'Samurai' Marc Marquez retains his MotoGP world title at Motegi
Spanish sensation Marc Marquez retained his MotoGP championship by finishing runner-up behind countryman Jorge Lorenzo at the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday.
"Two years in MotoGP, two titles. It's incredible," the 21-year-old Honda rider said. "I couldn't have imagined it. Maybe to people it looked easy because I am always smiling and always happy, but also I feel pressure."
Marquez, who last year became MotoGP's youngest world champion, celebrated in flamboyant fashion, accepting a ceremonial sword from a samurai warrior and a golden helmet from a kimono-clad beauty emblazoned with his number 93 and "world champion", which he wore on his lap of honour.
I couldn't have imagined it. Maybe to people it looked easy because I am always smiling and always happy, but also I feel pressure
Marquez's second place gave him an unassailable gap of 82 points from Rossi and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa with three races remaining this season.
"I had the chance to keep the party open for the championship for another week," said seven-times premier class champion Rossi, who had fought tooth and nail to prevent Marquez passing him nine laps from the end at Motegi's Twin Ring circuit.
"I tried the maximum. Unfortunately it was not enough."
