October 16, 2016 - Marc Marquez, HRC’s factory team Repsol Honda Team rider, has become world champion at the 2016 FIM MotoGP World Championship Round 15, the MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan (held on October 16 at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi prefecture, Japan).
Marquez’s thorough preparation during the week was rewarded on Saturday, qualifying 2nd for a front row start. In Sunday’s race, Marquez was off to an start keeping him well within striking distance in the opening laps. After muscling his way to the lead on Lap 4, Marquez increased his lead throughout the race, to clinch a convincing victory. With three grands prix remaining, Marquez has accumulated an unassailable points lead over his closest competitor, giving him the championship.
Marquez first won the MotoGP class title in 2013, his debut year in the premier class, racing for Honda’s factory team, Repsol Honda Team. In 2014, he went on to win back-to-back championships. This year gives Marquez his third premier class MotoGP championship title.
- *FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
Comments
Marc Marquez
“It's incredible. Before the race I did not expect to be champion, and I said that here it would be impossible. However, when I saw that Rossi was out of the race, I decided to push hard for the victory. I was riding my hardest and, when there were 3 laps to go, I have read on my pit board that Lorenzo was also out -and on that lap I made mistakes at 4 or 5 corners, as it was difficult to stay focused. I am very happy because this title is very special, after last year, and also because it is has come at Motegi, Honda's home. It is great for my team and, of course, I don’t want to forget my grandmother, who passed away this year and would be very happy with this World Championship.”
Yoshishige Nomura, HRC President
“The regulation changes posed a big challenge for Marc and the team this year. To be able to win such a season, is the culmination of a lot of talent, and a lot of hard work. I’m thankful for the hard work the team put in, and all the support we have had from our sponsors, and our fans worldwide.”
Takahiro Hachigo, Honda President, CEO and Representative Director
“Honda sends Marc a heartfelt congratulations for winning the championship in Japan, Honda's home market. With racing, Honda will continue to strive in bringing joy to its motor sports fans. I thank all of our supporters, all over the world.”
Marc Marquez and Takahiro Hachigo, Honda CEO celebrate their title
Marc Marquez and his team
About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 2-1-1, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-3423-1111 (main)
Established: September 1948
President, CEO & Representative Director: Takahiro Hachigo
Capital: 86 billion yen
Number of associates: 208,399 (consolidated basis), 22,399 (nonconsolidated basis)
Honda group companies: 451 affiliated companies in and out of Japan (368 consolidated subsidiaries and 83 affiliates accounted for under the equity method) (as of March 31, 2016)
Major products: Motorcycles, automobiles and power products
Sales revenue: 14,601,100,000,000 yen (operating profit: 503,300,000,000 JPY)
2015 worldwide total unit sales (retail): Motorcycles: 16,990,000; Automobiles: 4,698,000; Power products: 5,965,000
