Marc Marquez Ignores Valentino Rossi and Sets the Date

While controversy surrounding 2015 is flaring up again in Italy, Marc Marquez is not responding to Valentino Rossi’s latest jabs: he could clinch his tenth world title as early as Saturday, November 21, during the Sprint Race at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

The Spanish rider may have other opportunities in Sunday’s race and at the season finale in Valencia, but the current standings suggest that his duel with Jorge Martin could be decided as early as Portimão.

Marquez need only win the Sprint to mathematically clinch the World Championship, regardless of his rival’s result. The title will also be his with a second-place finish, provided Martin does not win the race. If, on the other hand, Marc were to finish third, he would be champion if his compatriot fails to finish in the top four. With Marquez in fourth, Martin would have to finish outside the top five, and so on.

The battle for the manufacturers’ title, however, remains wide open, with Ducati holding a lead of just eight points over Aprilia. In this scenario, the battle between the two manufacturers could continue until the season’s final Grand Prix, scheduled for Valencia on the last weekend of November.