Despite Disappointment, Marc Marquez Calls Termination Of Japanese MotoGP A Fair Decision

Marc Marquez got his first podium for the 2023 racing season in MotoGP Japan, even though he was only in third place. (rash.net)

JAKARTA Marc Marquez's chance of winning his first victory since Misano 2021 disappeared after the red flag was flown on lap 13, as a sign that Japan's MotoGP on the Motegi circuit was stopped.

Despite being scattered from the front group in humid conditions, Marquez's position is getting stronger as the rain gets heavier. After overtaking Marco Bezzecki, The Baby Alien began to push forward before the red flag was raised.

Despite being disappointed, the Spaniard called Race Director's decision to fly the red flag a fair decision for all drivers.

The red flag is at the right time. It is true that the red flag was raised when I became the fastest, but we had to be fair. Even before the red flag, I raised my hand because it was too dangerous. The wet race was very long," Marquez said to TNT Sport.

At first I was very calm, that feeling wasn't there. I said 'be patient'. When there was more water on the track, I started to attack, raced in a good way, overtaking the rider. The speed was there. The second red flag was too dangerous. No light, lots of water. Race Director made the right choice, "continued Marquez.

Japan's MotoGP Race Director raised the red flag indicating the race was stopped on lap 13th. Plans to restart were canceled because the rain never subsided, and Jorge Martin was declared the champion because at that time he was leading the race. The decision is valid, because racing has been held more than half of the 24-round race.

The decision not only benefits Martin, who is now only three points adrift of the leader of the drivers' standings, Francesco Bagnaia, but also for Marc Marquez. The Honda factory rider grabbed the third podium, one place behind Bagnaia.