Championship leader Marquez eyes title in Japan
MotoGP riders cautious due to typhoon fears and F1 crash
MOTEGI:
Marc Marquez can retain his MotoGP title in Japan this weekend but safety fears loom large as another typhoon approaches, days after a horror crash left a Formula One driver fighting for his life.
With Jules Bianchi battling severe head injuries after losing control in treacherous conditions at Suzuka, sympathy for the Frenchman and worries over another accident will overhang Sunday's two-wheel race.
Super Typhoon Vongfong might bring some rain before its scheduled impact on Monday, while last week's situation at the Formula One race remains fresh.
And with Suzuka organisers under fire for refusing to start earlier and avoid the worst of the weather, Motegi officials are likely to be under close scrutiny.
Despite the difficulties, championship leader Marquez will hope to end the weekend in triumph by sealing an astonishing campaign at Motegi's Twin Ring circuit.
"Of course, it’s very difficult when you see a situation like that," said Marquez of the Formula One crash.
"It’s not MotoGP, but it’s another driver," he said. "Just hope the best for Bianchi and his family."
He said riders realised the risks involved in motor racing, but also called for a thorough probe into what happened at Suzuka.
Former world champion Valentino Rossi, who himself suffered a heavy fall in Aragon, also voiced concerns as he knew both Bianchi and the Suzuka, which he said is dangerous but one of the best tracks in the world.
"He’s a good guy with a lot of talent,” said Rossi. “I like Suzuka, but it’s dangerous.”
Going into the Japanese Grand Prix, Marquez has a commanding 75-point lead over closest rival and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa with only three races remaining after Japan.
Even if Marquez fails to win, the Spaniard could still seal the title, depending on the placement of his key rivals.
Marquez refused to get ahead of himself, despite dominating this year, saying he was focused on regaining his top form at Honda's home circuit after a minor crash at rain-hit Aragon two weeks ago, when he finished 13th.
"I will try to focus, like a normal race, try to push like always, try to be faster and try to fight for the top position," said Marquez.
"Of course, for Honda, it will be nice to win here," he added.
Marc Marquez can retain his MotoGP title in Japan this weekend but safety fears loom large as another typhoon approaches, days after a horror crash left a Formula One driver fighting for his life.
With Jules Bianchi battling severe head injuries after losing control in treacherous conditions at Suzuka, sympathy for the Frenchman and worries over another accident will overhang Sunday's two-wheel race.
Super Typhoon Vongfong might bring some rain before its scheduled impact on Monday, while last week's situation at the Formula One race remains fresh.
And with Suzuka organisers under fire for refusing to start earlier and avoid the worst of the weather, Motegi officials are likely to be under close scrutiny.
Despite the difficulties, championship leader Marquez will hope to end the weekend in triumph by sealing an astonishing campaign at Motegi's Twin Ring circuit.
"Of course, it’s very difficult when you see a situation like that," said Marquez of the Formula One crash.
"It’s not MotoGP, but it’s another driver," he said. "Just hope the best for Bianchi and his family."
He said riders realised the risks involved in motor racing, but also called for a thorough probe into what happened at Suzuka.
Former world champion Valentino Rossi, who himself suffered a heavy fall in Aragon, also voiced concerns as he knew both Bianchi and the Suzuka, which he said is dangerous but one of the best tracks in the world.
"He’s a good guy with a lot of talent,” said Rossi. “I like Suzuka, but it’s dangerous.”
Going into the Japanese Grand Prix, Marquez has a commanding 75-point lead over closest rival and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa with only three races remaining after Japan.
Even if Marquez fails to win, the Spaniard could still seal the title, depending on the placement of his key rivals.
Marquez refused to get ahead of himself, despite dominating this year, saying he was focused on regaining his top form at Honda's home circuit after a minor crash at rain-hit Aragon two weeks ago, when he finished 13th.
"I will try to focus, like a normal race, try to push like always, try to be faster and try to fight for the top position," said Marquez.
"Of course, for Honda, it will be nice to win here," he added.