3. Andrea Dovizioso had a good start moving into P6, behind teammate Jorge Lorenzo. Johann Zarco had incredible pace and quickly moved to the front followed by Marc Marquez with Dani Pedrosa acting as a guardian for his teammate at P3.
Andrea Iannone felt back to P8 behind Valentino Rossi, while Alex Rins also battled with the pack. Jorge Lorenzo was at P5 followed by Andrea Dovizioso, while Lorenzo was constantly reminded to let Dovi at the front. The team used the infamous "Mapping 8" message to Lorenzo, though he continuously ignored the team orders. At the front Zarco and Marquez exchanged the lead a couple of times, before Marquez had a huge moment going into turn 1.
It was big warning for Marc as he settled down for a podium position, leaving the fight. Soon after, Lorenzo suffered a big blow and ended up on the gravel while teammate and title rival Andrea Dovizioso crashing out as well. Both the factory Ducati riders were out of the race in succession, while Dovizioso received a huge applaud from the Ducati team and pit lane. Marquez decided to play it safe after the warning and settled at P3.
Dani Pedrosa hunted down on Johann Zarco at the end of the race and took the chequered flag in first. Johann Zarco and Marc Marquez completed the podium, while Marquez started off his celebrations. Alex Rins finished at a very capable P4, who was followed by Valentino Rossi at P5. Andrea Iannone came home at P6 followed by Jack Miller. The top 10 of the standings was completed by Cal Crutchlow, Michelle Pirro and Tito Rabat. Maverick Viñales seemed to be off pace as he finished the race at P12.
Marc Marquez took his sixth World Championship, fourth MotoGP title in his five years (2013,2014,2016,2017). Andrea Dovizioso takes the runner up spot after an incredible season. Now that the Championship is done and dusted, the grid stays at Valencia for the off season testing schedule. Stay tuned to BikesMedia for an overview of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship and its further updates.By: Aravind Rb