Marquez looks to seal MotoGP title in Japan, Rossi on pole to thwart him

With a maximum of just 100 points available over the four remaining races, Marquez is the overwhelming favourite for the title.

With just four more races to go, including Sunday’s race at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan, Honda’s Marc Marquez will look to clinch the 2016 MotoGP title at his team’s home Grand Prix.

Sealing the title on Sunday won’t be easy for Marquez, however, with Rossi winning pole for the Japanese Grand Prix. (AP)

The 23-year-old has been one of the most consistent racers in recent times and a win at Motegi, in the 15th round of the 18-race season, will earn him a third MotoGP title after 2013 and 2014.

After victory at the last race in Spain, Marquez holds a 52-point lead over Valentino Rossi, who in turn has a 14-point advantage over his Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo. With a maximum of just 100 points available over the four remaining races, Marquez is the overwhelming favourite for the title.

Earlier in the season, Marquez equalled the all-time Grand Prix record for pole positions.

However, one can expect Rossi and Lorenzo to fight till the finish. The Italian starts Sunday’s race on pole position after upstaging Marquez in the last minute of the qualifying session on Saturday. Lorenzo will start third and Marquez will have a tough time sandwiched between the two Yamaha rivals on the starting grid.