BRNO, Czech Republic: Honda’s Marc Marquez led a Spanish podium sweep at the Czech GP on Sunday to extend his world championship lead with a second straight win.
Dani Pedrosa was second almost a second back on the day ahead of Maverick Vinales and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
“I could have gone faster but there was no need to do so, I had it won and I’m not taking those risks anymore,” said the three-time world champion who however celebrated by standing on his bike as he rode past the main stand to an ovation.
“These kind of races (mixed weather) can be very challenging and you have to remain focussed,” Marquez said after negotiating his tire change early.
In his third win of the season the defending champion Marquez was in imperious form, starting from pole and dominating, holding his nerve during his tire change as he temporarily dropped down the field.
After also winning in a similar fashion at the German GP last time out Marquez has galvanized the defense of his title to edge 14 points ahead of Yamaha tyro Vinales after 10 of 18 races.
Earlier, Swiss Kalex rider Thomas Luthi emerged victorious from the rain interrupted Moto2 GP as championship leader Franco Morbidelli finished eighth.
And Spain’s Juan Mir led a Honda sweep in the Moto3 race to register his sixth win of the season.
Dani Pedrosa was second almost a second back on the day ahead of Maverick Vinales and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
“I could have gone faster but there was no need to do so, I had it won and I’m not taking those risks anymore,” said the three-time world champion who however celebrated by standing on his bike as he rode past the main stand to an ovation.
“These kind of races (mixed weather) can be very challenging and you have to remain focussed,” Marquez said after negotiating his tire change early.
In his third win of the season the defending champion Marquez was in imperious form, starting from pole and dominating, holding his nerve during his tire change as he temporarily dropped down the field.
After also winning in a similar fashion at the German GP last time out Marquez has galvanized the defense of his title to edge 14 points ahead of Yamaha tyro Vinales after 10 of 18 races.
Earlier, Swiss Kalex rider Thomas Luthi emerged victorious from the rain interrupted Moto2 GP as championship leader Franco Morbidelli finished eighth.
And Spain’s Juan Mir led a Honda sweep in the Moto3 race to register his sixth win of the season.
