MotoGP Sepang: Marquez becoming champion early wasn't worth risk

Honda rider Marquez had the opportunity to seal a fourth premier class title with a round to spare at Sepang, but was unable to take the fight to championship rival Andrea Dovizioso in the wet conditions.

While Dovizioso beat Ducati team-mate Jorge Lorenzo to the win, Marquez finished off the podium in fourth behind Johann Zarco's Tech3 Yamaha.

It means Marquez takes a 21-point lead to the season finale in Valencia, where an 11th place finish will be sufficient to take the crown.

"I started the race quite aggressive at the start, then I realise both Ducatis were faster than me," said Marquez.

"I was catching Zarco, I was taking some risks, then I was thinking on the bike, 'It's more or less the same to arrive 24 points [ahead] or 21 in Valencia.'

"So I decided to stay in fourth position. Something that is so important in races is to be calm all the race, don't be rash, try to find your rhythm.

"Maybe if I took more risks I could be champion here, but if I crash I could be only seven or eight points [ahead]. Better to take it step-by-step."

Asked why he was unable to take the fight to the Ducatis, Marquez explained that a lack of confidence on braking and corner entry cost him dearly.

"The problem is one of my strongest points is braking points and entering corners, I was not strong like in other races," he said.

"For some reason, I didn't have the feeling. Already on Friday in wet conditions the feeling was not so good.

"They [Ducati] are always very good on acceleration side, we are very good on entry. But today we were missing on entry."