Vinales wins as Marquez jinx strikes again

Spanish rider breaks Yamaha’s 25-race win drought

PHILLIP ISLAND: Maverick Vinales powered to a dominant victory at the Australian MotoGP on Sunday as newly crowned world champion Marc Marquez was dramatically forced out after a frightening high-speed collision.

The Spanish rider, who started second and took the lead after Marquez retired, scored his first win of the year to break Yamaha's 25-race win drought, taking the chequered flag ahead of Andrea Iannone on a Suzuki.

Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso was third, strengthening his bid to finish runner-up in the world championship as his nearest rival, Valentino Rossi, could only manage sixth.

"It feels amazing," said Vinales. "I didn't think I could win, but the bike was perfect. It means a lot to me, particularly in Australia because it's a place I love to be. This track suits me really well and maybe that's why I could give a little bit more.

"The season has been difficult, I needed that win, Yamaha need that win to give us the motivation to start again next year," he added.

While he celebrated, there was disappointment for Honda hotshot Marquez, who sealed his fifth world title in motorcycling's premier class in Japan a week ago.

While he won at Phillip Island in 2015 and 2017, he also has the bizarre record now of failing to finish on three occasions after clinching the world title in Japan (2014, 2016 and 2018).

He was lucky to escape injury after Yamaha's Johann Zarco shunted him on lap six as they were screaming down the track at 250 kph.

The Frenchman skidded off through the gravel, but gave a thumbs up to show he was unhurt.

Marquez managed to stay on his bike but his back seat was mangled and his suspension appeared damaged, forcing him to call it a day.

It was his first non-finish of the season, having won the last three races, but he refused to blame Zarco.

"I feel very lucky. I will not complain because it was a racing incident," he said in the pits. "The most important thing is that we are both okay. Luckily I won the championship last week, but unfortunately another non-finish for me at Phillip Island."

Marquez started from pole, and in dry conditions on the demanding and picturesque circuit he was super-aggressive from the word go.