Peerless Marquez makes it perfect five from five

Spaniard wins French MotoGP ahead of Rossi, Bautista

LE MANS: Spaniard Marc Marquez became the first rider since Italian great Giacomo Agostini in 1972 to win the first five races of the season as he eased to victory in the French MotoGP at Le Mans on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Honda rider – who also emulated Australia Mick Doohan in winning the five straight races from pole – recovered from a poor start to take control with 16 laps remaining and came home ahead of Italian great Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) while Alvaro Bautista of Spain was third on a Honda Gresini.

Victory on Sunday made the defending world champion the youngest ever rider to win five successive races in the premier class, taking the record from late Englishman Mike Hailwood who was 22 years and 160 days old when he won five successive races in the 500cc class in 1962.

Marquez moved onto a perfect 125 points from a possible 125 while his teammate Dani Pedrosa is second on 83 and Rossi is third a further two points adrift.

Rossi's struggling, two-time world champion teammate Jorge Lorenzo, is down in fifth place on just 45 points.

"Today [Sunday] was a little bit harder especially the beginning," Marquez told BT Sports.

"I was a bit too calm and needed to be a bit more aggressive at the start.

"Once I saw Valentino make a bit of a mistake I took my opportunity to take the lead. I am going to enjoy the moment, five wins from five is very special."

Rossi was phlegmatic about his second spot, which was his third in the five races this season.

"I am so happy about the result,” the 35-year-old nine-time champion told BT Sports. “It is a pity about my mistake as it was at a crucial part of the race.

"It was too easy for Marc in the end but we will try in my home race in Mugello the next time to get our own back."