MotoGP Japan, 15 October 2017

1. A. Dovizioso     2. M. Márquez       3. D. Petrucci

The duel of Champions: Dovizioso vs Márquez at Motegi
Motegi, 15 October 2017

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The two men at the top stage a historic duel in the rain-soaked Japanese GP, with everything on the line.

In pouring rain at the Twin Ring Motegi, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) staged one of the greatest MotoGP™ duels of all time, putting everything on the line down to the final lap and the final corner.

And despite the best efforts of the reigning Champion, it was Andrea Dovizioso who emerged victorious from ‘Victory’ corner in Japan – taking his fifth win of the season, the seventh of his career, and one of the most spectacular in history. Márquez was an incredibly close second for his 100th career podium, with Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) completing the podium.  

 

Japanese F1 GP, 8 October 2017

1. LC. Hamilton       2. M. Verstappen       3. D. Ricciardo

Lewis Hamilton claims decisive win in Japan as Sebastian Vettel retires
Suzuka          [8 October 2017]

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Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of a fourth world championship after extending his championship lead to 59 points with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix while title rival Sebastian Vettel retired with an early engine issue.

Hopes of a classic duel between the two championship contenders evaporated in the early laps as it became clear Vettel's car was down on power. Ferrari detected a spark plug issue on the way to the grid and removed the engine cover from car No.5 in an attempt to rectify the issue. But from the very start it was clear Vettel had an issue as the team relayed instructions to try to the ease the problem as he completed the formation lap.

An early Safety Car on lap two to recover Carlos Sainz's Toro Rosso from the gravel gave Vettel hope that the issue might resolve itself at lower speeds, but as the race resumed on lap four the Ferrari started hemorrhaging places. By the fourth lap Vettel had slipped to sixth, forcing the Ferrari pit wall to cede to the inevitable and retire the car.  

 

F1 GP Malaysia, 1 October 2017

1. M. Verstappen       2. LC. Hamilton       3. D. Ricciardo

Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton for Malaysia win, Sebastian Vettel fourth
Sepang          [1 October 2017]

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Max Verstappen's streak of horrendous luck has finally come to an end with the Dutchman claiming the Malaysian Grand Prix ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Sebastian Vettel turned in a thrilling recovery drive from last to fourth.

A day after turning 20 years of age, Verstappen, starting third, took advantage of a pre-race retirement to Kimi Raikkonen to win his second career grand prix and the final Formula One race to be staged in Sepang.

However, it was Vettel slicing his way through the field to keep his championship aspirations alive who arguably earned driver of the day honours.